03 NEWTON’S LAWS

Level 1 of F = 40 N is applied to the block A (see figure).

Find the contact force between block D and the
  front vertical wall of the cart.
Q. 1. Let u be the initial velocity of a particle and F be
A
the resultant force acting on it. Describe the path B
C
that the particle can take if F D
  
(a) u ¥ F = 0 and F = constant
  
(b) u.F = 0 and F = constant
In which case can the particle retrace its path.
Q. 2. A ball is projected vertically up from the floor of Q. 6. (i) Three blocks A, B and C are placed in an
a room. The ball experiences air resistance that ideal Atwood machine as shown in the
is proportional to speed of the ball. Just before figure. When the system is allowed to move
hitting the ceiling the speed of the ball is 10 m/s freely it was found that tension in the string
and its retardation is 2g. The ball rebounds from connecting A to C was more than thrice the
the ceiling without any loss of speed and falls on tension in the string connecting A and B. The
the floor 2s after making impact with the ceiling. masses of the three blocks A, B and C are m1,
How high is the ceiling? Take g = 10 m/s2. m2 and m3, respectively. State whether the
Q. 3. A small body of super dense material, whose following statements are true or false [All
mass is half the mass of the earth (but whose size masses have finite non zero values and the
is very small compared to the size of the earth), system has a non zero acceleration].
starts from rest at a height H above the earth’s
surface, and reaches the earth’s surface in time
t. Calculate time t assuming that H is very small
compared to the radius of the earth. Acceleration
due to gravity near the surface of the earth is g.
Q. 4. N identical carts are connected to each other using
strings of negligible mass. A pulling force F is m1 A C m3
applied on the first cart and the system moves
without friction along the horizontal ground. The
tension in the string connecting 4th and 5th cart is m2 B
twice the tension in the string connecting 8th and
(a) m3 can have any finite value
9th cart. Find the total number of carts (N) and
tension in the last string. (b) m1 > 2m2
N N–1 2 1 F (ii) In an Atwood machine the sum of two masses

is a constant. If the string can sustain a
Q. 5. A toy cart has mass of 4 kg and is kept on a smooth Ê 24 ˆ
tension equal to Á ˜ of the weight of the
horizontal surface. Four blocks A, B, C and D Ë 30 ¯
of masses 2 kg, 2 kg, 1 kg and 1 kg respectively sum of two masses, find the least acceleration
have been placed on the cart. A horizontal force of the masses. The string and pulley are light.
 3.2 Problems in Physics for JEE Advanced

(iii) A load of w newton is to be raised vertically over the smooth pulley and two masses m and M
through a height h using a light rope. The (> m) are connected to its ends (see figure). Find
greatest tension that the rope can bear is the reading of the scale when the two masses are
hw  (h > 1). Calculate the least time of ascent left free to move.
if it is required that the load starts from rest
M0
and must come to rest when it reaches a
height h.
Q. 7. In the arrangement shown in the figure the system
is in equilibrium. Mass of the block A is M and that m M
of the insect clinging to block B is m. Pulley and Stand
string are light. The insect loses contact with the
block B and begins to fall. After how much time
the insect and the block B will have a separation
L between them.
Q. 10. In the given arrangement, all strings and pulleys
are light. When the system was released it was
observed that M and m0 do not move. Find the
masses M and m0 in terms of m1 and m2. Find the
acceleration of all the masses if string is cut just
above m2.

A B

Q. 8. Two blocks of equal mass, M each, are connected

M
to two ends of a massless string passing over a
massless pulley. On one side of the string there is
M m0
a bead of mass .
2

m1
m2

Q.11 The system shown in the fig. is in equilibrium.

