CHP # 2

KINEMATICS

KINEMATICS
The branch of physics which deals with the study of motion of material objects
without discussing its causes (forces) is called kinematics.
Q.1
A.

Define motion and rest with example?

Motion
When a body changes its position with respect to its surrounding, we say that
the body is in motion. For example if a body "B" changes its position with
respect to another body "A", we say that body "B" is in motion.
Rest
When a body does not change its position with respect to its surrounding, we
say that the body is at rest. For example if a body "B" does not change its
position with respect to another body "A", we say that body "B" is at rest.

Q.2
A.
(1)

Write types of motion with examples?

There are three types of motion which are stated as;
Translatory motion
A type of motion in which each and every particle of the body move in the same
manner as that of every other particle. For examples
(i) Motion of the cars
(ii) Motion of the flying birds
(iii) Motion of the falling objects
Rotatory motion
A type of motion in which a body rotate about a fixed point and the distance of
the body at any time is constant (equal) to the fixed point. For examples
(i) Motion of the wheel of a cycle
(ii) Motion of the hands of a clock
(iii) Motion of the wings of a fan.
Vibratory motion
The To and fro motion of an object around a fix point known as mean or
equilibrium position is called Vibratory motion. For examples
(i) Motion of a swing.
(ii) Motion of a simple pendulum.
(iii) Motion of mass attached to a spring.

(2)

(3)

Q.3
A.

Differentiate between distance and displacement?

Distance
The length cover by a body on different paths is called distance.
It is a scalar physical quantity.
It is denoted by "S".
Its SI unit is meter (m).

Displacement
The shortest distance between two points is called displacement.
It is a vector physical quantity.
It is denoted by "S".
Its SI unit is meter (m).
Q.4
A.

Define speed and its derivatives?

Speed
The distance covered by a body in unit time is called speed. It is denoted by "V".
It is a scalar physical quantity. Mathematically
S
Dis tan ce

Speed
t
time
Its SI unit is meter/second (m/s).
Derivatives of the speed are;

(i)

Average speed
It can be defined as "the total distance covered divided by total time taken is
called average speed". Mathematically
S
<V> =
t
Instantaneous speed
It can be defined as "the time rate of change distance covered by a body is
called Instantaneous speed". Mathematically
S
Vins
t
Uniform speed
It can be defined as "if a body covers equal distance in equal interval of time,
then the speed of the body is called uniform speed".

(ii)

(iii)

Q.5
A.

Define Velocity and its derivatives?

Velocity
The displacement covered by a body in unit time is called Velocity. It is denoted
by "V". It is a vector physical quantity. Mathematically
Displacement
Velocity
time

S
V
t

Its SI unit is meter/second (m/s).

(i)

Derivatives of the Velocity are;

Average Velocity
It can be defined as "the total displacement covered divided by total time taken
is called average Velocity". Mathematically

S
<V > =
t
(ii)

Uniform Velocity
It can be defined as "if a body covers equal displacement in equal interval of
time, then the Velocity of the body is called uniform Velocity". OR
If the speed as well as direction of the body does not change in a time interval,
then the Velocity of the body is called uniform Velocity.

(iii)

Variable Velocity
It can be defined as "If the speed or direction or both of the body changed in a
time interval, then the Velocity of the body is called variable Velocity.

Q.6
A.

Define Acceleration and its derivatives?

Acceleration
It can be defined as "the time rate of change of Velocity is called acceleration".
It is dented by "a". It is a vector physical quantity. Mathematically

V f Vi
V
a
=
t
t

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

Its SI unit is meter per second per second (m/s2).

Derivatives of the acceleration are;
Positive acceleration
It can be defined as "if the magnitude of Velocity increases with time, then
acceleration is called positive acceleration".
Negative acceleration
It can be defined as "if the magnitude of Velocity decreases with time, then
acceleration is called negative acceleration".
Average acceleration
It can be defined as "the change in Velocity divided by time interval is called
average acceleration". Mathematically

V
a
t

Q.7
A.

Define scalars and vectors with examples?

Scalars
Those physical quantities which are completely specified from its magnitude
(number+proper unit) are called scalars.
For examples
Length, mass, time, speed, area, volume, etc.

Vectors
Those physical quantities which are completely specified from its magnitude
(number+proper unit) as well as direction are called vectors. For examples
Displacement, Velocity, acceleration, Force, Momentum, torque, etc.
Q.8
A.
(i)

How a vector can be represented?

