Motion 5

5 Motion

5.1 Distance and Displacement

5.2 Speed and velocity

5.3 Acceleration

5.4 Motion graphs

5.5
Equations of uniformly accelerat
ed motion

5.6 Vertical motion under gravity

Force and Motion 1
 Motion 5
5.1 Distance and displacement

A Time and length

Time
• Meaning
8:00 11:00
time
instant:
When an
event
happens
time interval: 3 hours
How long an
event lasts

Force and Motion 2

 Motion 5

• SI unit
second (s)

• Other unit

minute (min) 1 min = 60 s

hour (h) 1 h = 60 min

day (d) 1 d = 24 h

year (y) 1 y ≈ 365.25 d

Force and Motion 3

 Motion 5
Question 1:
a. min, 175 h,
7.29 day, 1.04 week
b. 5880 s, 1.63 h, 0.0681 day,
9.72 week
c. s, 720 min,
0.5 day, 0.0714 week
d. s, 1440 min, 24 h, 0.143
week
e. s, min, 168 h, 7 day

Force and Motion

 Motion 5

• Order of magnitude (~10?? s)

Force and Motion 5

 Motion 5

• Measuring time

Mechanical
Stopwatch Digital
accurate to 1 s stopwatch
accurate to 0.01
Force and Motion
s 6
 Motion 5
• Reaction time: time lapse between seeing an event
and starting (or stopping) a stopwatches
t = 10 s t = 10.2 s
cross the line stop timing

reaction time =
0.2 s
time t

Online reaction time test

Force and Motion 7
 Motion 5
Question 2:
a. Percentage error
=
= = 67%
b. No, the reaction time error
cannot be eliminated

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Light
• Measuring time
gates

timer

Electronic
timing
accurate to
Force and Motion
0.001 s 9
 Motion 5

Length

• SI unit millimetre (mm) 1 mm = 0.001

m
metre (m) centimetre (cm)
1 cm = 0.01 m
kilometre (km)
1 km = 1000
m

• Measuring length
reading = 21.55 ± 0.10
cm
Measuri
ng error
Force and Motion 10
 Motion 5
• We usually use rulers and measuring tapes to
measure length in a school laboratory.
• Instruments such as vernier calipers and micrometers
are needed for accurate measurement of small
lengths.

A vernier caliper is accurate to A micrometer is accurate to

0.1 mm. 0.01 mm. It can be used to measure
the thickness of paper as shown.

Force and Motion 11

 Motion 5
B Distance and displacement

Distance

• Length of the path

N

B
A

magnitude
length of the path AB = 280 m

Force and Motion 12

 Motion 5

Displacement Distance and displacem

ent

• Change in position

B
A

magnitude direction
length of AB = 180 m direction of AB =
east
Force and Motion 13
 Motion 5

Example 1 Hour arm

A clock has an hour arm of length 10 cm. After 12

h, what are

(a) the total distance travelled by the tip of

the hour arm

Force and Motion 14

 Motion 5
Solution

(a) Distance travelled by the tip = the circumference

⇒ distance = 2πr = 2π(10) ≈ 62.8 cm

0 cm
1

Force and Motion 15

 Motion 5

(b) its overall displacement?

Force and Motion 16

 Motion 5
Solution

(b) overall displacement = 0 (∵ it returns to its initial)

0 cm
1

Force and Motion 17

 Motion 5
C Scalars and vectors

• A scalar quantity has magnitude only.

• A vector quantity has both magnitude and

direction.
B

Symbol: AB
Force and Motion 18
 Motion 5
C Scalars and vectors

• A scalar quantity has magnitude only.

• A vector quantity has both magnitude and

direction.

Symbol: AB or p

Force and Motion 19

 +v Motion 5
e

x: position vector from O

Force and Motion 20
 Motion 5

Force and Motion 21

 Motion 5
Addition of vectors

Force and Motion 22

 Motion 5
Addition of vectors

Force and Motion 23

 Motion 5
Addition of vectors

Force and Motion 24

 Motion 5
Addition of vectors

Force and Motion 25

 Motion 5
Question 3:

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Subtraction of vectors

Force and Motion 27

 Motion 5
Subtraction of vectors

Force and Motion 28

 Motion 5
Subtraction of vectors

Force and Motion 29

 Motion 5
Subtraction of vectors

Force and Motion 30

 Motion 5
Subtraction of vectors

Force and Motion 31

 Motion 5
Question 4:

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
D Displacement along a straight line

O A
east
(+)

150 m 200 m

1 O to A 200 m east (+) OA = +200 m

Force and Motion 33

 Motion 5

B A
east
(+)

150 m 200 m

1 O to A 200 m east (+) OA = +200 m

2 A to B 350 m west (−) AB = −350 m

Force and Motion 34

 Motion 5

B O A
east
(+)

150 m 200 m

1 O to A 200 m east (+) OA = +200 m

2 A to B 350 m west (−) AB = −350 m

overall O to A to B 550 m west (−) OB = −150 m

Force and Motion 35

 Motion 5
E Displacement in a plane

• Trip: O → A → C C
N
• Overall displacement

OC = OA + AC 350 m

O A
200 m

Force and Motion 36

 Motion 5

• Tip-to-tail method

1 2
. .

O 200 m A
50
m
50 m

Force and Motion 37

 Motion 5

3 4
. .
C C

350 m
350 m

O 200 m A O 200 m A
50
m
50 m

Force and Motion 38

 Motion 5

• Pythagoras’ theorem
C

350 m

O 200 m A
∴ OC is 403 m
(N29.7°E)

Force and Motion 39

 Motion 5

Example 2 Treasure hunt

A group of students move from checkpoint A to F

in a garden along the path shown.

(a) Find the total distance they have travelled.

