Long Answer Type Questions

Q.1. What are the various types of equilibrium?

Ans. Different types of equilibrium are −
Stable :
(i) When a particle is displaced slightly from a position, then a force acing on it brings it back to
the initial position, it is said to be in stable equilibrium position.
(ii) Potential energy is minimum.
𝑑2 𝑈
(iii) 𝑑𝑥 2
= 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒
(iv) E.g. A marble placed at the bottom of a hemispherical bowl.
Unstable :

(i) When a particle is displaced slightly from a position, then a force acting on it tries to displace
the particle further away from the equilibrium position, it is said to be in unstable equilibrium
position.
(ii) Potential energy is maximum
𝑑2 𝑈
(iii) 𝑑𝑥 2
= 𝑛𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒
(iv) e.g. a marble balanced on top of a hemispherical bowl.
Neutral :
(i) When a particle is slightly displaced from a position it does not experience any force acting
on it and continues to be in equilibrium in the displaced position, it is said be in neutral
equilibrium
(ii) Potential is constant
𝑑2 𝑈
(iii) =0
𝑑𝑥 2
(iv) e.g. A marble placed on a horizontal table.
Q.2. Prove that coefficient of restitution/resilience of perfectly elastic collision in one
dimensions unity.
Ans. Suppose two balls A and B of masses 𝑚1 and 𝑚2 are moving initially along the same
straight line with velocities 𝑢1 and 𝑢2 respectively.
When 𝑢1 > 𝑢2 relative velocity of approach before collision,
= 𝑢1 − 𝑢2

Hence the two balls collide, let the collision be perfectly elastic. after collision, suppose 𝑣1 is
velocity of A and 𝑣2 is velocity of B along the same straight lien, (a) when 𝑣2 > 𝑣1, the bodies
separate after collision.
Relative velocity of separation after collision
= 𝑣2 − 𝑣1
Linear momentum of the two balls before collision.
= 𝑚1 𝑢1 + 𝑚2 𝑢2
Linear momentum of the two balls after collision.
= 𝑚1 𝑣1 + 𝑚2 𝑣2
As linear momentum is conserved in an elastic collision, therefore
𝑚1 𝑢1 + 𝑚2 𝑢2 = 𝑚1 𝑣1 + 𝑚2 𝑣2 …(i)
or 𝑚2 (𝑣2 − 𝑢2 ) = 𝑚1 (𝑢1 − 𝑣1 ) …(ii)
Total K.E. of the two balls before collision
1 1
= 2 𝑚1 𝑢12 + 2 𝑚1 𝑢22 …(iii)

Total K.E. of the two balls after collision

1 1
= 2 𝑚1 𝑣12 + 2 𝑚1 𝑣22 …(iv)

As K.E. is also conserved in an elastic collision, there from (iii) and (iv),
1 1 1 1
2
𝑚1 𝑣12 + 2 𝑚1 𝑣22 = 2 𝑚1 𝑢12 + 2 𝑚1 𝑢22
1 1
𝑚2 (𝑣22 − 𝑢22 ) = 𝑚1 (𝑢12 − 𝑣12 )
2 2

or 𝑚2 (𝑣22 − 𝑢22 ) = 𝑚1 (𝑢12 − 𝑣12 ) …(v)

Dividing (v) by (ii),
𝑚2(𝑣22−𝑢22) 𝑚1 (𝑢12 −𝑣12)
𝑚2(𝑣2−𝑢2 )
= 𝑚1 (𝑢1 −𝑣1)

(𝑣2+𝑢2 )(𝑣2−𝑢2 ) (𝑢1 +𝑣1 )(𝑢1−𝑣1)

(𝑣2−𝑢2 )
= (𝑢1 −𝑣1 )

or 𝑣2 + 𝑢2 = 𝑢1 + 𝑣1
or 𝑣2 − 𝑣1 = 𝑢1 − 𝑢2 …(iv)
Hence is one dimensional elastic collision relative velocity of separation after collision is equal to
relative velocity of approach before collision.
𝑣2 −𝑣1
From 𝑢2 −𝑢1
=1
𝑣 −𝑣
by definition, 𝑢2−𝑢1 = 𝑒 = 1
2 1

Q.3. Derive relation for an inelastic collision one dimension.