Pulleys A and B have mass M each and the block
M C has mass 2M. The strings are light. There is an
2 insect (D) of mass M/2 sitting at the middle or the
right string. Insect does not move.
M
S1
M

(a) When the system is released from rest the A

bead continues to remain at rest while the two
E
blocks accelerate. Find the acceleration of the
blocks.
B
(b) Find the acceleration of the two blocks if it D
was observed that the bead was sliding down S2
with a constant velocity relative to the string.
Q. 9. A pulley is mounted on a stand which is placed
over a weighing scale. The combined mass of the
C
stand and the pulley is M0. A light string passes
 Newton’s Laws 3.3

(a) Just by inspection, say if the tension in the Q. 17. A ball of mass M is in equilibrium between a
string S1 is equal to, more than or less than vertical wall and the inclined surface of a wedge.
9/2 Mg. The inclination of the wedge is q = 45° and its
(b) Find tension in the string S2, and S1. mass is very small compared to that of the ball. The
coefficient of friction between the wedge and the
(c) Find tension in S2 if the insect flies and sits at
floor is m and there is no friction elsewhere. Find
point E on the string.
minimum value of m for which this equilibrium is
Q. 12. A block slides down a frictionless plane inclined possible.
at an angle q. For what value of angle q the
horizontal component of acceleration of the block
is maximum? Find this maximum horizontal
acceleration. M
Q. 13. A tall elevator is going up with an acceleration
of a = 4 m/s2. A 4 kg snake is climbing up the
vertical wall of the elevator with an acceleration
of a. A 50 g insect is riding on the back of the
q = 45°
snake and it is moving up relative to the snake
at an acceleration of a. Find the friction force
Q.18 A helicopter of mass M = 15000 kg is lifting a
between the elevator wall and the snake. Assume
cubical box of mass m = 2000 kg. The helicopter
that the snake remains straight.
is going up with an acceleration of a = 1.2 m/s2.
Q. 14. Due to air drag the falling bodies usually acquire The four strings are tied at mid points of the sides
a constant speed when the drag force becomes of the square face PQRS of the box. The strings
equal to weight. Two bodies, of identical shape, are identical and form a knot at K. Another string
experience air drag force proportional to square KH connects the knot to the helicopter. Neglect
of their speed (Fdrag = kv2, k is a constant). mass of all strings and take g = 10 m/s2. Length of
The mass ratio of two bodies is 1 : 4. Both are each string AK, BK, CK and DK is equal to side
simultaneously released from a large height and length of the cube.
very quickly acquire their terminal speeds. If
(a) Find tension T in string AK.
the lighter body reaches the ground in 25 s, find
the approximate time taken by the other body to (b) Find tension T0 in string KH.
reach the ground. (c) Find the force (F) applied by the atmosphere
Q. 15. A cylinder of mass M and radius r is suspended at on the helicopter. Assume that the atmosphere
the corner of a room. Length of the thread is twice exerts a negligible force on the box.
the radius of the cylinder. Find the tension in the (d) If the four strings are tied at P,Q,R and S
thread and normal force applied by each wall on instead of A, B, C & D, how will the quantities
the cylinder assuming the walls to be smooth. T, T0 and F change? Will they increase or
decrease? Assume that length of the four
Thread identical strings remains same.

H
K

Q. 16. A rod of mass M and length L lies on an incline

P
having inclination of q = 37°. The coefficient of A D S
friction between the rod and the incline surface is C
Q R
B
m = 0.90. Find the tension at the mid point of the
rod.
 3.4 Problems in Physics for JEE Advanced

Q. 19. A pendulum has a bob connected to a light wire.

Bob ‘A’ is in equilibrium in the position shown.
The string is horizontal and is connected to a M
block B resting on a rough surface. The block B is m
on verge of sliding when q = 60°.

q = 60° wire
Q. 23. A small body A starts sliding down from the top
of a wedge (see fig) whose base is equal to l .
B The coefficient of friction between the body and
A String
wedge surface is m = 1.0. At what value of angle q
will the time of sliding be least?
(a) Is equilibrium possible if q were 70°? A

(b) With q = 60°, calculate the ratio of tension

in the pendulum wire immediately after the
string is cut to the tension in the wire before
the string is cut.

