3

Laws of Motion
SECTION-1
True/False Fill in the Blank
1. When a person walks on a rough surface, the frictional force 6. A block of mass 1 kg lies on a horizontal surface in a truck.
exerted by the surface on the person is opposite to the The coefficient of static friction between the block and the
direction of his motion. (1981) surface is 0.6. If the acceleration of the truck is 5 m/s 2 , the
2. The pulley arrangements of figures (a) and (b) are identical. frictional force acting on the block is ……… N. (1984)

The mass of the rope is negligible. In Fig. (a), the mass m is

lifted up by attaching a mass 2m to the other end of the rope. Objective Questions I (Only one correct option)
In Fig. (b), m is lifted up by pulling the other end of the rope 7. A block of mass 2 kg rests on a rough inclined plane making
with a constant downward force F = 2mg . The acceleration an angle of 30° with the horizontal. The coefficient of static
of m is the same in both cases. (1984) friction between the block and the plane is 0.7. The frictional
force on the block is (1980)
(a) 9.8 N (b) 0.7 × 9.8 × 3 N
(c) 9.8 × 3 N (d) 0.7 × 9.8 N

m F = 2mg 8. A ship of mass 3 × 10 kg initially at rest, is pulled by a force

7
2m m
of 5 × 104 N through a distance of 3 m. Assuming that the
(a) (b)
resistance due to water is negligible, the speed of the ship is
3. A simple pendulum with a bob of mass m swings with an (1980)
angular amplitude of 40°. When its angular displacement is (a) 1.5 m/s (b) 60 m/s (c) 0.1 m/s (d) 5 m/s
20°, the tension in the string is greater than mg cos 20°. 9. During paddling of a bicycle, the force of friction exerted by
(1984) the ground on the two wheels is such that it acts (1990)
(a) in the backward direction on the front wheel and in the
Assertion and Reason forward direction on the rear wheel
Mark your answer as (b) in the forward direction on the front wheel and in the
(a) If Assertion is true, Reason is true; Reason is the correct backward direction on the rear wheel
explanation for Assertion (c) in the backward direction on both the front and the rear
(b) If Assertion is true, Reason is true; Reason is not a wheels
correct explanation for Assertion (d) in the forward direction on both the front and the rear
(c) If Assertion is true; Reason is false wheels
(d) If Assertion is false; Reason is true 10. A car is moving in a circular horizontal track of radius 10 m
with a constant speed of 10 m/s. A plumb bob is suspended
4. Assertion A cloth covers a table. Some dishes are kept on it. from the roof of the car by a light rigid rod. The angle made by
The cloth can be pulled out without dislodging the dishes the rod with the vertical is (Take g = 10 m/s 2 ) (1992)
from the table. (a) zero (b) 30° (c) 45° (d) 60°
Reason For every action there is an equal and opposite
reaction. (2007)
11. A block of mass 0.1 kg is held against a wall applying a
horizontal force of 5 N on the block. If the coefficient of
5. Assertion It is easier to pull a heavy object than to push it friction between the block and the wall is 0.5, the magnitude
on a level ground. of the frictional force acting on the block is (1994)
Reason The magnitude of frictional force depends on the (a) 2.5 N (b) 0.98 N (c) 4.9 N (d) 0.49 N
nature of the two surfaces in contact. (2008)
38 Laws of Motion

12. A long horizontal rod has a bead which can slide along its
length and is initially placed at a distance Lfrom one end A of
the rod. The rod is set in angular motion about A with a
constant angular acceleration α. If the coefficient of friction
between the rod and bead is µ, and gravity is neglected, then v v
the time after which the bead starts slipping is (2000) (a) (b)
µ µ
(a) (b)
α α
1
(c) (d) infinitesimal
µα v v
13. The pulleys and strings shown in the figure are smooth and of (c) (d)
negligible mass. For the system to remain in equilibrium, the
angle θ should be (2001)
17. What is the maximum value of the force F such that the
block shown in the arrangement, does not move? (2003)

F m =√3 kg
µ= 1
60° 2 √3
θ θ
(a) 20 N (b) 10 N (c) 12 N (d) 15 N
18. A block of mass m is at rest under the action of a force F
√2m
against a wall as shown in figure. Which of the following
m m
statement is incorrect? (2005)

