Solutions

Student Name: ………………………………………. ID #: ……………………………………… Physics Semester 2, 2019 –TOPIC NOTES

Physics
Topic 2
Kinematics in One and Two Dimensions

Contents
2.1 Scalars and Vectors ......................................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Direction of Vectors ......................................................................................................................... 4
2.3 Addition of Vectors ........................................................................................................................... 5
2.4 Subtraction of Vectors ................................................................................................................... 10
2.5 Vector Components ....................................................................................................................... 13
2.6 Displacement, Velocity and Acceleration Graphs .......................................................................... 14
2.7 Equations of Motion ....................................................................................................................... 17
2.8 Projectile Motion ............................................................................................................................ 19
Glossary of Terms .................................................................................................................................... 24
Formulae – Kinematics in one and two Dimensions ................................................................................. 24

Topic 2: Kinematics in One and Two Dimensions © UP International College New Zealand
Topic 2: Kinematics in One and Two Dimensions
Starter Question – Guess now!
1. Two small heavy balls have the same diameter but one weighs twice as
much as the other. The balls are dropped from a second-storey balcony at
the exact same time. The time to reach the ground below will be:
A. twice as long for the lighter ball compared with the heavier ball.
B. longer for the lighter ball, but not twice as long.
C. twice as long for the heavier ball compared with the lighter ball.
D. longer for the heavier ball, but not twice as long.
E. nearly the same for both balls.
E
….....

2. A small heavy box of emergency supplies

is dropped from a moving helicopter at point 𝐴
as it flies at constant speed in a horizontal
direction. Which path in the drawing at right
best describes the path of the box (neglecting
air resistance) as seen by a person standing
on the ground.
d
….....

Topic 2: Kinematics in One and Two Dimensions © UP International College New Zealand Page 2
 Physics Semester 2, 2019 –TOPIC NOTES

2.1 Scalars and Vectors

In Physics, there are two types of quantities:
1. scalars
2. vectors

We need to make a distinction between the distance an object has travelled and its displacement, which
is defined as the change in position of the object. That is, displacement is how far the object is from its
starting point.

To see the distinction between total distance and

displacement, imagine a person walking 70 m to the east and
then turning around and walking back (west) a distance of 30
m. The total distance travelled is 100 m, but the displacement
is only 40 m since the person is now only 40 m from the starting
point.

Displacement is a quantity that has both magnitude and

direction. Such quantities are called vectors, and are
represented by arrows in diagrams.

Other examples of vectors are:

Force, momentum, displacement, velocity, acceleration
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Distance is a quantity with only magnitude. Such quantities are called scalars.

Other examples of scalars are:

Energy, power, mass, distance, speed, time
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Exercise A:
An ant starts at 𝑥 20 𝑐𝑚 on a piece of graph paper and walks along the 𝑥 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 to 𝑥 20 𝑐𝑚. It then
turns around and walks back to 𝑥 10 𝑐𝑚. Determine (i) the ant’s displacement and (ii) the total
distance travelled.
30 𝑐𝑚 50 𝑐𝑚
(i). ………………………………………... (ii). ………………………………………...

Multiplication of scalars and vectors

scalar × scalar
scalar distance speed time

scalar × vector
vector F m a, d v t, p mv

vector × vector
scalar EK ½ m v 2, E P mgh

Topic 2: Kinematics in One and Two Dimensions © UP International College New Zealand Page 3
2.2 Direction of Vectors
When quoting the direction of a vector in the answer to a physics problem, always refer to the direction
given in the problem.

One dimensional problem (1 D) – Motion in a straight line (linear motion)

e.g. force, displacement, momentum

Ex. #1
How do we describe the direction of the forces in these cases?
must choose a direction

“5 N to the right” - ←------------→

“4 N to the left” ∴ 5N
-4N

Two dimensional problem (2 D)

If given x and y axes – refer to a vector

measured from one of those axes.
Write an expression for each of the two forces.

F1 25N

F2 20N

If given the directions of North, South, East and West – we must refer to these directions in the answer.

A direction may also be described using bearings. The bearing is the angle measured from North in a
clockwise direction.

Ex. #2
Write the direction of each vector in both formats.

a 55 N of E, 035

b 65 S of E, 155

c 35 W of S, 215

d 65 W of N, 295

Problems Booklet: A: 1-3

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 Physics Semester 2, 2019 –TOPIC NOTES

2.3 Addition of Vectors

Read Chapter 3-1 Vectors and Scalars, 3-2 Addition of Vectors, page 50

When adding scalar quantities, add them as ordinary numbers.