A vector can be represented by the following two methods.
Symbolic representation
In this method a vector can be represented by a letter. An arrow head is placed
above or below the letter. OR the letter is written as bold face
For example a vector A can be stated as;

A
(ii)

A,

Graphical representation
Graphically a vector can be represented by a straight line having an arrow head
in the direction of the vector.
This process is completed in the following four steps:
1. Select a suitable scale.
2. Draw NEWS or coordinate system.
3. Draw a 5cm representative line on the NEWS.
4. Draw the required line according to the direction.
Example
AlKhalid tank is moving with a velocity of 100Km/h towards north east.
Draw representative line of its velocity?
Solution
N
1.
Scale
20Km/h = 1cm
100Km/h = 5cm
W
E
2.
Draw NEWS system

S
3.

Representative line on the NEWS.

N

5cm

45o
W

E
O
S

4.

Required line
5cm
45o
O

Q.9
A.

What is graph? How a graph can be drawn.

Graph
It is a method to show the relationship between two physical quantities.
For example
Distance-time graph shows that how speed or Velocity of a body changes.
A graph is drawn on a graph paper. Graph paper contains horizontal and
vertical lines of equal distances. We use Rectangular coordinate system for
graph, which consist of two mutually perpendicular lines XOX and YOY . As
shown below in figure;

Q.10
A.
(i)
(ii)
(iii)

How we can determine the slope of a graph?

The slope of a graph can be determined as follow;
Take two points P1 ( x1 , y1 ) and P2 ( x2 , y 2 ) on the graph.
Draw perpendiculars on the x-axis and y-axis from both points.
Calculate the difference in x and y coordinates as;
x x2 x1 and y y 2 y1
Divide y by x ; this is the slope of the graph.
Mathematically
y y1
y
Slope =
= 2
x
x 2 x1

(iv)

Q.11 What is Distance-time graph?

A.
Distance- time graph
A graph which shows the relationship between distance and time is called
Distance-time graph.
The distance traveled is taken on the vertical axis (y-axis) while the time is
taken on the horizontal axis (x-axis). The slope of the graph denotes speed or
Velocity. Mathematically
Slope =

y y1
y
= 2
x
x 2 x1

Speed or Velocity =

y y1
y
= 2
x
x 2 x1

Slope
Distance (m)

O
Time (sec)

Q.12 What is Speed-time graph?

A.
Speed- time graph
A graph which shows the relationship between speed and time is called speedtime graph.
The speed is taken on the vertical axis (y-axis) while the time is taken on the
horizontal axis (x-axis). The slope of the graph denotes acceleration.
Mathematically

y y1
y
Slope =
= 2
x
x 2 x1
Acceleration =

y y1
y
= 2
x
x 2 x1

Slope
Speed (m/s)

O
Time (sec)

Q.13 How the distance traveled can be determined from speed-time graph?
A.
The distance traveled can be calculated from the speed-time graph by the area
enclosed the graph. For example
Consider a body moves with uniform speed, its initial speed is OA. After a time
interval OC the speed of the body becomes BC. The graph can be drawn as;
Mathematical form
As we know that
B
S
C
V
t
S Vt
it is clear from figure, that
V = OA, t = OC
Speed (m/s)
S = OA x OC
S = Width x Length
O
A
Time (s)

S = Area of rectangle OABC

S = Area of the graph
Q.14 Prove first equation of motion ( V f Vi at ) by graph?
A.
Statement
Consider the speed-time graph in which the initial speed of the body is "OA".
After a time interval "OC" the speed of the body changes uniformly and
becomes "BC". The slope of the graph "AB" shows acceleration "a".
Figure
Y
B
a

A
Vi
O

D
t

Mathematical proof
It is clear from figure that
BC OA BD
V f Vi BD ------------ (1)
To find BD, we have
Slope of graph AB =

BD
AD

BD
t
at BD
a

Put the value of BD in equation (1)

V f Vi at

Vf

Q.15 Prove second equation of motion ( S Vi t

A.

1 2
at ) by graph?
2

Statement
Consider the speed-time graph in which the initial speed of the body is "OA".
After a time interval "OC" the speed of the body changes uniformly and
becomes "BC". The slope of the graph "AB" shows acceleration "a".
The distance traveled by the speedtime graph can be calculated as;
Distance traveled = Area enclosed by the graph
Figure
Y
B
a

at

D
t

Vi
O

t
Mathematical proof
It is clear from figure that
S = Area of OABC
But S = Area of rectangle OADC + Area of triangle ABD
1
S = OA OC + (AD BD)
2
1
S Vi t (t )(at )
2

S Vi t

1 2
at
2

Q.16 Prove third equation of motion

A.