A B

D C

E F
25 m

25 m
Force and Motion 40
 Motion 5
Solution

(a) Total distance travelled

50 m
A B
= total length of the path 25 m
25 m
D C
= AB + BC + CD + DE + EF 25 m
50 m
E F
= 175 m
25 m

25 m

Force and Motion 41

 Motion 5

(b) Find their overall displacement

A B

D C

E F
25 m

25 m

Force and Motion 42

 Motion 5
Solution

(b) Magnitude
= AF A B
θ
= D C
50 m
≈ 90.1 m
E F
75 m
Direction 25 m

25 m

θ ≈ 56.3°

∴ overall displacement is 90.1 m (S56.3°E) .

Force and Motion 43

 Motion 5
Question 5:
4 steps backward

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 6:
2 floors upward

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 7:
(1) a. 18 m b. 12 m east
(2) a. 2.82 mb. 1.99 m N 45oE
(3) a. 23.6 mb. 7.07 m N45oE
(4) a. 10 m b. 1.73 m N60oE

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 8:
10 m, in direction to the left side
and making an angle of 60o to
vertical

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 9:
a. 2 m to the right
b. 0.268 m downward

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 10:
A

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
5.2 Speed and velocity

A Speed
• Distance travelled per unit time

• Scalar

• e.g. speed = 50 km h−1

0.5 h ⇒ travels 25 km
2h ⇒ travels 100 km
3h ⇒ travels 150 km

Force and Motion 50

 Motion 5

• SI unit

metre per second (m s−1)

• Other unit

kilometre per hour (km h−1)

Force and Motion 51

 Motion 5

• Order of magnitude (~10?? m s−1)

Force and Motion 52

 Motion 5

Average speed

• Total distance travelled / total time taken

65 m

total distance travelled = 65

m total time taken = 5
∴saverage speed = 65/5 = 13 m s−1
Force and Motion 53
 Motion 5
Example 3 Average speed of a
moving train
A train takes 1.8 h to travel a distance of 179 km
from Guangzhou Station to Kowloon Station.

(a) Find the average speed of the train in

(i) km h−1
(ii) m s−1

Force and Motion 54

 Motion 5
Solution

(a) Average speed

≈ 99.4 km h−1

= (99.4 × ) m s−1

≈ 27.6 m s−1

Force and Motion 55

 Motion 5

(b) From the data provided, can we determine

the maximum speed of the train during the
journey? Explain briefly.

Force and Motion 56

 Motion 5
Solution

(b) No
∵ speed of the train changes with time is unknown

Force and Motion 57

 Motion 5

Instantaneous speed

• Speed at a certain instant

N
14 m s−1 at 3 s

16 m s−1 at 5 s

11 m s−1 at 0 s

Force and Motion 58

 Motion 5

• Question:

1 km h−1 (6 km, 6 h)
A B
3 km h−1 (6 km, 2 h)

average speed = 2 km h−1 ?

total distance travelled = 6 + 6 = 12 km

total time taken = 6 + 2 = 8 h
∴ average speed = 12/8 = 1.5 km h−1 ≠ 2
km h−1

Force and Motion 59

 Motion 5
B Velocity

• Displacement per unit time

• Vector

e.g. 50 km h−1 east

0.5 h ⇒ travels 25 km east

2 h ⇒ travels 100 km
east
3 h ⇒ travels 150 km
east
Force and Motion 60
 Motion 5

Average velocity

• Overall displacement / total time taken

30 m
(east)

overall displacement = 30 m
(east)
total time taken = 5 same
direction
s
∴ average velocity = 30/5 = 6 m s−1
(east)
Force and Motion 61
 Motion 5

Example 4 Parking a car

Johnny takes 20 s to move his car into a parking

space as shown. Find

(a) the average speed of the car

20 m

15 m

Force and Motion 62

 Motion 5
Solution

20 m
(a) Average speed

15 m

= 1.75 m s−1

Force and Motion 63

 Motion 5

(b) the average velocity of the car

20 m

15 m

Force and Motion 64

 Motion 5
Solution

20 m
(b) Overall displacement
20 m
=
= 25 m
15
15mm
Magnitude θ

= 1.25 m s−1

Force and Motion 65

 Motion 5
Solution

20 m
(b) Direction
20 m

θ ≈ 53.1°

∴ average velocity is
15
15mm
θ

1.25 m s−1 (N53.1°W)

Force and Motion 66

 Motion 5

Instantaneous velocity

• Velocity at a certain instant

N
14 m s−1 (S45°E) at
3s

16 m s−1 (S45°E) at 5 s

11 m s−1 (N45°E) at 0 s

• magnitude of instantaneous velocity = the

instantaneous speed
Force and Motion 67
 Motion 5

• magnitude of average velocity ≠ average speed

• e.g. going round

time for a cycle = T

average velocity = 0

average speed =

but instantaneous velocity (magnitude)

Force and Motion speed

= instantaneous 68
 Motion 5
Question 11:
a. Yes
b. 180 s

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 12:
a. 0.262 ms-1
b. 0.167 ms-1

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 13:
a. 3.33 ms-1
b. 0

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 14:

Force and Motion

 Motion 5

Uniform motion

• equal change in position for every second

tim 0s 1s 2s 3s
e

+
0 10 m 20 m 30 m
change in m
+10 +10 +10 m
position
m m

𝒔=𝒗 𝒕
Force and Motion 73
 Motion 5

Example 5 Runner

For the first 20 For the next 30

s... s...
2m
1.5 m s−1
s−1

Force and Motion 74

 Motion 5

(a) Where is Janet at the end of the journey?

For the first 20 For the next 30

s... s...
2m
1.5 m s−1
s−1

Force and Motion 75

 Motion 5
Solution

(a) Take the direction to the right

as positive. (+)
0s 20 s
In the first 20 s, + 40 m

s = vt = (2)(20) = +40 m
50 s − 45 m

In the next 30 s,
s = vt = (−1.5)(30) = −45 m

Force and Motion 76

 Motion 5
Solution

(a) Overall displacement

= (+40) + (−45) (+)
0s 20 s
= −5 m

∴ Janet is 5 m to the left of

+ 40 m

50 s − 45 m
her initial position.