Ex. #3
30 J + 45 J
75 J

When adding vector quantities, add them as vectors and give the direction of the total which is called the
resultant (net or total) vector.

Represent vector using an arrow:

Addition Rule: “Head to Tail”

To add vectors, place the tail of the 2nd vector to the head of the
1st vector, place the tail of the 3rd vector to the head of the 2nd
vector, place the …

The resultant (net or total) vector goes from the tail of the first
vector to the head of the last vector; i.e. from the “start position
to the finish position”

Ex. #4
Find the resultant force in these two 1 D problems.

Procedure:
1 Draw first vector.
2 Pick up second vector.
3 Place tail of second vector on the head of
the first vector.
4 New vector is from the tail of first vector
to the head of the second vector.

Topic 2: Kinematics in One and Two Dimensions © UP International College New Zealand Page 5
Simple arithmetic cannot be used if the two vectors are
not along the same line. Suppose a person walks 10.0
km east and then walks 5.0 km north. These vectors
need to be added together as shown in the diagram.
After taking this walk, the person is now 10.0 km east
and 5.0 km north of the point of origin. The resultant
displacement is represented by the arrow DR.

Using mathematics we can conclude that the person is

11.2 km from the origin at an angle of 27 north of east.

Ex. #5

If vectors a, b, and c are described as follows:

Sketch the following resultant vectors. Exact lengths are not necessary.
Remember, when drawing vectors:
 Draw the arrow at the centre of the vector
 Label all vectors – put a vector symbol under each letter

a + b b + a a + c ½b + 3c -b -2a

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 Physics Semester 2, 2019 –TOPIC NOTES

Ex. #6
Find the resultant force which acts on the object in this 2 D problem. Write the mathematics theory on the
right hand side of the page.

Join head to tail

R2 27 2 17 2
1018
R 31.906
32 N 2 sf

tan θ 17 / 27

θ tan-1 17 / 27
32.196°
32°

[Answer: 32 N @ 32°N of E]

Topic 2: Kinematics in One and Two Dimensions © UP International College New Zealand Page 7
Ex. #7a
Find the total force which acts on the object in this 2 D problem. Write the mathematics theory on the right
hand side of the page.

R2 48 2 35 2 – 2 x 48 x 35 cos 110°
4799 129
⇒R 69.275
69N

sin 110 / 69.275 sinβ / 49

⇒ Sinβ 49/69.275 sin 110°

0. 664668

⇒β sin --1 0 664668

41 . 656°
42°

⇒R 69 N @ 42° below 35N force

⇒R 69N @ 49 – 15 27° S of W

[Answer: 69 N @ 27°S of W]
Problems Booklet: B: 1

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 Physics Semester 2, 2019 –TOPIC NOTES

Ex. #7b
(Complete this after Ex. 11)
Find the total force which acts on the object in this 2 D problem. This time, solve the problem using vector
components.

f fy

35N : - 35 cos15° - 33.807 35 sin 15° 9.059

49N : -49 cos55°- - 28.105 -49sin 55° -40.138
-61.912 - 31.080

Hence Resultant
R. √ 61.9122 - 31.0802 √ 4799.1 69.276 N

θ tan -1 31.080 / 61.912

26.7 S of W

or a bearing of 270 – 27 243

Topic 2: Kinematics in One and Two Dimensions © UP International College New Zealand Page 9
2.4 Subtraction of Vectors
Read Chapter 3-3 Subtraction of Vectors, page 52

To find the change in any quantity we consider that:

Initial and change = final

change in a quantity = final value of quantity - initial value of quantity

To find the change in a vector quantity we must do vector subtraction.

To do vector subtraction we “reverse the direction and add”

e.g. ∆𝑣 𝑣 𝑣 and ∆𝑣 𝑣 𝑣

Ex. #8

If vectors a, b, and c are described as follows:

Sketch the following resultant vectors. Exact lengths are not necessary.
Remember, when drawing vectors:
 Draw the arrow at the centre of the vector
 Label all vectors – put a vector symbol under each letter

a - b a - c b - c b - a

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 Physics Semester 2, 2019 –TOPIC NOTES

Ex. #9
A ball is kicked at a wall at 17 ms-1. The ball rebounds off the wall at 15 ms-1. At all times the ball moves
along a line which is perpendicular to the wall.

a). Why was the rebound speed of the ball less?

Some of the kinetic energy of the ball was converted to heat.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

b). What is the change in speed of the ball?

Δs sf - si ----------→
15 – 17
-2.0 ms -1 vf 15 ms-1 vi 17 ms-1
← →

c). What is the change in velocity of the ball?