( 2aS V f Vi )
2

by graph?

Statement
Consider the speed-time graph in which the initial speed of the body is "OA".
After a time interval "OC" the speed of the body changes uniformly and
becomes "BC". The slope of the graph "AB" shows acceleration "a".

Figure

Y
B
a

Vf

Vi

O
C
t
Mathematical proof
It is clear from figure that
S = Area of OABC
S = Area of Trapezium OABC
We know that

Area of Trapezium = (sum of parallel sides of Trapezium)

AD
2
OC
S (Vi V f )
2
t
S (Vi V f ) ( A)
2
But from first equation of motion;
V f Vi at
S (OA BC )

V f Vi

a
Put the value of t in equation (A); We get
Vf Vi
S = ( Vi Vf ) (
)
2a

2aS V f

Vi

height
2

Q.17 What is meant by gravitational acceleration?

A.
Gravitational acceleration
An Italian scientist Galileo drop several objects fro the famous Leaning tower at
the same time. He concluded that all the objects reached at the same time
towards the earth surface.
He stated that earth attract every object itself with the same acceleration called
gravitational acceleration.
It is denoted by g. Its value is 9 8m / s 2 at the surface of the earth.
Equations of motion for motion under gravity are;

V f Vi gt

1
S Vi t gt 2
2

2 gh V f Vi
2

CONCEPTUALQUESTIONS
(1)

The figure given shows the speed time graph for a pendulum. Write down
(a) The maximum speed.
(b) The time at which the maximum speed occurs.
(Ans) (a) The maximum speed is 12m/s.
(b) The time at which maximum speed occur is 0 3Sec .
(2)
Can a body at rest be regarded in a state of motion? Give example
(Ans) Yes a body at rest can be regarded in a state of motion. For example
A person sitting in a train is at rest with respect to an observer in the train
but this person is in motion for the observer outside the train.
(3)

Is the distance covered by the body may be greater than the magnitude
of displacement?
(Ans) Yes the distance covered by a body may be greater than the displacement.
For example
When an object is moving on a circular path its distance covered is greater
than the displacement at any instant of time.
(4)
Is it possible that displacement is zero but not the distance?
(Ans) Yes it is possible that displacement is zero but not the distance. When an
object moves in a circle and complete one round trip its displacement
become zero while the distance covered is not zero.

(5)
Under what condition displacement is equal to the distance?
(Ans) The displacement and distance covered is equal if and only if the body is
moving in a straight line.
(6)
Can a body have acceleration with zero velocity?
(Ans) A body has no acceleration with zero velocity. Because acceleration is
produce when the velocity of the body is changed. Mathematically

V
a
t
0
a
t
a 0m / s 2

(7)
Can the speed of a body be negative?
(Ans) No the speed of the body can not be zero. Because it is a scalar quantity
and scalar quantities can not be negative.
(8)

Is it possible that velocity of an object be in a direction other than the

direction of acceleration?
(Ans) Yes the velocity of a body can be in a direction other than acceleration.
For example
When a body moves in a circle, the direction of linear velocity is tangent to
the circle while the acceleration is directed towards the centre of the circle.

(9)

Is the kinematics equation S Vi t

1 2
at true if acceleration is not
2

constant?
(Ans) No the kinematics equation S Vi t
constant.

1 2
at is not true if acceleration is not
2

(10) By giving an example prove that rest and motion are relative terms.
(Ans) Motion and rest are relative. For example two persons are setting in a bus.
They are at rest with respect to each other. But due to the motion of the
bus, they are in motion with respect to their external surrounding.
(11) Give an example of an accelerated body moving with a uniform speed.
(Ans) The motion of a body in a circle with uniform speed have an acceleration
due to change in the direction of velocity called centripetal acceleration.
V

a
V
V

V
(12) Is unit Kmh-1s-1 is same as Kms-1h-1 explain?
(Ans) The unit Kmh-1s-1 is not the same as Kms-1h-1 . Because in unit Kmh-1s-1,
Kmh-1 is the unit of velocity the change of which is given in second.
But in the unit Kms-1h-1, Kms-1 is the unit of velocity the change of which
is in hour.
(13) If bus is traveling eastward, can its acceleration be westward? Explain
(Ans) Yes a bus traveling eastward its acceleration can be westward.
Explaination
A bus is traveling eastward, if the velocity of the bus decreasing
continuously, then the deceleration is produce which will be westward.
(14) If an object is stationary is its acceleration necessary zero?
(Ans) Yes if an object is stationary its acceleration is zero. Because the speed
of the body is zero and direction is unchanged.
(15)

When the velocity time graph is a straight line parallel to time axis, what
can you say about its acceleration.
(Ans) The acceleration of the body is zero. Because the graph shows that
velocity is constant. When the velocity of the body is constant its
acceleration will be zero.
(16)

A ball is thrown vertically upward with an initial speed of 5m/s. What will its
speed be when it returns to its starting point.
(in the absence of air resistance).