Q. 20. Two blocks of equal mass have been placed on
two faces of a fixed wedge as shown in figure. The Q. 24. Three blocks A, B and C each of mass m are
blocks are released from position where centre of placed on a smooth horizontal table. There is no
one block is at a height h above the centre of the friction between the contact surfaces of the blocks
other block. Find the time after which the centre as well. Horizontal force F is applied on each of
of the two blocks will be at same horizontal level. A and B as shown. Find the ratio of normal force
There is no friction anywhere. applied by the table on the three blocks (i.e., RA :
mg
RB : RC). Take F =
2 3
h

F A C B F
RA RC RB
30° 30°
60° 30°
Q. 25. A U shaped container has uniform cross sectional
Q. 21. In the system shown in the figure, all surfaces are area S. It is suspended vertically with the help
smooth. Block A and B have mass m each and of a spring and two strings A and B as shown in
mass of block C is 2 m. All pulleys are massless the figure. The spring and strings are light. When
and fixed to block C. Strings are light and the force water (density = d ) is poured slowly into the
F applied at the free end of the string is horizontal. container it was observed that the level of water
Find the acceleration of all three blocks. remained unchanged with respect to the ground.
B Find the force constant of the spring.

A C Spring
F

A q q B
Q. 22. A particle of mass M rests on a rough inclined
Ê 4ˆ
plane at an angle q to the horizontal Á sinq = ˜ . It
Ë 5¯
is connected to another mass m as shown in fig.
The pulley and string are light. The largest value
of m for which equilibrium is possible is M. Find
the smallest value of m for which equilibrium is
possible.
 Newton’s Laws 3.5

Q. 26. A uniform light spring has unstretched length of you convince your friend?
3.0 m. One of its end is fixed to a wall. A particle In a typical situation, car without ABS needs
of mass m = 20 g is glued to the spring at a point 20 m as minimum stopping distance. Under
1.0 m away from its fixed end. The free end of the identical conditions, what minimum distance a
spring is pulled away from the wall at a constant car with ABS would need to stop? Coefficient of
speed of 5 cm/s. kinetic friction between tyre and road is 25% less
Assume that the spring remains horizontal (i.e., than the coefficient of static friction.
neglect gravity). Force constant of spring = 0.6 Q. 29. Starting from rest a car takes at least ‘t’ second to
N / cm. travel through a distance s on a flat concrete road.
(a) With what speed does the particle of mass m Find the minimum time that will be needed for
move? it to climb through a distance ‘s’ on an inclined
(b) Find the force applied by the external agent concrete road. Assume that the car starts from rest
pulling the spring at time 2.0 s after he started and inclination of road is q = 5° with horizontal.
pulling. Coefficient of friction between tyres and the
3.0 m concrete road is m = 1.
Q. 30. A table cloth of length L is lying on a table with
1.0 m
one of its end at the edge of the table. A block is
kept at the centre of the table cloth. A man pulls
m the end of the table cloth horizontally so as to take
5 cm / s
it off the table. The cloth is pulled at a constant
Q. 27. It was observed that a small block of mass m
speed V0. What can you say about the coefficient
remains in equilibrium at the centre of a vertical
of friction between the block and the cloth if the
square frame, which was accelerated. The block
block remains on the table (i.e., it does not fall off
is held by two identical light strings as shown.
the edge) as the cloth is pulled out.
[Both strings are along the diagonal]
L L
(a) Which of 1, 2, 3 & 4 is/are possible direction/s — —
2 2
of acceleration of the frame for block to
remain in equilibrium inside it?
(b) Find the acceleration of the frame for your
answers to question (a).
Q. 31. A block rests on a horizontal surface. A horizontal
force F is applied to the block. The acceleration
3
(a) produced in the block as a function of applied
2 1 force (F) has been plotted in a graph (see figure).
Find the mass of the block.
4
a (ms–2)

