UNIT –V

DYNAMICS OF PARTICLES
 Acceleration is calculated from position using a particular coordinate system. For
our purposes here, a coordinate system is also a reference frame. The calculation of
acceleration of a particle depends on how the coordinate system itself is moving. So the
simple equation

has as many different interpretations as there are differently moving coordinate systems
(and there are an infinite number of those). In each different coordinate system, the
coordinates of a given particle are different from the coordinates in another system. And
the calculated accelerations are also different. Sir Isaac Newton was sitting on earth
contemplating position relative to the ground at his feet when he noticed that his second
law accurately described things like falling apples.
Mechanics is the same on a constant velocity train or plane as on a stationary plane
or train. Any reference frame in which Newton’s laws are accurate is called a Newtonian
reference frame. Sometimes people also call such a frame a Fixed frame, as in ‘fixed to
the earth’ or ‘fixed to the stars’. But a Newtonian frame could also be ‘fixed’ to a
constant velocity train or plane. For most engineering purposes a coordinate system
attached to the ground under your feet is a good approximation to a Newtonian frame.
Fortunately Or else apples would fall differently. Imagine Newton’s apple having fallen
on some crazy curved path leaving Newton confounded and the subject of mechanics still
a mystery. The fall of apples, both in Newton’s day and now, is well predicted using
Newton’s laws and treating the ground as a Newtonian frame. However, if you are
interested in trajectory control of satellites, you need to use something more like the
‘fixed stars’ as your (even more accurate) Newtonian reference frame in order to make
accurate predictions using Newton’s laws.
MOTION AND ITS TYPES
A body is said to be in motion if it changes its position with respect to its
surroundings. The nature of path of displacement of various particles of a body
determines the type of motion. The motions may be of the following types:
1. Rectilinear Motion 2. Curvilinear Motion

Rectilinear Motion :
When the particles of a body move in straight parallel path then it is called rectilinear
motion.

Curvilinear motion :
When the particles of a body move along a circular arcs (or) curved paths, then it is
Curvilinear motion

Instantaneous Velocity :
It is the velocity of particle at any instant of motion. It is the limit of average velocity
as the increment of time approaches zero.

Displacement Equations
v = u + at

1 2
S = ut + at

2
a
v2 – u2=2as s
 A motorist driving a car at 54km/hr, observes a traffic light 240m ahead turns red. The traffic light
is timed to remain red for 24 seconds. If the motorist wishes to pass the light without stopping
just as it turns green again, Find
(a) the required uniform deceleration of the car (b) Speed of car as it passes the traffic
light.
Given :
Initial velocity, u = 54km/kr

54 1000
= m /sec
3600
u = 15 m/s
Solution :
Consider the journey of train in 3 portions, viz, accelerating, uniform and declereating Refer Fig
Accelerating Journey :

Initial velocity, u = 0 a = 0.25 m/s2

t = 1min = 60 seconds
 t = 8 × 60 = 480 seconds
We know
1
S = ut + at2
2
= 15 × 480 + 0 S = 7200 m

Striking velocity of a particle dropped from height ‘h’

When a particle falls from a certain height ‘h’ from rest, its initial velocity becomes zero

i.e, u = 0

We know,

v2 - u2 = 2gh
v2 - 0 = 2gh
v2 = 2gh

v = 2gh
 The motion of a particle is given by the equations
x = 2(t+1)2
2
y= 2
(t 1)
where ‘x’ and ‘y’ are expressed in meters and t’ in seconds. Find the velocity and
acceleration when t = 0.
Solution :

Displacement time relation in x-direction is x = 2(t+1)2

component of velocity in x - direction
dx
vx = dt = 4 (t+1) At t = 0,
vx = 4 (0+1) = 4 m/s component of
acceleration in x - direction
dv
a= x
x
dt
ax = 4m/s2
Displacement time relation in y - direction is

y=

y = 2 (t+1)-2
Component of velocity in y - direction, dy
v =
y dt
vy = - 4 (t+1)-3
At t = 0,
vy = -4 (0+1)-3 vy = -4 m/s
RESULT
At t = 0,
1. Velocity, V = 5.66 m/s