−5m
overall displacement

Force and Motion 77

 Motion 5

(b) Find her average velocity

during the journey. (+)
0s 20 s
+ 40 m

50 s − 45 m

−5m
overall displacement

Force and Motion 78

 Motion 5
Solution

(b) Average velocity

(+)
0s 20 s
+ 40 m

= −0.1 m s−1 50 s − 45 m

∴ Janet’ average velocity is

is 0.1 m s−1 (to the left). −5m
overall displacement

Force and Motion 79

 Motion 5

(c) Find her average speed

during the journey.
0s 20 s
40 m

50 s 45 m

Force and Motion 80

 Motion 5
Solution

(c) Average speed 0s 20 s

40 m

50 s 45 m

= 1.7 m s−1

∴ Janet’ average speed is 1.7 m s−1.

Force and Motion 81

 Motion 5
Question 15:
a. 24 ms-1
b. 2.5 ms

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 16:
1.19 m

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 17:
2s

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 18:

Assume that

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 19:
a. 100 ms-1
b. pros: closer to instantaneous
speed, cons: cannot measure
very high speed

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 20:
B

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 21:
B

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
5.3 Acceleration

• How fast velocity changes

∆ 𝐯 𝐯−𝐮
¿
∆𝐭
=
𝐭 (unit: m
• Vector s−2)

• change in velocity

1. change in magnitude 2. change in

direction

speeding slowing down

up
Force and Motion 89
 Motion 5
Question 22:
19 ms-1 downward

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 23:

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 24:
C

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 25:
C

Force and Motion

 Motion 5

Uniformly accelerated motion

tim 0 1 2 3 +
e s s s s

0 2 m s−1 4 m s−1 6 m s−1

+2 m +2 m s−1 +2 m s−1
s−1
• equal change in velocity for every second

• constant acceleration
a = acceleration
v = final velocity
u = initial velocity
t = time taken

Force and Motion 94

 Motion 5

tim 0 1 2 3
e s s s s

0 1m 4 9 distance
m m m travelled

1 3 5
m m m
• distance travelled in every second is longer than
the previous second

Force and Motion 95

 Motion 5
B Magnitude of acceleration
• Speeding up with greater acceleration
⇒ reaching the same speed in a shorter time.

1 2 +
s s
a=2m
s−2
2 m s−1 4 m s−1

1
s
a=4m
s−2
4 m s−1

Force and Motion 96

 Motion 5
• Speeding up with greater acceleration
⇒ gains a larger speed every second
⇒ travels a longer distance every second
1 2 +
s s
a=2m
s−2
1m 4m total distance
travelled
1 2
s s
a=4m
s−2
2m 8m

Force and Motion 97

 Motion 5

Example 6 Race cars

In 4 s, car A accelerates uniformly from 50 km h−1

to 150 km h−1 while car B accelerates uniformly
from
100 km h−1 to 200 km h−1.

(a) Which car has a higher acceleration?

Force and Motion 98

 Motion 5
Solution

(a) Change in velocity of car A = 150 −50 = 100 km h−1

Change in velocity of car B = 200 − 100 = 100 km h−1

⇒ both increase their speeds by 100 km h−1 in 4 s

⇒ same acceleration

Force and Motion 99

 Motion 5

(b) Calculate the acceleration of the cars

Car A: 50 → 150 km h−1

Car B : 100 → 200 km h−1

Force and Motion 100

 Motion 5
Solution

(b) Take the forward direction as positive

100 km h−1 = = 27.78 m s−1

Acceleration = ≈ +6.94 m s −2

Both cars accelerate forwards at 6.94 m s−2.

Force and Motion 101

 Motion 5
C Direction of acceleration
a = -1 m s−2
• Moving against the wind
a = 1 m s−2
+
10 m s−1 t=
stage 1 0
5 m s−1 t= 5
s
stage 2 v=0 t= 10
s
v = −5 m s−1 t= 15
stage 3 s
v = −10 m s−1 t= 20
s
sign of v sign of a motion
stage 1 + − slowing
down

Force and Motion 102

 Motion 5

• Moving against the wind

a = 1 m s−2
+
10 m s−1 t=
stage 1 0
5 m s−1 t= 5
s
stage 2 v=0 t= 10
s
v = −5 m s−1 t= 15
stage 3 s
v = −10 m s−1 t= 20
s
sign of v sign of a motion
stage 2 v=0 − momentarily at
rest

Force and Motion 103

 Motion 5

• Moving against the wind

a = 1 m s−2
+
10 m s−1 t=
stage 1 0
5 m s−1 t= 5
s
stage 2 v=0 t= 10
s
v = −5 m s−1 t= 15
stage 3 s
v = −10 m s−1 t= 20
s
sign of v sign of a motion
stage 3 − − speeding
up

Force and Motion 104

 Motion 5

• To sum up
a = 1 m s−2
+
+
stage 1
+

stage 2 v=0

−
stage 3
−

sign of sign of motion

v a
stage 1 + − slowing down
stage 2 v=0 − momentarily at
rest
stage 3 − − speeding up
Force and Motion 105
 Motion 5

Example 7 A ball rolling up a slope

2m
1
s−

Force and Motion 106

 Motion 5

(a) Find the acceleration of the ball.