(a) 0° (b) 30° (c) 45° (d) 60°

14. A string of negligible mass going over a clamped pulley of F
mass m supports a block of mass M as shown in the figure.
The force on the pulley by the clamp is given by (2001)

(a) f = mg (where f is the frictional force)

m
(b) F = N (where N is the normal force)
A

(c) F will not produce torque

(d) N will not produce torque
M 19. System shown in figure is in equilibrium and at rest. The
spring and string are massless, now the string is cut. The
(a) 2 Mg (b) 2 mg acceleration of mass 2m and m just after the string is cut will
be (2006)
(c) g ( M + m )2 + m2 (d) g ( M + m )2 + M 2

15. An insect crawls up a hemispherical surface very slowly

(see the figure). The coefficient of friction between the
surface and the insect is 1/3. If the line joining the centre of 2m
the hemispherical surface to the insect makes an angle α
with the vertical, the maximum possible value of α is given
(2001) m
α (a) g / 2 upwards, g downwards
* (b) g upwards, g / 2 downwards
(a) cot α = 3 (b) tan α = 3 (c) g upwards, 2g downwards
(c) sec α = 3 (d) cosec α = 3 (d) 2g upwards, g downwards
16. A small block is shot into each of the four smooth tracks as 20. Two particles of mass m each are tied at the ends of a light
shown below. Each of the tracks rises to the same height. string of length 2a. The whole system is kept on a frictionless
The speed with which the block enters the track is the same horizontal surface with the string held tight so that each mass
in all cases. At the highest point of the track, the normal is at a distance a from the centre P (as shown in the figure).
reaction is maximum in (2001) Now, the mid-point of the string is pulled vertically upwards
 Laws of Motion 39

with a small but constant force F. As a result, the particles 24. A bullet of mass 20 g has an initial speed of 1 ms −1 , just
move towards each other on the surface. The magnitude of before it starts penetrating a mud wall of thickness 20 cm. If
acceleration, when the separation between them becomes 2x, the wall offers a mean resistance of 2.5 × 10−2 N, the speed
is (2007)
of the bullet after emerging from the other side of the wall is
F
close to (2019 Main)
(a) 0.3 ms− 1 (b) 0.4 ms− 1 (c) 01 . ms− 1 (d) 0.7 ms− 1
25. A block of mass 5 kg is (i) pushed in case (A) and (ii) pulled
in case (B), by a force F = 20 N, making an angle of 30°
with the horizontal, as shown in the figures. The coefficient
m P m of friction between the block and the floor is µ = 0.2. The
difference between the accelerations of the block, in case
a a
(B) and case (A) will be (Take, g = 10 ms−2 ) (2019 Main)
F a F x
(a) (b)
2m a −x
2 2 2m a − x2
2
F=20 N
30°
F x F a 2 − x2 30°
(c) (d) F=20 N
2m a 2m x (A) (B)
21. A block of mass m is placed on a surface with a vertical
cross-section given by y = x3 / 6.If the coefficient of friction (a) 0.4 ms−2 (b) 3.2 ms−2 (c) 0.8 ms−2 (d) 0 ms−2
is 0.5, the maximum height above the ground at which the 26. A mass of 10 kg is suspended vertically by a rope from the
block can be placed without slipping is (2014 Main) roof. When a horizontal force is applied on the mass, the rope
1 2 1 1 deviated at an angle of 45° at the roof point. If the suspended
(a) m (b) m (c) m (d) m
6 3 3 2 mass is at equilibrium, the magnitude of the force applied is
22. Given in the figure are two blocks A and B of weight 20 N (Take, g = 10 ms −2 ) (2019 Main)
and 100 N, respectively. These are being pressed against a (a) 70 N (b) 200 N (c) 100 N (d) 140 N
wall by a force F as shown in figure. If the coefficient of 27. Two blocks A and B of masses mA = 1 kg and mB = 3 kg are
friction between the blocks is 0.1 and between block B and
kept on the table as shown in figure. The coefficient of
the wall is 0.15, the frictional force applied by the wall in
friction between A and B is 0.2 and between B and the
block B is (2015 Main)
surface of the table is also 0.2. The maximum force F that
can be applied on B horizontally, so that the block A does
F not slide over the block B is
A B
[Take, g = 10 m / s2] (2019 Main)