Ans.
Figure shows two bodies of masses 𝑚1 and 𝑚2 moving with velocities 𝑢1 and 𝑢2 respectively,
along a single axis. They collide involving some loss of kinetic energy. Therefore, the collision is
inelastic. Let 𝑣1 and 𝑣2 be the velocities of the two bodies after collision.
As the two bodies or one system, is closed and isolated, we can write the law of conservation of
linear momentum for the two body system as : Total momentum before the collision(𝑝𝑖 ) = Total
momentum after the collision (𝑝𝑓 )

𝑚1 𝑢1 + 𝑚2 𝑢2 = 𝑚1 𝑣1 + 𝑚2 𝑣2
Perfectly inelastic collision between two bodies of masses 𝑚1 and 𝑚2 . The body of mass 𝑚2
happen to be initially at rest (𝑢2 = 0). After the collision, the two bodies move together with a
common velocity 𝑣. The collision is perfectly inelastic. As the total linear momentum of the
system cannot change, therefore, P𝑖 = P𝑓 ,

i.e., 𝑚1 𝑢1 + 𝑚2 𝑢2 = (𝑚1 + 𝑚2 )𝑣
or 𝑚1 𝑢1 = (𝑚1 + 𝑚2)𝑣 (𝑢2 = 0)
𝑚1𝑢1
or 𝑣=𝑚 …(ii)
1 +𝑚2

𝑚1
Knowing 𝑚1 , 𝑚2 and 𝑢1 , we can calculate the final velocity 𝑣. As the mass ratio < 1, 𝑣 <
𝑚1+𝑚2
𝑢1 .
We can calculate loss of K.E. in this collision.
Total K.E. before collision
1
E1 = 2 𝑚1 𝑢12

Total K.E. after collision,

1
E2 = 2 (𝑚1 + 𝑚2 )𝑣 2

1 𝑚1𝑢1 2
E2 = (𝑚1 + 𝑚2 ) ( )
2 𝑚1+𝑚2

Using (ii)
𝑚 2 𝑢2
or E2 = 2(𝑚 1+𝑚
1
1 2)

Loss of K.E. = E1 − E2
 1 𝑚 2 𝑢2
= 2 𝑢1 𝑢12 − 2(𝑚 1+𝑚
1
1 2)

𝑚12 𝑢12+𝑚1𝑚2 𝑢12 −𝑚12𝑢12

=
2(𝑚1 +𝑚2 )

𝑚 𝑚2𝑢12
= 2(𝑚1
1 +𝑚2 )

which is positive.
Q.4. A block of mass 1 kg is pushed up a surface inclined to horizontal at an angle of 30 o
by a force of 10 N parallel to the inclined surface (Fig.). The coefficient of friction between
block and the in line is 0.1. if the block is pushed up by 10 m along the incline, calculate
(a) Work done against gravity
(b) Work done against force of friction
(c) Increase in potential energy
(d) Increase in kinetic energy
(e) Work done by applied force.

Ans. m = 1kg, θ = 30o, cos 30o = 0.866, sin 30o = 0.5 F = 10 N, μ = 0.1
Distance d = 10m
(a) W𝑔 = 𝑚𝑔 sin θ 𝑑 = 1 × 10 × 0.5 × 10 = 50 J

(b) W1 = 𝜇𝑚𝑔 cos θ𝑑 = 0.1 × 10 × 0.866 × 10 = 8.66 J

(c) ∆U = 𝑚𝑔ℎ = 1 × 10 × 5 = 50 J
(d) 𝑎 = {F – (𝑚𝑔 sin 30o + 𝜇 𝑚𝑔 cos 30o)}
[{10.0−(5.0+0.87)]}]
𝑎= 1.0
m/s2

= 4.13 m/s2
Apply 3rd kinematic equation of motion,

V 2 − 𝑢2 = 2𝑎𝑑
1 1
Change in KE, ∆K = 𝑚𝑣2 – 𝑚𝑢2 = 𝑚𝑎𝑑 = 41.3 𝐽
2 2

(e) Work done = Force × displacement

= 10 × 10𝐽
 = 100 𝐽
Q.5. A curved surface is shown in Fig. The portion BCD is free of friction. There are three
spherical balls of identical radii and masses. Balls are released from rest one by one
from A which is at a slightly greater height than C.

With the surface AB, ball 1 has large enough friction to cause rolling done without
slipping; ball 2 has a small friction a and ball 3 has a negligible friction.
(a) For which balls is total mechanical energy conserved?
(b) Which ball (s) can reach D?
(c) For balls which do not reach D, which of the balls can reach back A?
Ans. (a) Force of friction is zero and negligible for ball 1 & 3 respectively, so energy is
conserved for balls 1 and 3.
(b) Ball 1 acquired rotational energy, ball 2 loses energy by friction. They cannot cross at C. ball
3 can cross over.
(c) Ball 3 have negligible friction & crosses C so ball cannot reach at A.
Ball 1, 2 turn back before reaching C. because of loss energy, ball 2 cannot reach back to A.
ball 1 has rotational motion in “wrong: sense when it reaches B, It cannot roll back to A,
because of kinetic friction.
Q.6. A rocket accelerates straight up by ejecting gas downwards. In a small time interval
∆𝒕, it ejects a gas of mass ∆𝒎 at a relative speed u. Calculate KE of the entire system at 𝒕
𝟏
+ ∆𝒕 and 𝒕 and show that the device that ejects gas work = (𝟐) ∆ 𝒎𝒖2 in this time interval
(neglect gravity).
Ans. Let mass of rocket at any time 𝑡 = M
∆M = mass of gas ejected in time interval ∆𝑡.
1 1
(𝐾𝐸)𝑡+∆𝑡 = (𝑀 − ∆𝑚)(𝑣 + ∆𝑣)2 + ∆𝑚(𝑣 − 𝑢)2
2 2