2m
1
s−

Force and Motion 107

 Motion 5
Solution
v=0
t = 0.8 s
(a) Take the direction up
u = 2 m s−1
the plane as positive. t=0
Given u = +2 m s−1
(+)

momentarily at rest ⇒ velocity v = 0

∴ v = 0 at t = 0.8 s

The acceleration is 2.5 m s−2 (down the plane)

Force and Motion 108

 Motion 5

(b) Find the velocity of the ball 1.2 s after the

projection.

a = −2.5 m s−2

u = 2 m s−1
t=0

(+)

Force and Motion 109

 Motion 5
Solution

v = –1 m s –1
(b) By v = u + at, t = 1.2 s

u = 2 m s−1
The velocity t=0

= 2 + (−2.5)(1.2)
(+) a = −2.5 m s−2
= −1 m s −1

∴ The velocity is 1 m s −1 (down the plane)

OR By v = u + at,

The velocity = 0 + (−2.5)(1.2 - 0.8) = −1 m s −1

Force and Motion 110

 Motion 5
Question 26:
20 ms-1 due East

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 27:
12 ms-1 due East

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
5.4 Motion graphs

• Displacement–time (s–t) graph

• Velocity–time (v–t) graph

• Acceleration–time (a–t) graph

Motion graph
s

Force and Motion 113

 Motion 5
A From motion to motion graphs

Uniform motion
s/m

+40 40
+50
m
m
displacement

+30 30
+40
m
+20 m 20
+30
m
m
+10 10
+20
s

m
m
0m 0 t/s
+ +10 1 2 3 4
m
0 1 2 3 4
s s time
s ts s

Force and Motion 114

 Motion 5
• Uniform motion ⇒ constant v

v / m s−1 a / m s−2

10
constant velocity

zero acceleration
0 t/s 0 t/s
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Force and Motion 115

 Motion 5
Uniformly accelerated motion

• Uniform accelerated motion ⇒ constant a

u = 5 m s-1 is assumed
v/ms −1
a / m s−2

20 5

15 constant acceleration

10
velocity changes
5 at fixed rate
0 t/s 0 t/s
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

u = 0 is assumed

Force and Motion 116

 Motion 5
Uniformly accelerated motion

s/m

+40 40
m
displacement

30
+22.5
20
m
+10 10
s

m
+2.5
0m 0 t/s
+ 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4
s s time
s ts s

Force and Motion 117

 Motion 5
B Relations between motion graphs

Relations between s–t and v–t graphs

s/m v/m
s−1
40 10

30

20

10

0 t/s 0 t/s
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Force and Motion 118

 Motion 5
Uniformly accelerated motion

s/m

40

30

20

10

0 t/s
1 2 3 4

Force and Motion 119

 Motion 5

v/m s/m
s−1

10 40

30
area
20

10

0 t/s 0 t/s
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Force and Motion 120

 Motion 5

Relations between v–t and a–t graphs

∆𝐯
𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐯 − 𝐭 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡 = =𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚
∆𝐭

v/m a/m
s−1 s−2
20 5

15

10

0 t/s 0 t/s
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Force and Motion 121

 Motion 5

a/m v/m
s−2 s−1

5 20

15
area
10

0 t/s 0 t/s
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Force and Motion 122

 Motion 5

a/m v/m
s−2 s−1

5 20

15
area
10

0 t/s 0 t/s
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Force and Motion 123

 Motion 5

Negative area under a graph

0 5 10 15 20 v/m
s s s s s s−1
v=0
10
+5 m s −1

0 t/s
5 1 1 2
+ +10 m s−1 −5 m s−1 0 5 0
−5

−10

a = −1 m s −2 −10 m s−1

Force and Motion 124

 Motion 5

0 5 10 15 s 20 s v/m
s s s s−1
+ve area ⇒ Δs >
10 0
Δs = +12.5 Δs = −12.5
m m 5

0 t/s
Δs = −37.5 5 10 15 2
Δs = +37.5 0
m m −5

0m −10
+ −ve area ⇒ Δs > 0
Displacement = 0 m
a = −1 m s−2 Distance travelled = 100 m

Force and Motion 125

 Motion 5

General cases

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
C Analysing motion graphs

To analyse a complex motion graph,

• divide it into sections

• identify the motion in each section

Force and Motion 127

 Motion 5

Example 8 Mouse and cheese

2
m

Force and Motion 128

 Motion 5
s/m

1.5

1.0

0.5

t/s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6

The forward direction is taken as positive.

(a) Find the velocities of the mouse during t = 0 to

2 s,
2 to 4 s and 4 to 6 s. Hence, describe its motion
during those time intervals.
Force and Motion 129
 Motion 5
Solution

(a)
s/m

1.5

1.0

0.5

t/s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6

velocity
time motion
(= slope of the s–t graph)
The mouse moves forwards at a
0–2 s
constant speed of 0.75 m s−1

Force and Motion 130

 Motion 5
Solution

(a)
s/m

1.5

1.0

0.5

t/s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6

velocity
time motion
(= slope of the s–t graph)

2–4 s The mouse stays at rest

Force and Motion 131

 Motion 5
Solution

(a)
s/m

1.5

1.0

0.5

t/s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6

velocity
time motion
(= slope of the s–t graph)
The mouse moves backwards at
4–6 s
a constant speed of 0.45 m s−1

Force and Motion 132

 Motion 5
Solution

(a) velocity
time motion
(= slope of the s–t graph)
The mouse moves forwards at a
0–2 s
constant speed of 0.75 m s−1

2–4 s The mouse stays at rest

The mouse moves backwards at

4–6 s
a constant speed of 0.45 m s−1

Force and Motion 133

 Motion 5

(b) Find the average velocity of the mouse during

the journey.
s/m

1.5

1.0

0.5

t/s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Force and Motion 134

 Motion 5
Solution

(b) From the graph, overall displacement = 0.6 m.

s/m

1.5

1.0

0.6 m
0.5

t/s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Force and Motion 135

 Motion 5
Solution

(b) Average velocity

= 0.1 m s−1 (forward)

Force and Motion 136

 Motion 5

(c) Does the mouse reach the cheese?

s/m

1.5

1.0

0.5

t/s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Force and Motion 137

 Motion 5
Solution

(c) No
The largest displacement of the mouse is only 1.5 m.

s/m

1.5

1.0

0.5

t/s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Force and Motion 138

 Motion 5

Example 9 Walking to work

v / m s−1

0.
5

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 t/s

−0. 0 0 0 0 0 0
5
−
1

Force and Motion 139

 Motion 5

v / m s−1

0.
5

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 t/s

−0. 0 0 0 0 0 0
5
−
1
The direction to the east is taken as positive.