(Ans) The body returns to its starting point with the same speed of 5m/s in the
absence of air resistance.

(1)

(2)

NUMERICAL PROBLEMS
A bus travel 15Km towards west makes u-turn back travel a further
distance of 10Km, find (a)
Distance traveled b) Its displacement
Given data
S 1 = 15Km
S 2 = 10Km
a) Distance, S =?
S = S 1+ S 2
S = 15+10
S =25Km

b) Displacement, S =?

S = S 2-S 1

S = 15 -10

S = 5Km ---- towards east of starting point.

A race car travels around a circular track, covering a distance of 850m in
25s before stopping at point from where it started. Determine the average
Velocity of the car during this period of time.
Given data
Distance, S = 850m

Displacement, S = 0m
S=850m
Time, t = 25s

S 0m
Average velocity, V =?
We know that

t 25sec
S

t
0

25
0m / sec

(3)

A truck moving at a speed of 20m/s begins to slow at constant rate of

3m/s2, find how far it goes before stopping?
Given data

Vi 20m / sec

a 3m / sec2
V f 0m / sec
S ?
We know that

2aS V f Vi
2

V f Vi
2

2a
0 (20) 2
400
S

66 67m
2(3)
6
2

(4)

The speed of a bus is reducing uniformly from 15m/s to 7m/s. while

traveling a distance of 90m.
(a) Find the acceleration
(b) How much further distance will the bus travel before coming to rest,
provided the acceleration remains constant?
Given data

Vi 15m / sec
V f 7 m / sec

(a)

S 90m
a?
We know that

2aS V f Vi
2

V f Vi
2

2S
(7) 2 (15) 2
a
2 90
49 225 176
a

180
180
a 0 977m / sec2

(b)

Vi 7m / sec
V f 0m / sec
a 0 977m / sec2
S ?
We know that

2aS V f Vi
2

V f Vi
2

2a
( 0) 2 ( 7 ) 2
S
2(0 977)
49
S
1 954
S 25 07m / sec
(5)

Brakes are applied to a train traveling at 72Km/h after passing over 200m
its velocity is reduced to 36Km/h at the same rate of retardation, how much
further will it go before it is brought to rest?
Given data

72 1000m
20m / sec
3600sec
36 1000m
V f 36Km / h
10m / sec
3600sec
S 200m
Re tardation a ?
S ?
When
Vi 10m / sec
Vi 72Km / h

V f 0m / sec
To find the retardation first

2aS V f Vi
2

V f Vi
2

2S
(10) 2 (20) 2
a
2 200
100 400 300
a

0 75m / s 2
400
400
Now to find the further distance traveled

2aS V f
S

Vf

Vi

Vi

2a
0 2 (10) 2
S
2( 0 75)
100
S
1 50
S 66 67m
(6)

A motor cyclist is moving on a road with an acceleration of 3m/s2, how

much time will it require to change the velocity from 10m/s to 20m/s?
Given data

a 3m / sec2
Vi 10m / sec
V f 20m / sec
t ?
We know that

V f Vi at
V f Vi at
t

V f Vi

a
20 10
t
3
10
t
3 33 sec
3
(7)

A cyclist starts from rest and moves with uniform acceleration of 0.2m/s 2
after 2 minutes, find the velocity of the cyclist and distance covered.
Given data

Vi 0m / sec

a 0 2m / sec2
t 2 min 2 60 sec 120sec
Vf ?
S ?
We know that

V f Vi at

V f 0 (0 2)(120)
V f 0 24 0 24m / sec
We also know that

1 2
at
2
1
S 0 120 (0 2)(120) 2
2
1
S (0 2)(14400)
2
S 1440m
S Vi t

(8)

A body is thrown vertically upward with a speed of 20m/s. How high will it
rise? (take downward g=10m/s2)
Given data

Vi 20m / sec

g 10m / sec2
V f 0m / sec
h?
We know that

2 gh V f Vi
2

V f Vi
2

2g

0 2 ( 20) 2
h
2( 10)
400
h
20
h 20m