For rocket For gas

1 1
= 2 𝑀𝑣2 + 𝑀𝑣∆𝑣 − ∆𝑚𝑣𝑢 + 2 ∆𝑚𝑢2
1
Initial (KE)𝑖 = 2 𝑀𝑣2
1
(KE)𝑡+∆𝑡 − (𝐾𝐸 )𝑡 = (M∆v - ∆𝑚𝑢)𝑣 + 2 ∆𝑚𝑢2

By Newton’s third law, Reaction force on rocket (upward) = Action force by burnt gases
(downward)
 M𝑑𝑣 𝑑𝑚
𝑑𝑡
= 𝑑𝑡
|𝑢| (∵ F = 𝑚𝑢)

or 𝑀∆𝑣 = ∆𝑚𝑢  𝑀∆𝑣 − 𝑢∆𝑚 = 0

substitute this value in (i)
1
K = ∆𝑚𝑢2
2

Q.7. Two identical steel cubes (masses 50 g, side 1 cm) collide head-on face to face with
a speed of 10 cm/s each. Find the maximum compression of each. Young’s modulus for
steel = Y = 2 × 1011 N/m2
Ans. Mass of cube, m = 50g = 5.0 × 10-2 kg

Speed of cube, v = 10 cm/s = 1.0 × 10-1 m/s

Young’s modulus Y = 2.0 × 1011 N/m2
Side of cube(L) = 1 cm = 1.0 × 10 -2 m
Apply Hooke’s Law,
F
A
Young modulus Y = ∆L
L

F YA
So, = …(i)
∆L L
F
Or, ∆L
=k …(ii)

From eqn (i) & eqn (ii)

YA YL2
k= L
= L
, (Here A = L2)

K = YL
1
Initial KE = 2×2 mv2 = 5.0 × 10-4 J
1
Final PE = 2× k∆l2
2

= k∆l2 = YL∆l2
Apply Law of conservation of energy
YL∆l2 = 5.0 × 10-4

5.0×10−4
or, ∆L = √ YL

5.0×10−4
= √(2.0×1011×10−2) m

∆l = 5.0 × 10-7 m
Q.8. A balloon filled with helium rises against gravity increasing its potential energy. The
speed of the balloon also increases as it rises. How do you reconcile this with the law of
conservation of mechanical energy? You can neglect viscous drag of air is constant.
Ans. As dragging viscous force of air on balloon is neglected so there is Net Buoyant Force =
V𝜌𝑔

Let m, V, 𝜌HE , denote respectively the mass, volume and density of helium balloon and 𝜌𝑎𝑖𝑟
density of air
Volume V of balloon displaces volume V of air.
So,
V(𝜌𝑎𝑖𝑟 − 𝜌HE )𝑔 = ma, or,
𝑑𝑣
V(𝜌𝑎𝑖𝑟 − 𝜌HE )𝑔 = 𝑚 𝑑𝑡 …(1)

Integrating equation (1) with respect to t, we have

V(𝜌𝑎𝑖𝑟 − 𝜌HE )𝑔𝑡 = 𝑚𝑣
1 1 𝑉2
2
𝑚𝑣2 = 2 𝑚 𝑚2 (𝜌𝑎𝑖𝑟 − 𝜌HE )2𝑔2 𝑡 2
1
= 𝑉2(𝜌𝑎𝑖𝑟 − 𝜌HE )2𝑔2 𝑡 2 …(2)
2𝑚
1
If the balloon rises to a height h from ℎ = 𝑢𝑡 + 2 𝑎𝑡2

We get,
1 1 V(𝜌𝑎𝑖𝑟 −𝜌HE )
ℎ = 𝑎𝑡2 = 𝑔𝑡2 (∵ 𝑢 = 0)…(3)
2 2 𝑚

From Eqs. (3) and (2)

1 1
2
𝑚𝑣2 = [V(𝜌𝑎𝑖𝑟 − 𝜌HE )𝑔] [2𝑚 V(𝜌𝑎𝑖𝑟 − 𝜌HE )𝑔𝑡 2 ]

= V(𝜌𝑎𝑖𝑟 − 𝜌HE )𝑔ℎ

Rearranging the terms.
1
 2 𝑚𝑣2 + V𝜌HE 𝑔ℎ = 𝑉𝜌𝑎𝑖𝑟 𝑔ℎ

Or KE𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑛 + PE𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑛 = changing in PE of air.

So, as the balloon goes up, and equal volume of air comes down, increase in PE and KE of the
balloon is at cost of PE of air [which comes down].