(a) Find Kenny’s displacements during t = 0 to 200

s,
200 to 300 s and 300 to 600 s. Describe his
motion during those time intervals.
Force and Motion 140
 Motion 5
Solution

(a)
v / m s−1

0.
5

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 t/s

−0. 0 0 0 0 0 0
5
−
1
displacement
time motion
(= area under the v–t graph)
Kenny walks 100 m to the east at
0–200 s s = (200 − 0)(0.5) = 100 m
a constant velocity of 0.5 m s−1

Force and Motion 141

 Motion 5
Solution

(a)
v / m s−1

0.
5

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 t/s

−0. 0 0 0 0 0 0
5
−
1
displacement
time motion
(= area under the v–t graph)

200–300 s s = (300 − 200)(0) = 0 Kenny stays at rest.

Force and Motion 142

 Motion 5
Solution

(a)
v / m s−1

0.
5

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 t/s

−0. 0 0 0 0 0 0
5
−
1
displacement
time motion
(= area under the v–t graph)
s = (600 − 300)(−1) Kenny walks 300 m to the west
300–600 s
= −300 m at a constant velocity of 1 m s−1

Force and Motion 143

 Motion 5
Solution

(a) displacement
time motion
(= area under the v–t graph)
Kenny walks 100 m to the east at
0–200 s s = (200 − 0)(0.5) = 100 m
a constant velocity of 0.5 m s−1

200–300 s s = (300 − 200)(0) = 0 Kenny stays at rest.

s = (600 − 300)(−1) Kenny walks 300 m to the west

300–600 s
= −300 m at a constant velocity of 1 m s−1

Force and Motion 144

 Motion 5

(b) Sketch his s–t graph during the journey.

v / m s−1

0.
5

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 t/s

−0. 0 0 0 0 0 0
5
−
1

Force and Motion 145

 Motion 5
Solution

(b) s/m

100

0 t/s
10 20 30 40 50 60
−10 0 0 0 0 0 0
0
−20
0

Force and Motion 146

 Motion 5

(c) Find his average velocity during the journey.

v / m s−1

0.
5

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 t/s

−0. 0 0 0 0 0 0
5
−
1

Force and Motion 147

 Motion 5
Solution
s/m

(c)
100

0 t/s
10 20 30 40 50 60
−10 0 0 0 0 0 0 overall
displacement
0
= −200m
−20
0

Average velocity

The average velocity is 0.333 m s−1 to the west.

Force and Motion 148
 Motion 5
Example 10 Travelling between
train stations

v / m s−1

20

15

10

t/s
0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Force and Motion 149

 Motion 5
v / m s−1

20

15

10

t/s
0 10 20 30 40 50 60

The forward direction is taken as positive.

(a) Find the accelerations of the train during t = 0

to 60 s. Hence, describe the motion of the train
during t = 0 to 60 s.
Force and Motion 150
 Motion 5
Solution
v / m s−1

(a) 20

15

10

t/s
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
acceleration
time motion
(= slope of the v–t graph)
The train accelerates uniformly
0–20 s
at 1 m s−2

Force and Motion 151

 Motion 5
Solution
v / m s−1

(a) 20

15

10

t/s
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
acceleration
time motion
(= slope of the v–t graph)
The train moves at a constant
20–40 s
velocity of 20 m s−1

Force and Motion 152

 Motion 5
Solution
v / m s−1

(a) 20

15

10

t/s
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
acceleration
time motion
(= slope of the v–t graph)
The train decelerates uniformly
40–60 s
at 1 m s−2

Force and Motion 153

 Motion 5
Solution

(a) acceleration
time motion
(= slope of the v–t graph)
The train accelerates uniformly
0–20 s
at 1 m s−2
The train moves at a constant
20–40 s
velocity of 20 m s−1
The train decelerates uniformly
40–60 s
at 1 m s−2

Force and Motion 154

 Motion 5

(b) What is the distance between stations A and B?

v / m s−1

20

15

10

t/s
0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Force and Motion 155

 Motion 5
Solution
v / m s−1

(b) 20

15

10

t/s
0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Overall displacement = total area under the v–t graph

∴ the stations are 800 m apart.

Force and Motion 156
 Motion 5

(c) How far has the train travelled at t = 36 s?

v / m s−1

20

15

10

t/s
0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Force and Motion 157

 Motion 5
Solution
v / m s−1

(c)
20

15

10

t/s
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
36

Displacement at t =36 s

Force and Motion 158

 Motion 5
Question 28:
3 min

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 29:
a. velocity increases step by
step
b. constant velocity in –ve
direction

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 30:
(1) a. 2 m b. 0.5 ms-1
(2) a. 3 m b. 0.75 ms-1

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 31:
(1) a. 0.5 ms-1
(2) a. 0.75 ms-1

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 32:
It is impossible to move from
one place to another without
taking time. The velocity will be
infinity large

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 33:
(1) a. 8 m b. 8 m c. 2 ms-1
(2) a. -8 m b. 8 m c. 2 ms-1
(3) a. 6 m b. 6 m c. 1.5 ms-1
(4) a. -7 m b. 9 m c. 2.25 ms-1

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 34:
(2), (3)

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 35:
(2), (3)

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 36:
a. 2.5 m
b. +1.5 m
c. -1 ms-2

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 37:

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 38:

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 39:

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
D Recording motion

Data-logging
motion sensor
data-logging measuring the position of
computer an object at different
interface
time

Force and Motion 171

 Motion 5

Expt 1 Data-logging

Purpose

Recording motion with a data-logger.

motion
sensor

compute
r

data-logger
interface

Force and Motion 172

 Motion 5
Procedure

Recording your
motion by data-
logging

Force and Motion 173

 Motion 5
Discussion

What is the positive direction chosen by the data-

logging program?