Δv vf – vi
-15 – 17
- 32 ms-1
or 32 ms -1 to the left, away from the wall.
answer is a vector ⇒ must give the direction

r ←-----
Δv vf - vi
15 – - 17
32ms -1
which is again to the left, away from the wall.

Topic 2: Kinematics in One and Two Dimensions © UP International College New Zealand Page 11
Ex. #10
A boy running in an easterly direction at 8.0 ms-1 changes his direction suddenly and runs south at 9.0
ms-1.

a). What is the change in his speed?

Δ s sf - s i
9.0 – 8.0 1.0ms-1

b). What is the change in his velocity?

Δ v vf - vi
Must draw diagram

Δv √ 9.0 2 8.0 2
12.042
12 ms -1

tan α 8/9⇒α tan-1 8 / 9

41.634°

Δv 12 ms -1 @ 42° W of S

[Answer: 1.0 ms-1; 12 ms-1 @ 42°W of S]

Problems Booklet: B: 2-5

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 Physics Semester 2, 2019 –TOPIC NOTES

2.5 Vector Components

Read Chapter 3-4 Adding Vectors by Components, page 53

Any vector can be split into two perpendicular components. Often this will simplify a problem.

Ex. #11
A ball is thrown into the air with a velocity of 25 ms-1 at an angle of 32 to the vertical. Find the vertical
and horizontal components of this velocity.

Draw the three vectors below, before you attempt the calculations.

vv 25 cos 32 21.2 ms -1
21 ms -1
Vh 25 sin 32 13.2 ms -1
13 ms- 1

Problems Booklet: B: 6-7

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2.6 Displacement, Velocity and Acceleration Graphs
Read Chapter 2-8 Graphical Analysis of Linear Motion, page 39

A convenient way of showing motion is to show the motion on a graph. Below is a summary of the three
different types of graphs that you must be familiar with. All motion is linear.
Displacement Time Graphs

The gradient of a displacement versus time graph represents velocity.

Velocity is the “rate of change of displacement”.

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 Physics Semester 2, 2019 –TOPIC NOTES

Velocity Time Graphs

The gradient of a velocity versus time graph represents acceleration.

The area under a velocity versus time graph represents displacement.

Acceleration is the “rate of change of velocity”.

Topic 2: Kinematics in One and Two Dimensions © UP International College New Zealand Page 15
Acceleration Time Graphs

The gradient of an acceleration versus time graph represents the rate of change of
acceleration.

The area under an acceleration versus time graph represents the change in velocity.

Complete the Misconceptual Questions Topic 2: Set A

Problems Booklet: C: 1-2

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 Physics Semester 2, 2019 –TOPIC NOTES

2.7 Equations of Motion

Try the “Chapter-Opening Question” – Chapter 3, page 49
Read Chapter 2-4 Acceleration, 2-5 Motion at Constant Acceleration, pages 26 and 28

“Equations of motion” are a set of equations that are used only when a body has constant acceleration
in a straight line.

Acceleration is defined to be the rate of change of velocity. 𝑎

∆

The five equations may be derived from this definition.

𝑣 𝑣 𝑎𝑡 d  displacement [m]
𝑣 𝑣 2𝑎𝑑 vi  initial velocity [ms-1]
𝑑 𝑡 vf  final velocity [ms-1]
𝑑 𝑣𝑡 𝑎𝑡 a  acceleration [ms-2]
𝑑 𝑣 𝑡 𝑎𝑡 t  time [s]

Ex. #12
A car travelling at 54.0 kmh-1 in a straight line accelerates to 105 kmh-1 at a constant rate in 12.0 seconds.
a). What was the cars displacement during this time?

vi 54 kmh -1 54 / 3.6 15.0 ms-1

vf 105 kmh -1 105 / 3.6 29.167 ms-1
t 12 s
d ?

d Vi Vf / 2 t area under graph

15 29.167 / 2 12
265m

b). What was the cars rate of acceleration?

a vf – vi / Δt
29.167 – 15 / 12
1.1805
1.18 ms -2

Exercise B:
A car moves along the 𝑥 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠. What is the sign of the car’s acceleration if it is moving in the positive 𝑥
direction with (i) increasing speed or (ii) decreasing speed? What is the sign of the acceleration if the car
moves in the negative 𝑥 direction with (iii) increasing speed or (iv) decreasing speed?
ve -ve -ve ve
(i). ………… (ii). ………... (iii). ……….. (iv). ………..