Q.28 In an emergency situation while driving one 3

has tendency to jam the brakes, trying to stop
in shortest distance. With wheels locked, the car
slides and steering get useless. In ABS system the F (N)
O 6 18
electronic sensors keep varying the brake pressure
so as to keep the wheels rolling (without slipping) Q. 32. Repeat the last problem if the graph is as shown
while ensuring that the friction remains limiting. below.
Your friend has an old car with good brakes. He a (ms–2)
boasts saying that all the four wheels of his car 3
get firmly locked and stop rotation immediately
after the brakes are applied. You know that your
new car which has a computerized anti lock
F (N)
braking system (ABS) is much safer. How will O 6 18
 3.6 Problems in Physics for JEE Advanced

Q. 33. A solid block of mass m = 1 kg is resting on a C

horizontal platform as shown in figure. The z C
direction is vertically up. Coefficient of friction f
between the block and the platform is m = 0.2. The f
platform is moved
 with a time dependent velocity B
( )
given by V = 2tiˆ + tjˆ + 3tkˆ m/s . Calculate the B
magnitude of the force exerted by the block on the f
platform. Take g = 10 m/s2 D D
z
y
f
A

x (b) A particle is moving along an expanding

spiral (shown in fig) such that the normal
Q. 34. In the system shown in the figure, the string is force on the particle [i.e., component of force
light and coefficient of friction between the 10 kg perpendicular to the path of the particle]
block and the incline surface is m = 0.5. Mass of remains constant in magnitude.  The possible
the hanger, H is 0.5 kg. A boy places a block of
mass m on the hanger and finds that the system
direction of acceleration a of the particle ()
has been shown at three points A, B and C on
does not move. What could be values of mass m? its path. At which of these points the direction
3 of acceleration has been represented correctly.
tan 37∞ = and g = 10 m/s2
4 A
VA

a
10 kg a

B a
H VC

37° m VB
C

Q. 35. A disc of mass m lies flat on a smooth horizontal

(c) A particle is moving in XY plane with a
table. A light string runs halfway around it as 
velocity. v = 4iˆ + 2tjˆ ms –1 . Calculate its rate
shown in figure. One end of the string is attached
of change of speed and normal acceleration at
to a particle of mass m and the other end is being
t = 2 s.
pulled with a force F. There is no friction between
the disc and the string. Find acceleration of the end Q. 37. (i) A spinning disk has a hole at its centre. The
of the string to which force is being applied. surface of the disk is horizontal and a small
block A of mass m = 1 kg is placed on it.
F
m w

Q. 36. (a) A car starts moving (at point A) on a horizontal r A

circular track and moves in anticlockwise
sense. The speed of the car is made to increase
uniformly. The car slips just after point D. The
figure shows the friction force (f) acting on
the car at points A, B, C and D. The length
of the arrow indicates the magnitude of the
friction and it is given that D > B > C. At
which point (A, B, C or D) the friction forces
represented is certainly wrong ? B
 Newton’s Laws 3.7

Block A is tied to a light inextensible string, with respect to time. Take t = 0 when block 1
other end of which passes through the hole gets detached.
and supports another block B of mass M
= 2 kg. The coefficient of friction between
A and the disk surface is 0.5. It was observed
that the disk is spinning with block A
remaining at rest relative to the disk. Block B
was found to be stationary. It was estimated
that length of horizontal segment of the string
(r) was anywhere between 1.0 m to 1.5 m. With
6
this data what estimate can be made about the 4
2
angular speed (w) of the disk. [g  =  10  m/s2] 5
3
(ii) A spring has force constant equal to 1
k  =  100  Nm–1. Ends of the spring are joined to Q. 40. Two monkeys A and B are holding on the two
give it a circular shape of radius R = 20 cm. sides of a light string passing over a smooth pulley.
Now the spring is rotated about its symmetry Mass of the two monkeys are mA= 8 kg and mB =
axis (perpendicular to its plane) such that the 10 kg respectively [g = 10 m/s2]
circumference of the circle increases by 1%.
Find the angular speed (w). Mass of one meter (a) Monkey A holds the string tightly and B goes
length of the spring is l = 0.126 gm–1. down with an acceleration ar = 2 m/s2 relative
to the string. Find the weight that A feels of
Q. 38. Two particles of mass m1 and m2 are in space at his own body.