A
(a) 100 N (b) 120 N B F
(c) 80 N (d) 150 N
23. Two masses m1 = 5 kg and m2 = 10 kg connected by an
inextensible string over a frictionless pulley, are moving as (a) 12 N (b) 16 N (c) 8 N (d) 40 N
shown in the figure. The coefficient of friction of horizontal
surface is 0.15. The minimum weight mthat should be put on
28. A block kept on a rough inclined N
top of m2 to stop the motion is (2018 Main) 10
plane, as shown in the figure,
remains at rest upto a maximum
m
force 2 N down the inclined
m2
plane. The maximum external 2N
30°
force up the inclined plane that
does not move the block is 10 N.
The coefficient of static friction between the block and the
m1 plane is (2019 Main)

(Take, g = 10 m / s2)
(a) 23.33 kg (b) 18.3 kg 2 3 3 1
(a) (b) (c) (d)
(c) 27.3 kg (d) 43.3 kg 3 2 4 2
40 Laws of Motion

29. A block of mass 10 kg is kept on a rough inclined plane as Mv2

(b) T − Mgcos θ =
shown in the figure. A force of 3 N is applied on the block. L
The coefficient of static friction between the plane and the (c) The magnitude of the tangential acceleration of the bob
block is 0.6. What should be the minimum value of force F, | aT | = g sin θ
such that the block does not move downward? (Take,
g = 10ms−2) (d) T = Mg cos θ
(2019 Main)
F 33. A reference frame attached to the earth (1986)
(a) is an inertial frame by definition
kg (b) cannot be an inertial frame because the earth is revolving
10
round the sun
(c) is an inertial frame because Newton’s laws are
3N 45° applicable in this frame
(a) 32 N (b) 25 N (d) cannot be an inertial frame because the earth is rotating
(c) 23 N (d) 18 N about its own axis

30. Two particles A and B are moving on two concentric circles

of radii R1 and R2 with equal angular speed ω. At t = 0, their Analytical & Descriptive Questions
positions and direction of motion are shown in the figure.
π 34. A block of mass 2 kg slides on an inclined plane which
The relative velocity v A − v B at t = is given by makes an angle of 30° with the horizontal. The coefficient of
2ω
(2019 Main) friction between the block and the surface is 3/ 2 . What
force along the plane should be applied to the block so that it
Y moves (a) down and (b) up without any acceleration?
(Take g = 10 m/s 2 .) (1978)
A 35. A uniform rope of length L and mass M lying on a smooth
X table is pulled by a constant force F. What is the tension in
R1 the rope at a distance l from the end where the force is
R2
B applied? (1978)

36. Two blocks of masses as 2.9 kg and 1.9 kg are suspended

from a rigid support S by two inextensible wires each of
(a) ω ( R1 + R2 )i$ (b) − ω ( R1 + R2 )$i length 1 m (see figure). The upper wire has negligible mass
(c) ω ( R − R )$i (d) ω ( R − R )i$ and the lower wire has a uniform mass of 0.2 kg/m. The
1 2 2 1
whole system of blocks, wires and support have an upward
31. A particle is moving along a circular path with a constant acceleration of 0.2 m / s 2 . The acceleration due to gravity is
speed of 10 ms −1 . What is the magnitude of the change in 9.8 m / s 2 . (1989)
velocity of the particle, when it moves through an angle of
60° around the centre of the circle? (2019 Main)
S
(a) 10 2 m/s (b) 10 m/s
(c) 10 3 m/s (d) Zero