Direction away from the sensor.

Force and Motion 174

 Motion 5

Stroboscopic photography
A strobe photograph of a basketball
bouncing on the ground

Force and Motion 175

 Motion 5

Motion video analysis (MVA)

• Break down a video clip of a moving object into a

sequence of still images for analysis

Motion video analy High speed video

sis
Force and Motion 176
 Motion 5

Ticker-tape timer

Recording motion with a

ticker-tape timer

The nature of the motion

can be deduced from the
separation of the dots
on the ticker-tape.

Force and Motion 177

 Motion 5
5.5 Equations of uniformly
accelerated motion
initial a final
stateu statev

0s s t

• s: displacement • v: final velocity

• u: initial velocity • a: acceleration

• t: time taken

uniformly accelerated motion ⇒ constant a

Force and Motion 178

 Motion 5

• v–t graph
‧
velocit
y (1
)
v
‧
u
(2
)

0 time
t (3
‧
)

‧ (4
)
Force and Motion 179
 Motion 5

• Summary
(1 a is absent Not
) given
(2 s is absent
)
(3 v is absent
)
(4 t is absent
)
1 2
(5 𝑠=𝑣𝑡 − 𝑎 𝑡 u is absent
) 2

• These equations are called the equations of

uniformly accelerated motion.

Force and Motion 180

 Motion 5

Point to note for the equations

• true only for constant a.

• uniform motion ⇒ a = 0 ⇒ s = vt (∵ v = u)

• consistent positive direction

• consistent units

(m s−1) × s =
m
(m s−2) × s2 =
m
Force and Motion 181
 Motion 5

Example 11 Formula One race

Acceleratessteadily
Accelerates steadily
or
or
acceleratesuniformly
accelerates uniformly
⇒aaunchanged
⇒ unchanged

Force and Motion 182

 Motion 5

(a) What is the speed of the race car after the

acceleration?

Force and Motion 183

 Motion 5
Tactics

• Step 1: Define the positive direction

• Step 2: Identify the known and unknown quantities.

• Step 3: Apply a suitable equation.

• Step 4: Solve for the unknowns.

Force and Motion 184

 Motion 5
Solution

Take the initial direction of motion of the race car as positive

Given: u = 55 m s−1 , a = 4 m s−2 and t = 5 s Unknown: v and s

(a) The final velocity v of the car is

v = u + at = (55) + (4)(5) = 75 m s−1

The race car moves at a speed of 75 m s −1 after the

acceleration.

Force and Motion 185

 Motion 5

(b) How far does the race car travel during the
acceleration?

Force and Motion 186

 Motion 5
Solution

Take the initial direction of motion of the race car as positive

Given: u = 55 m s−1 , a = 4 m s−2 and t = 5 s Unknown: v and s

(b) Displacement

= 325 m

The race car travels for 325 m forwards during the

acceleration.

Force and Motion 187

 Motion 5

Example 12 Aircraft carrier

Speedsup
Speeds upfrom
fromrest
rest
⇒uu==00
⇒
⇒aaisisnon-zero.
⇒ non-zero.

Force and Motion 188

 Motion 5

(a) Find the minimum acceleration needed by

the jet fighter.

Force and Motion 189

 Motion 5
Solution

Take the initial direction of motion of the jet fighter as positive.

Given: u = 0 , v = 60 m s−1 and s = 180 m Unknown: a and t

(a) The minimum acceleration a

The jet fighter must accelerate at 10 m s−2 forwards.

Force and Motion 190

 Motion 5

(b) If the jet fighter accelerates at the rate in (a),

find the time taken to takeoff.

Force and Motion 191

 Motion 5
Solution

Given: u = 0 , v = 60 m s−1, s = 180 m and a = 10 m s−2

(b) The time taken t

The jet fighter take 6 s to takeoff.

Force and Motion 192

 Motion 5

1 2 1 2 2
𝑠=𝑢𝑡 + 𝑎 𝑡 = 0 + ( 2 ) 𝑡 =𝑡
( )
2 2

u=0m
s−11 2 +
s s
a=2m
s−2
1m 4m total distance
travelled
1 2
s s
a=4m
s−2
2m 8m
1 2 1 2 2
𝑠=𝑢𝑡 + 𝑎 𝑡 =( 0 )+ ( 4 ) 𝑡 = 2𝑡
2 2

Force and Motion 193

 Motion 5

Uniformly accelerated motion

a=5m u=0m s/m
s−2 s−1

+40 40
m
displacement

30
+22.5
20
m
+10 10
s

m
+2.5
0m 0 t/s
+ 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4 1 2 1 2 2
𝑠=𝑢𝑡 + 𝑎 𝑡 =( 0 )+ ( 5 ) 𝑡 = 2.5 𝑡
s s time
s ts s 2 2

Force and Motion 194

 Motion 5

Example 13 Emergency brake

Force and Motion 195

 Motion 5

(a) Find the thinking distance (i.e. the distance

travelled by the car between John seeing the
bison and applying the brake.)

Force and Motion 196

 Motion 5
Solution

(a) Take the initial direction of motion of the car as positive.

Converting u into SI unit

60 m
0.5 s later… applying
20 m s−1 the brake

thinking
distance

Force and Motion 197

 Motion 5
Solution

(a) During t = 0 to 0.5 s, the car is in uniform motion (i.e. a = 0).

s = ut = (20)(0.5) = +10 m

The thinking distance is 10 m.

0s 5s

uniform motion
applying
20 m s−1
the brake

thinking
distance

Force and Motion 198

 Motion 5

(b) Find the braking distance (i.e. distance

travelled by the car after John applies the
brake).