Topic 2: Kinematics in One and Two Dimensions © UP International College New Zealand Page 17
Ex. #13
A ball is thrown vertically into the air at 42.0 ms-1.
The ball reaches its maximum height and returns to earth.
(Take acceleration due to gravity to be 9.80 ms-2)

a). How high did the ball go? (What was the balls maximum displacement before it returns to earth?)
Choose +ve direction to be that of the motion!
upwards is positive
vi 42 ms_1 d 0 – 42 2 / 2 x -9.8
vf 0 90.0 m 3 sf
a -9.8 ms -2
d ?

vf 2 vi 2 2 a d
d vf 2 - vi 2 / 2a

b). How long was the ball in the air?

upwards is positive
time ↑ time ↓ ⇒ find 2 t ↑
vf vi at t 0 – 42 /-9.80
t vf - vi /a t 4.2857
2t 8.571 s 8.57 s 3sf

c). What was the balls displacement in its third second of travel?
(while travelling upwards)
upwards is positive
vi 42ms -1 a -9.80 ms -2
t 2s ⇒ d ?
t 3s ⇒.d ?

d vi t ½ a t 2
d2 42 2 ½ -9.80 2 2 64.4m
d3 42 3 ½ -9.80 3 2 81.9m
d3 – d2 - 81.9 – 64.4
17.5m

d). What was the balls speed half way to the earth on its return
journey?
downwards is positive
Consider motion downwards
vi 0, a 9.80 ms -2, d 90 / 2 45.0m
vf 2 vi 2 2 a d
0 2 9.98 90/2
882
vf 29.698 29.7bms -1 3sf

[Answer: 90.0 m, 8.57 s, 17.5 m, 29.7 ms-1]

Problems Booklet D: 1-5

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 Physics Semester 2, 2019 –TOPIC NOTES

2.8 Projectile Motion

Read Chapter 3-5 Projectile Motion, page 58

Consider a tiny ball rolling off the end of a horizontal

table with an initial velocity in the horizontal (x)
direction vx0. See the diagram at right where an object
falling vertically is also shown for comparison. The
velocity vector v at each instant points in the direction
of the ball’s motion at that instant and is therefore
always tangent to the path. We treat the horizontal
and vertical components of velocity and acceleration
separately.

First we examine the vertical (y) component of the

motion. Once the ball leaves the table (at t = 0), it
experiences a vertically downward acceleration g, the
acceleration due to gravity. Therefore vy is initially
zero (vy0 = 0) but increases continually in the
downward direction until the ball hits the ground. We
take positive y to be in the direction of the motion
(downward), therefore 𝑦 𝑔𝑡 or 𝑑 𝑎𝑡 using
th
the 4 equation given in section 2.7.

In the horizontal direction, there is no acceleration (we are ignoring air resistance). With ax = 0, the
horizontal component of velocity vx remains constant and equal to its initial value vx0 and therefore has the
same magnitude at each point on its path. We take x to be in the direction of vx0, therefore 𝑥 𝑣 𝑡 or
𝑑 𝑣 𝑡.

The two vectors vx and vy can be added vectorially at any instant to obtain the velocity v at that time, for
each point on the path.

One result of this analysis is that an object projected horizontally will

reach the ground in the same time as an object dropped vertically. This
is shown in the diagram at right.

Summary:
An object having “projectile motion” will move with constant
acceleration (g) vertically and constant velocity horizontally. These
motions must be considered separately.

Read Chapter 3-7, Projectile Motion is Parabolic, page 64

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Ex. #14
Where in the diagram below is (i) v = 0, (ii) vy = 0, (iii) vx = 0?

Exercise C:
Two balls having different speeds roll off the edge of a horizontal table at the same time. Which hits the
floor sooner, the faster ball or the slower one?
They arrive at the same time.
………………………………………...

Exercise D:
Two balls are thrown from a cliff. One is thrown directly up, the other directly down. Both balls have the
same initial speed, and both hit the ground below the cliff at different times. Which ball hits the ground at
the greater speed? (Ignore air resistance)
A. the ball thrown upward
B. the ball thrown downward
C. both the same
C
……..

Read Chapter 3-6 Solving Projectile Motion Problems, page 60

Ex. #15 Driving off a cliff (Example 3-5, page 61)

A movie stunt driver on a motorcycle speeds horizontally off
a 50.0 m high cliff. How fast must the motorcycle leave the
cliff top to land on level ground below, 90.0 m from the base
of the cliff where the cameras are? Ignore air resistance.

Use d vi t ½ a t2 to find time taken

⇒ 50 0 – ½ 9.81 t 2
⇒ t √ 2 × -50 / 9.80 3.19s
Hence time to travel 90 m is 3.19 s
⇒ VH 90 / 3.19 28.2 ms -1 ~ 100 kmh -1

Key point: vertical motion and horizontal motion share a common time!
horizontal – constant velocity
vertical – constant acceleration

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 Physics Semester 2, 2019 –TOPIC NOTES

Ex. #16 A kicked football (Example 3-6, page 62)

A kicked football leaves the ground at an angle of 𝜃 37.0 with a velocity of 20.0 ms-1 as shown in the
diagram below.
Assume the ball leaves the foot at ground level, and ignore air resistance and the rotation of the ball.