Objective Questions II (One or more correct option) 2.9 kg

32. A simple pendulum of length L and mass (bob) M is

oscillating in a plane about a vertical line between angular
limits – φ and + φ. For an angular displacement θ (| θ | < φ ),
the tension in the string and the velocity of the bob are T and 1.9 kg
v respectively. The following relations hold good under the
above conditions. (1986) (a) Find the tension at the mid-point of the lower wire.
(a) T cos θ = Mg (b) Find the tension at the mid-point of the upper wire.
 SECTION-2
Objective Questions I (Only one correct option) 4. A block of mass m1 = 1 kg and another mass m2 = 2 kg are
1. A piece of wire is bent in the shape of a parabola y = kx 2 placed together (see figure) on an inclined plane with angle
( y-axis vertical) with a bead of mass m on it. The bead can of inclination θ. Various values of θ are given in List I. The
coefficient of friction between the block m1 and the plane is
slide on the wire without friction. It stays at the lowest point
always zero. The coefficient of static and dynamic friction
of the parabola when the wire is at rest. The wire is now
between the block m2 and the plane are equal to µ = 0.3.
accelerated parallel to the x-axis with a constant acceleration
a. The distance of the new equilibrium position from the
y-axis of the bead, where the bead can stay at rest with m1
respect to the wire, (2009) m2
a a 2a a
(a) (b) (c) (d)
gk 2 gk gk 4 gk
θ
2. A block of mass m is on an inclined plane of angle θ. The
coefficient of friction between the block and the plane is µ In List II expressions for the friction on the block m2 are
and tan θ > µ . The block is held stationary by applying a given. Match the correct expression of the friction in List II
force P parallel to the plane. The direction of force pointing with the angles given in List I, and choose the correct option.
up the plane is taken to be positive. As P is varied from The acceleration due to gravity is denoted by g.
P1 = mg (sin θ − µ cos θ ) to P2 = mg (sin θ + µ cos θ ), the [Useful information tan ( 5.5° ) ≈ 0.1;
frictional force f versus P graph will look like (2010) tan (11.5° ) ≈ 0.2; tan (16.5° ) ≈ 0.3]

P
List I List II
P. θ = 5° 1. m2 g sin θ
θ
f f Q. θ = 10° 2. ( m1 + m2 ) g sin θ
P2 R. θ = 15° 3. µ m2 g cos θ
(a) (b)
P1 P P1 P2 P
S. θ = 20° 4. µ ( m1 + m2 ) g cos θ

f f (2014 Adv.)

P1 P1 P2 Codes
(c) (d)
P2 P P (a) P-1, Q-1, R-1, S-3 (b) P-2, Q-2, R-2, S-3
(c) P-2, Q-2, R-2, S-4 (d) P-2, Q-2, R-3, S-3
5. A uniform wooden stick of mass 1.6 kg of length l rests in an
3. A ball of mass (m) 0.5 kg is attached to the end of a string inclined manner on a smooth, vertical wall of height h (< l )
having length (l) 0.5 m. The ball is rotated on a horizontal such that a small portion of the stick extends beyond the
circular path like a physical pendulum about vertical axis. wall. The reaction force of the wall on the stick is
The maximum tension that the string can bear is 324 N. The perpendicular to the stick. The stick makes an angle of 30°
maximum possible value of angular velocity of ball (in with the wall and the bottom of the stick is on a rough floor.
rad/s) is (2011) The reaction of the wall on the stick is equal in magnitude to
h
the reaction of the floor on the stick. The ratio and the
l
frictional force f at the bottom of the stick are ( g = 10 ms −2 )
l (2016 Adv.)
h 3 16 3 h 3 16 3
(a) = , f = N (b) = , f = N
l 16 3 l 16 3
m h 3 3 8 3 h 3 3 16 3
(c) = , f= N (d) = , f= N
(a) 9 (b) 18 (c) 27 (d) 36 l 16 3 l 16 3
42 Laws of Motion

Objective Questions II (One or more correct option)

6. A small block of mass of 0.1 kg lies on a fixed inclined plane
PQ which makes an angle θ with the horizontal. A horizontal A
force of 1 N acts on the block through its centre of mass as
shown in the figure. The block remains stationary if B
(Take g = 10 m/s2 ) (2012) F
C
Q

1N 9. Two blocks connected by a massless string slides down an

inclined plane having an angle of inclination of 37°. The
masses of the two blocks are M 1 = 4 kg and M 2 = 2 kg
θ respectively and the coefficients of friction of M 1 and M 2
O P with the inclined plane are 0.75 and 0.25 respectively.
(a) θ = 45°. Assuming the string to be taut, find (a) the common
(b) θ > 45° and a frictional force acts on the block towards P acceleration of two masses and (b) the tension in the string.
(c) θ > 45° and a frictional force acts on the block towardsQ (sin 37° = 0.6, cos 37° = 0.8 ). (Take g = 9.8 m/s 2 ) (1979)
(d) θ < 45° and a frictional force acts on the block towardsQ
7. In the figure, a ladder of mass m is leaning against a wall. It M
1
is in static equilibrium making an angle θ with the horizontal
floor. The coefficient of friction between the wall and the
ladder is µ 1 and that between the floor and the ladder is µ 2 . M
2
The normal reaction of the wall on the ladder is N 1 and that
of the floor is N 2 . If the ladder is about to slip, then 37°
(2014 Adv.)