60 m
t = 0.5 s slows down at 5 m s−2
u = 20 m s−1
v=0

10 m braking
distance

Force and Motion 199

 Motion 5
Solution

(b)

∴ The braking distance is 40 m.

Force and Motion 200

 Motion 5

(c) Does the car hit the bison?

No, the stopping distance is 40 + 10 = 50 m

60 m

applying the brake

10 m 40 m

Force and Motion 201

 Motion 5
What-if

If John was drunk and applied the brake 2 s after

seeing the bison, how far would the car move
during the 2 s?

The thinking distance = 2 × 20 = 40 m

Force and Motion 202

 Motion 5
Remarks

By v = u + at ⇒ 0 = 20 + (−5) t & t = 4 s.
The car takes 4 s to stop. We can sketch a v–t graph
to represent the motion of the car.
v / m s−1

20

t/s
0
0.5 4.5

Force and Motion 203

 Motion 5

Braking distance

Force and Motion 204

 Motion 5
Question 40:
27 ms-1

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 41:
15 ms-1

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 42:
10 ms-1

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 43:
1 ms-2

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 44:
4s

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 45:
4.47 ms-1

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 46:
49.0 ms-1

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 47:
5 ms-1

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 48:
10 ms-1

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 49:
20 ms-2

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 50:
-15 ms-1

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 51:
12 m to the left

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 52:
2 ms-2 to the left

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 53:
9.75 m to the left

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 54:
27 m

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
5.6 Vertical motion under gravity

A Do heavier objects fall faster?

• Falling in air

air
resistance

Force and Motion 220

 Motion 5

• Without air resistance

fall with the same acceleration

Which one drops fast

er?
Force and Motion 221
 Motion 5

Expt 2 ‘Coin and feather’ experiment

Purpose

To compare how objects fall under gravity

with and without air resistance.
coin

feathe
r

evacuated tube
vacuu
m
pump

Force and Motion 222

 Motion 5
Procedure The ‘coin and feat
her’ experiment

Force and Motion 223

 Motion 5
Discussion

1. Why do we have to note the falling rate before the

air is removed?

To take it as a control setting.

Force and Motion 224

 Motion 5
Discussion

2. Can we measure the falling time with a stopwatch?

Why?

No.
length of the evacuated tube ~ 1 m
⇒ expected travelling time < 1 s ~ human’s reaction time
⇒ large error may cause using the stopwatch

Force and Motion 225

 Motion 5
feather coil

same
acceleration

acceleration
with air without air due to gravity
resistance resistance g
• Near the Earth’s surface:
g = 9.81 m s−2

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Expt 3 Measuring the acceleration
due to gravity
Purpose

To measure the value of g.

motio
n
senso
r
compute
r

data-
logger
interface
Force and Motion 227
 Motion 5
Procedure
The motion graphs o
f a free-falling objec
t

Force and Motion 228

 Motion 5
Discussion

1. What kind of motion does the motion graphs

represent?

Vertical motion under gravity.

Force and Motion 229

 Motion 5
Discussion

2. Compare the measured value of g and the average

value of g near the Earth’s surface (9.81 m s−2).
Explain their difference, if any.

The measured value of g is slightly lower.

∴ the object is under the influence of air resistance

Force and Motion 230

 Motion 5
B Free fall

Free fall from rest

time displacement
0
4.905 m
s
1
s
where
+
19.62 - 4.905 u = 0 & a = +9.81 m
=14.715 m
s−2
2
s t/s s/m
0 0
44.145 – 19.62
=24.525 m 1 +4.905
2 +19.62
3 +44.145
3
s
Force and Motion 231
 Motion 5

• Velocity

time
velocity
0
s v = u + at
1
where
s
+ u = 0 & a = +9.81 m
s−2
2
s t/s v / m s−1
0 0
1 +9.81
2 +19.62
3 +29.43
3
s
Force and Motion 232
 Motion 5

Summary

time t / displacement s / velocity v / m acceleration a / m

s m s−1 s−2
0 0 0
1 +4.95 +9.81 +9.81
2 +19.62 +19.62 (constant)
3 +44.145 +29.43
s/m v / m s−1 a/m
s−2

40 20 9.81
constant
slope
20 10 = 9.81 m s−2
t/s t/s t/s
0 1 2 3 0 1 2 3 0 1 2 3

Force and Motion 233

 Motion 5

Example 14 Falling windowpane

Force and Motion 234

 Motion 5

(a) For how long does the windowpane fall?

Neglect air resistance.

40
m

Force and Motion 235

 Motion 5
Solution

(a) Take the downward direction as positive.

Rejecttt==−2.86
Reject −2.86ssas
asitit

∴ The windowpane falls for 2.86 s.

refersto
refers toan
aninstant
instant
beforethe
before theaccident.
accident.

Force and Motion 236

 Motion 5

(b) Find the speed of the windowpane just before

hitting the ground.

40
m

t = 2.86
s

Force and Motion 237

 Motion 5
Solution

(b)

∴ it moves at 28.0 m s−1 just before hitting the ground

The negative solution v = −28

The negative solution v = −28 m sm s −1
−1

isisrejected
rejectedas
asthe
thewindowpane
windowpanehashas
downwardmotion
downward motiononly.
only.

Force and Motion 238

 Motion 5
Solution

(b) Alternative

v = u + at = 0 + (9.81)(2.86) ≈ 28.0 m s−1

∴ it moves at 28.0 m s−1 just before hitting the ground

28.0 m s−1
≈ 100
28.0 m s ≈ 100 km h
−1 km h −1
−1

ItItisisas
asfast
fastasasaacar
carmoving
movingat
atthe
the
speedlimit
speed limiton
onTolo
ToloHighway!
Highway!