separation r [vector from m1 to m2]. The only (b) What is the weight experienced by two
force that the two particles experience is the monkeys if A holds the string tightly and B
mutual gravitational pull. The force applied by goes down with an acceleration ar = 4 m/s2

 d 2 r  relative to the string.
m1 on m2 is F . Prove that m 2 = F Where
dt
mm
m 1 2 is known as reduced mass for the two
m1 + m2
particle system.
m1

r A B
F m2

Q. 39. Six identical blocks – numbered 1 to 6 – have

been glued in two groups of three each and have Level 2
been suspended over a pulley as shown in fig.
The pulley and string are massless and the system Q. 41. Two strange particles A and B in space, exert no
is in equilibrium. The block 1, 2, 3, and 4 get force on each other when they are at a separation
detached from the system in sequence starting greater than x0 = 1.0 m. When they are at a distance
with block 1. The time gap between separation less than x0, they repel one another along the line
of two consecutive block (i.e., time gap between joining them. The repulsion force is constant
separation of 1 and 2 or gap between separation and does not depend on the distance between
of 2 and 3) is t0. Finally, blocks 5 and 6 remain the particles. This repulsive force produces an
connected to the string. acceleration of 6 ms–2 in A and 2 ms–2 in B when
(a) Find the final speed of blocks 5 and 6. the particles are at separation less than x0. In one
experiment particle B is projected towards A with
(b) Plot the graph of variation of speed of block 5
a velocity of 2 ms–1 from a large distance so as to
 3.8 Problems in Physics for JEE Advanced

hit A head on. The particle A is originally at rest M M M

and the system of two particles do not experience masses M , , , ..................respectively. All
2 4 8
any external force. surfaces are smooth. Find the contact force
(a) Find the ratio of mass of A to that of B. between the block 1 and 2 after the system is
(b) Find the minimum distance between the released from rest. Also find the acceleration of
particles during subsequent motion. the wedge.

(c) Find the final velocity of the two particles.

4
Q. 42. A light string passing over a smooth pulley holds 3
two identical buckets at its ends. Mass of each
2
empty bucket is M and each of them holds M mass
A 1 B
of sand. The system was in equilibrium when a
small leak developed in bucket B (take this time W
as t = 0). The sand leaves the bucket at a constant
rate of m kg/s. Assume that the leaving sand
particles have no relative speed with respect to the
bucket (it means that there is no impulsive force Q. 45. In the system shown in fig, mass of the block
on the bucket like leaving exhaust gases exert on is m1 = 4 kg and that of the hanging particle is
a rocket). Find the speed (V0) of the two bucket m2 = 1 kg. The incline is fixed and surface is
when B is just empty. smooth. Block is initially held at the top of the
incline and the particle hangs a distance d = 2.0
m below it. [Assume that the block and the particle
are on same vertical line in this position]. System
is released from this position. After what time will
the distance between the block and the particle be
minimum ? Find this minimum distance. [g = 10
m/s2.]

A B

Q. 43. A chain is lying on a smooth table with half its

length hanging over the edge of the table [fig(i)]. If 30°
the chain is released it slips off the table in time t1.
Now, two identical small balls are attached to the Q. 46. A uniform chain of mass M = 4.8 kg hangs in
two ends of the chain and the system is released vertical plane as shown in the fig.
[fig(ii)]. This time the chain took t2 time to slip off (a) Show that horizontal component of tension is
the table. Which time is larger, t1 or t2? same throughout the chain.
(b) Find tension in the chain at point P where the
chain makes an angle q = 15° with horizontal.
(c) Find mass of segment AP of the chain.
[Take g = 10 m/s2; cos 15° = 0.96, sin 15° = 0.25]
A
60°
(i) (ii)