µ1 10. Masses M 1 , M 2 and M 3 are connected by strings of

negligible mass which passes over massless and frictionless
pulleys P1 and P2 as shown in figure.
P1
θ
µ2
M
mg 2
P2
(a) µ 1 = 0, µ 2 ≠ 0 and N 2 tan θ =
2 M1
mg 37° M3
(b) µ 1 ≠ 0, µ 2 = 0 and N 1 tan θ =
2
mg The masses move such that the portion of the string between
(c) µ 1 ≠ 0, µ 2 ≠ 0 and N 2 =
1 + µ 1µ 2 P1 and P2 is parallel to the inclined plane and the portion of
mg the string between P2 and M 3 is horizontal. The masses M 2
(d) µ 1 = 0, µ 2 ≠ 0 and N 1 tan θ = and M 3 are 4.0 kg each and the coefficient of kinetic friction
2
between the masses and the surfaces is 0.25. The inclined
plane makes an angle of 37° with the horizontal.
Analytical & Descriptive Questions
If the mass M 1 moves downwards with a uniform velocity,
8. In the figure, the blocks A, B and C have masses 3 kg, 4 kg find (1981)
and 8 kg respectively. The coefficient of sliding friction (a) the mass of M 1 ,
between any two surfaces is 0.25. A is held at rest by a (b) the tension in the horizontal portion of the string.
massless rigid rod fixed to the wall, while B and C are (Take g = 9.8 m/s 2, sin 37° ≅ 3/ 5 )
connected by a light flexible cord passing around a fixed
frictionless pulley. Find the force F necessary to drag C 11. A block of mass m rests on a horizontal floor with which it
along the horizontal surface to the left at a constant speed. has a coefficient of static friction µ. It is desired to make the
Assume that the arrangement shown in the figure. i.e. B on C body move by applying the minimum possible force F. Find
the magnitude of F and the direction in which it has to be
and A on B, is maintained throughout.(Take g = 10 m/s 2 ).
applied. (1987)
(1978)
 Laws of Motion 43

12. A hemispherical bowl of radius R = 0.1m is rotating about

its own axis (which is vertical) with an angular velocity ω. A
particle of mass 10−2 kg on the frictionless inner surface of A
o o
B