2. acceleration , a = 12.65 m/s2

 What is the smallest radius which should be used for a highway curve if the normal
component of the acceleration of a car travelling at 72 km/hr. is not to exceed 0.72 m/s 2?
Given :
Normal acceleration, a = 0.72m/s2
n
Velocity, v = 72km/hr.

v = 72 1000
3600
v = 20m/s
Solution :
We know, 2
v
an =
v2
=
an
 2
(20)
=
0.72
= 555.6m
Smallest radius, = 555.6 m (Ans)
Total acceleration of particle after 4 seconds
is, a = 144.86 m/s2

PROJECTILE
When a particle is projected upwards at an certain angle to the earth’s surface, the
particle travels along a curved path. This particle which is thrown into space is called
projectile.
For example,
1. A cricket ball thrown into atmosphere
2. A bullet fired from gun
3. A bomb released from moving plane.
Terms used with Projectiles:
Some important terms relating to projectiles are given below. Refer fig 7.30.
a. Projectile Motion:
The motion travelled by the projectile is called as projectile motion.
b. Trajectory:
The path followed by the projectile from the of projection to the point where it meets
the ground is called the trajectory of the projectile.
c. Velocity of Projection:
The velocity with which the projectile is thrown into space is called velocity of
projection. It is denoted by u.
d. Angle of Projection:
The angle, which the velocity of projection makes with the horizontal or at which a
projectile is projected, is called angle of projection. It is denoted by ‘T’.
TIME OF FLIGHT, (T)
Let‘t’ be the time taken by particle to reach its maximum height.
 Body A is thrown with a velocity of 10m/s at an angle of 600 to horizontal. If another
body B is thrown at an angle of 450 to the horizontal. Find its velocity if it has the same
a. Horizontal Range
b. Maximum Height
c. Time of Flight, as the body A.
Given :

Initial velocity of body ‘A’ uA = 10m/s

Angle of projection for ‘A’, A = 600
Angle of projection for body body, ‘B’, B = 450
Solution :
Let intial velocity of body ‘B’ be uB a) If it has same
horizontal range:

RA= RB
A body weighs 50kg on earth. Find its weight (a) on moon where gravitational
acceleration is 1.4 m/s2 (b) on the sun, where the gravitational acceleration is

270 m/s2.
Given :

Mass of body, m = 50kg.

acceleration due to gravity in moon, a = 1.4 m/s2

acceleration due to gravity in sun, a = 270 m/s2 s

Solution :

a. Weight body on moon :

We know, weight, W = m × am

W = 50 × 1.4

W = 70 N (Ans)

b. Weight of body on sun :

Weight,

W = m × as

W = 50 × 270

W = 13,500 N (Ans)
 First law of Motion (or) Law of Inertia
This law states that, “Every body continues in its state of rest or uniform motion in a
straight line, unless it is compelled by same external force to change that state”.

Explanation :
The above statement is divided into two parts:
i. If a body is at rest, then so as to set it in motion the external force has to be
applied on it.
Example : A book will remain on a table unless it is lifted up by some external
force.
ii. If a body is moving with a constant speed along a straight line; then inorder to
increase or decrease its speed; a force has to applied in the direction of motion
or opposite to the direction of motion.
Example : A ball will move continously with the same speed (provided there is
no force of friction. and air resistance) until and unless it is compelled to stop by
same external force.

Second Law of Motion

This law states that, “ The rate of change of momentum of a body is directly proportional
to the applied force and the change takes place in the direction of application of force.”
This law gives the measure of force and is the fundamental law of dynamics.

Third Law of Motion

This law states that, “To every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction”

DYNAMIC EQUILIBRIUM
The body will be in equilibrium under the action of external force ‘F’ and the inertia

Force (-ma). This is known as D’ Alembert’s principle.

So, F = ma is Equation of motion.

 We know, v = u + at
v = 25 + (-10) (0.5)
v = 25 – 5
v = 20 m/s

Result
a) Velocity of train when force acts in direction of motion = 30m/s
b) Velocity of train when force acts in opposite direction of motion = 20 m/s
Direct impact

Oblique impact