Force and Motion 239

 Motion 5

Free fall with initial velocity

3s
displacement
2s 4s

1s 5s

u = +29.43 m
+ 0s 6s s−1
time a = −9.81 m s−2
Force and Motion 240
 Motion 5

Free fall with initial velocity

3s
velocity
2s 4s v = u + at

1s 5s

u = +29.43 m
s−1
+ 0s 6s

time a = −9.81 m s−2

Force and Motion 241

 Motion 5

• Velocity
v = 0 (momentarily at
rest)
3s
velocity
2s 4s v = u + at

+ 1s 5s −

u = +29.43 m
s−1
+ 0s 6s

time a = −9.81 m s−2

Force and Motion 242

 Motion 5

• Same level ⇒ same magnitude of velocity

3s
velocity
2s 4s v = u + at

1s 5s

u = +29.43 m
s−1
+ 0s 6s

time a = −9.81 m s−2

Force and Motion 243

 Motion 5

Summary
displacement s / velocity v / m acceleration a / m
time t / s
m s−1 s−2
0 0 +29.43
1 +24.525 +19.62
2 +39.24 +9.81
−9.81
3 +44.145 0
(constant)
4 +39.24 −9.81
5 +24.525 −19.62
6 0 −29.43

• At highest position, a = −9.81 m s−2 but v = 0

• Same level ⇒ same magnitude of velocity

Force and Motion 244

 Motion 5

• Motion graphs
s/m v / m s−1
turning turning
+3
point 0 point
40 +15

0
2 1 2 3 4 5 6 t/s
0 return to the
−15
initial position slope
= − 9.81 m
−3 s−2
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 t/s
0

1. moving up, 3. falling down,

losing gaining speed 1. 3.
speed

2.
2.
momentarily
at rest
Force and Motion 245
 Motion 5

• Motion graphs
s/m a / m s−2
turning
point turning
40 point
t/s
0
2 1 2 3 4 5 6
0 return to the
initial position
constant
−9.8
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 t/s
1

1. moving up, 3. falling down,

losing gaining speed 1. 3.
speed

2.
2.
momentarily
at rest
Force and Motion 246
 Motion 5

Summary
s/m v / m s−1 a / m s−2
30
slope
40 15 = − 9.81 m
s−2
t/s t/s
0 0
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
2
0 −15
t/s constant
−3 −9.8
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 0 1

stag
time sign of v motion
e
1 0<t<3s + rising, losing speed
2 t=3s v=0 momentarily at rest
3s<t<6 falling, gaining
3 −
s speed
Force and Motion 247
 Motion 5

Example 15 Smash shot

Force and Motion 248

 Motion 5

(a) (i) How high does the ball rise?

Neglect air resistance.
u=8m
s−1

Force and Motion 249

 Motion 5
Solution

(a) (i) Take the upward direction as positive.

At the highest position,

u = +8 m s−1 , v = 0, a = −9.81 m s−2

∴ the ball rises 3.26 m.

Force and Motion 250

 Motion 5

(a) (ii) How long does the ball take to rise to its
highest position?

3.26 m

u=8m
s−1

Force and Motion 251

 Motion 5
Solution

(a) (ii)

∴ the ball takes 0.815 s to rise to its highest position

Force and Motion 252

 Motion 5

(b) If the teammate smashes the ball when it falls

back to 1 m above its initial position, how long
does the ball stay in the air?
t = 0.815
s

3.26 m

1m
u=8m
s−1

Force and Motion 253

 Motion 5
Solution

(b) When the ball is 1 m above the initial position,

u = +8 m s−1 , s = +1 m and a = −9.81 m s−2

tt≈≈0.136
0.136ssrefers
refersto
tothe
the

∴ the ball stays in the air for 1.49 s.

instantbefore
instant beforepassing
passing
theturning
the turningpoint.
point.

Force and Motion 254

 Motion 5
What-if

If the smash shot is made when the ball falls back to

its initial position, how long will the ball stay in the
air?

The travelling time of the ball

= 0.815 × 2
≈ 1.63 s

Force and Motion 255

 Motion 5
Question 55:
a. t = 1.02 s
b. t = 2.04 s
c. t = 2.89 s

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 56:
44.1 m

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 57:
a. 9.81 ms-1
b. 4.91 m
c. t = 1 s

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 58:
a. 0.510 s
b. 5 ms-1
c. -3.82 m

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 59:
24.5 m

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
C Inclined plane

• Consider a body moving on a SMOOTH inclined

plane which makes AN ANGLE  with the horizontal:

The acceleration of the

body along the plane is

Force and Motion 261

 Motion 5
Question 60:
6.31 ms-2

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 61:
245 m

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 62:
6.94 ms-2 down along the plane

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 63:
2.04 s

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 64:
14.8o

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 65:
11.8o

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 66:
9.81 ms-1

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 67:
2.83 ms-1

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 68:
24 m

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 69:
2.45 m

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 70:
a. t = 2 s
b. No
c. 24.1o

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 71:
3.41 s

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 72:
7.81o

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 73:
1.4 m

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
Question 74:
a. 2.77 s
b. 10.1 m

Force and Motion

 Motion 5
D Bouncing Ball

• Consider a basketball released from

rest at height H above the ground.
• Initially, the ball moves down. The
acceleration is g downward.
• At the moment it hits the ground, its
velocity changes from downward to
upward drastically. Since the change
in velocity is upward, the acceleration
during impart is upward. This
acceleration is very large but lasts for
a short while. 277
Force and Motion
 Motion 5
D Bouncing Ball

• After hitting the ground, the ball

moves up. The acceleration returns
back to g downward until it hits the
ground again.
• When it reaches the highest point, it is
instantaneously at rest.
• Then, the ball moves down from rest
until it hits the ground.
• The motion repeats.

Force and Motion 278

 Motion 5
D Bouncing Ball
• Ideal case (No energy loss throughout the process)

Force and Motion 279

 Motion 5
D Bouncing Ball
• Energy is lost during impact

Force and Motion 280

 Motion 5
D Bouncing Ball
Energy is lost No energy loss

Force and Motion 281