the bowl is also rotating with the same ω. The particle is at a m 45 45 2m

height h from the bottom of the bowl. (1993)
(a) Obtain the relation between h and ω. What is the (a) the acceleration of A,
minimum value of ω needed, in order to have a non-zero (b) tension in the string and
value of h? (c) the magnitude and direction of the force of friction
(b) It is desired to measure g (acceleration due to gravity) acting on A.
using the set-up by measuring h accurately. Assuming
that R and ω are known precisely and that the least count 16. In the figure masses m1 , m2 and M are 20 kg, 5 kg and 50 kg
in the measurement of h is 10−4 m, what is minimum respectively. The coefficient of friction between M and
possible error ∆g in the measured value of g? ground is zero. The coefficient of friction between m1 and M
and that between m2 and ground is 0.3. The pulleys and the
13. A smooth semicircular wire track of
strings are massless. The string is perfectly horizontal
radius R is fixed in a vertical plane
between P1 and m1 and also between P2 and m2 .
(figure). One end of a massless
The string is perfectly vertical between P1 and P2 . An
spring of natural length 3R / 4 is
external horizontal force F is applied to the mass M .
attached to the lowest point O of the C
wire track. A small ring of mass m (Take g = 10 m / s 2 .) (2000)
which can slide on the track is P
attached to the other end of the 60° P1 m1
spring. The ring is held stationary at O
point P such that the spring makes P2
M F
an angle 60° with the vertical. The spring constant m2
k = mg / R. Consider the instant when the ring is making an
angle 60° with the vertical.
The spring is released, (a) Draw the free body diagram of the (a) Draw a free body diagram of mass M , clearly showing all
ring. (b) Determine the tangential acceleration of the ring the forces.
and the normal reaction. (1996) (b) Let the magnitude of the force of friction between m1 and
M be f1 and that between m2 and ground be f2 . For a
14. Two blocks of masses m1 = 10 kg and m2 = 5 kg connected to particular force F it is found that f1 = 2 f2 . Find f1 and
each other by a massless inextensible string of length 0.3 m f2 . Write equations of motion of all the masses. Find F,
are placed along a diameter of turn table. The coefficient of tension in the string and accelerations of the masses.
friction between the table and m1 is 0.5 while there is no 17. Two blocks A and B of equal masses are released from an
friction between m2 and the table. The table is rotating with an inclined plane of inclination 45° at t = 0. Both the blocks are
angular velocity of 10 rad/s about a vertical axis passing initially at rest. The coefficient of kinetic friction between
through its centre O. The masses are placed along the the block A and the inclined plane is 0.2 while it is 0.3 for
diameter of table on either side of the centre O such that the block B. Initially the block A is 2 m behind the block B.
mass m1 is at a distance of 0.124 m from O. The masses are
When and where their front faces will come in a line?
observed to be at rest with respect to an observer on the turn
(Take g =10 m/s 2 ) (2004)
table. (1997)
(a) Calculate the frictional force on m1 .
(b) What should be the minimum angular speed of the turn 2m
A
table, so that the masses will slip from this position?
B
(c) How should the masses be placed with the string
remaining taut so that there is no frictional force acting
on the mass m1 ?
B
15. Block A of mass m and block B of mass 2m are placed on a A
45°
fixed triangular wedge by means of a massless, inextensible
string and a frictionless pulley as shown in figure. The
wedge is inclined at 45° to the horizontal on both sides. The 18. Two identical ladders are arranged as shown in the figure.
coefficient of friction between block A and the wedge is 2/3 Mass of each ladder is M and length L. The system is in
and that between block B and the wedge is 1/3. If the blocks A equilibrium. Find direction and magnitude of frictional
and B are released from rest, find (1997)
force acting at A or B. (2005)
44 Laws of Motion

P 25 m/s 2 . Find the acceleration of the block with respect to

disc. Given cos θ = 4 / 5. (2006)
L
m

A θ θ B
θ
19. A circular disc with a groove along its diameter is placed a = 25 m/s2
horizontally. A block of mass 1 kg is placed as shown. The
coefficient of friction between the block and all surfaces of
groove in contact is µ = 2/ 5. The disc has an acceleration of

Answers
Section 1 R g
12. (a) h = R − , ω min = = 9.89 rad/s
1. False 2. False 3. True 4. (b) ω2 R
5. (c) 6. 5 7. (a) 8. (c) (b) 9.8 × 10−3 m/s2
9. (a) 10. (c) 11. (b) 12. (a) 5 3 3mg
13. (c) 14. (d) 15. (a) 16. (a) 13. (b) g,
8 8
17. (a) 18. (d) 19. (a) 20. (b)
14. (a) 36 N (towards centre) (b) 11.67 rad/s
21. (a) 22. (b) 23. (a) 24. (d)
(c) m1 should be placed at 0.1 m from the centre O
25. (c) 26. (c) 27. (b) 28. (b) 2 2
29. (a) 30. (d) 31. (b) 32. (b,c) 15. (a) Acceleration = 0 (b) mg
3
33. (b,d) 34. (a) 11.21 N (b) 31.21 N mg
(c) (down the plane)
35. [ T = F (1 − l / L)] 36. (a) 20 N, (b) 50 N 3 2

Section 2 16. (b) f1 = 30 N, f2 = 15 N, F = 60 N,

3
1. (b) 2. (a) 3. (d) 4. (d) T = 18 N, am1 = am2 = aM = m/s 2
5. (d) 6. (a,c) 7. (c,d) 8. 80 N 5
9. (a) a = 1.3 m/s 2 (b) T = 5.2 N 17. sA = 8 2 m, 2s
 M + m
10. (a) 4.2 kg, (b) 9.8 N 18. f =   g cotθ
 2 
µmg
11. Fmin = , θ = tan −1 (µ ) from horizontal
1 + µ2 19. 10 m/s 2