Calculate:

a) the maximum height reached by the football

𝑣 𝑣 𝑐𝑜𝑠 37 20 𝑐𝑜𝑠 37 15.973 𝑚𝑠 𝑣 𝑣 2𝑎𝑑
.
𝑣 𝑣 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃 20 𝑠𝑖𝑛 37 12.036 𝑚𝑠 ∴ 𝑑 .
7.3915 𝑚
𝑣 0 ⇒ 7.39 m
𝑎 9.80 𝑚𝑠
𝑑 ?

b) the time of travel before the football hits the ground

The time to go up equals the time to come down. Find t, then multiply by two.
.
𝑡 ? 𝑣 𝑣 𝑎𝑡 ∴ 𝑡 .
1.2282 𝑠
∴ 2𝑡 2.4564 ⇒ 2.46 s

c) how far away the football hits the ground

The ball moves horizontally at 𝑣 15.973 𝑚𝑠 for a time 2t 2.4564 𝑠 .

𝑣 ∴ 𝑑 𝑣 ⋅ 2𝑡 15.973 2.4564 39.235 𝑚 ⇒ 39.2 𝑚

Exercise E:
In Ex. #16 above, what is (i) the velocity vector at the maximum height, and (ii) the acceleration vector at
maximum height?
velocity is horizontal 16.0 ms-1 acceleration is 9.80 ms-2 downward
(i). ………………………………………... (ii). ………………………………………...........

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Ex. #17 A punt (Example 3-9, page 64) Method 1
Suppose the football in Ex. 16 was punted, and left the punter’s foot at a height 1.00 m above the ground.
How far did the football travel before hitting the ground? Set 𝑥 0 and 𝑦 0.

Using d vi t ½ a t2
⇒ -1 12 t – 9.8 / 2 t2
⇒ 4.9 t 2 – 12 t -1 0

Solve the quadratic:

⇒ 12 √ 122 4 4.9 1 /2 4.9 ⇒ 2.53 s or -0.031 s prior to kick

Hence x distance vH t
16 2.53
40.5 m
1.3m further than ground level kick

Complete the Misconceptual Questions Topic 2: Set B.

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 Physics Semester 2, 2019 –TOPIC NOTES

Ex. #18 A punt (Example 3-9, page 64) Methods 2 & 3

Suppose the football in Ex. 16 was punted, and left the punter’s foot at a height 1.00 m above the ground.
How far did the football travel before hitting the ground? Set 𝑥 0 and 𝑦 0.

do in 2 steps:
1 time to top – 1.224 s

2 time to drop from 7.345m to – 1 m ⇒ 8.345 m

Using d vi t ½ a t2
⇒ 8.345 0 ½ × 9.81 2
⇒ tdown 1.31 s

⇒ ttotal 1.224 1.31 2.53 s as before

Hence x vH t 16 2.53
40.5 m as before

Topic 2: Kinematics in One and Two Dimensions © UP International College New Zealand Page 23
Glossary of Terms
Scalar Quantity A quantity that has only size (magnitude).
e.g. mass, time.
Vector Quantity A quantity that has both size (magnitude) and direction.
e.g. velocity, force.
SI units The “International System” of units accepted by (most) scientists worldwide. Each
quantity that we measure is assigned a specific unit to use in equations.
Basic unit A unit that has a specific definition in the most precise terms we have available at that
time. There are seven base units.
Derived unit Units that have a specific ratio of the base units. All units which are not base units, are
derived units.
e.g. velocity is always a length quantity divided by a time quantity.
Distance A measure of how far an object moves.
Displacement The distance and direction from a known origin.
or
The displacement of a point B from a point A is the shortest distance from A to B, together
with the direction.
Speed The rate of change of distance.
Velocity The rate of change of displacement.
Acceleration The rate of change of velocity.
Resultant When a number of values of a particular quantity are summed (by appropriate scalar or
vector method) to equal the single value that equates to them. (a.k.a. net or total value)
Projectile An object moving through the air only under the force of gravity.

Formulae – Kinematics in one and two Dimensions

𝑣 𝑣 𝑎𝑡
𝑣 𝑣 2𝑎𝑑
𝑣 𝑣
𝑑 𝑡
2
𝑑 𝑣𝑡 𝑎𝑡
𝑑 𝑣 𝑡 𝑎𝑡

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