Q. 44. A triangular wedge W having mass M is placed

on an incline plane with its face AB horizontal.
Inclination of the incline is q. On the flat horizontal B
surface of the wedge there lies an infinite tower of q P 30°
rectangular blocks. Blocks 1, 2, 3, 4 ………. have
 Newton’s Laws 3.9

Q. 47. Block A of mass M is placed on an incline plane, Q. 50. Blocks A and B have dimensions as shown in the
connected to a string, passing over a pulley as fig. and their masses are 8 kg and 1 kg respectively.
shown in the fig. The other end of the string also A small block C of mass 0.5 kg is placed on the top
carries a block B of mass M. The system is held in left corner of block A. All surfaces are smooth. A
the position shown such that triangle APQ lies in a horizontal force F = 18 N is applied to the block B
vertical plane with horizontal line AQ in the plane at time t = 0. At what time will the block C hit the
of the incline surface. ground surface? Take g = 10 m/s2.
C
P

4.0 m
2.0 m F = 18N
A B
a M
MA Q
B 4.0 m 2.75 m

Q. 51. Three identical smooth balls are placed between

q two vertical walls as shown in fig. Mass of each
5R
ball is m and radius is r = where 2R is
Find the minimum coefficient of friction between 9
separation between the walls.
the incline surface and block A such that the
system remains at rest after it is released. Take q = (a) Force between which two contact surface is
a = 45°. maximum? Find its value.
Q. 48. Figure shown a fixed surface inclined at an angle (b) Force between which two contact surface is
q to the horizontal. A smooth groove is cut on the minimum and what is its value?
incline along QR forming an angle f with PR. A
small block is released at point Q and it slides
down to R in time t. Find t.
Q

q

P R

Q. 49. In the system shown in the figure AB and CD 2R

are identical elastic cords having force constant Q. 52. A horizontal wooden block has a fixed rod OA
K. The string connected to the block of mass M standing on it. From top point A of the rod, two
is inextensible and massless. The pulley is also wires have been fixed to points B and C on the
massless. Initially, the cords are just taut. The end block. The plane of triangle OAB is perpendicular
D of the cord CD is gradually moved up. Find the to the plane of the triangle OAC. There are two
vertical displacement of the end D by the time the identical beads on the two wires. One of the wires
block leaves the ground.
A

C
q C
A O
q
a
M
B
B
 3.10 Problems in Physics for JEE Advanced

is perfectly smooth while the other is rough. floor. The monkey remains at height h till the
The wooden block is moved with a horizontal block crosses it. At the instant the block is
acceleration (a) that is perpendicular to the line crossing the monkey it begins climbing up the
OB and it is observed that both the beads do not rope. Find the minimum acceleration of the
slide on the wire. Find the minimum coefficient of monkey relative to the rope, so that the block
friction between the rough wire and the bead. is not able to hit the floor. Do you think that a
Q. 53. In the arrangement shown in the fig. the pulley, monkey can climb with such an acceleration?
the spring and the thread are ideal. The spring is (g = 10 ms –2)
stretched and the two blocks are in contact with
a horizontal platform P. When the platform is
gradually moved up by 2 cm the tension in the
string becomes zero. If the platform is gradually
moved down by 2 cm from its original position
one of the blocks lose contact with the platform.
Given M = 4 kg; m = 2 kg.
(a) Find the force constant (k) of the spring A

(b) If the platform continues to move down after h

one of the blocks loses contact, will the other M
block also lose contact? Assume that that the h
platform moves very slowly.

Q. 55. An ideal spring is in its natural length (L) with two

objects A and B connected to its ends. A point
2L

P on the unstretched spring is at a distance
3
from B. Now the objects A and B are moved by
4 cm to the left and 8 cm to the right respectively.
Find the displacement of point P.
4 cm 2L
3 8 cm
M m P
P

Q. 54. In the arrangement shown in the fig. a monkey of L

mass M keeps itself as well as block A at rest by Q. 56. The fig. shows an infinite tower of identical springs
firmly holding the rope. Rope is massless and the each having force constant k. The connecting
pulley is ideal. Height of the monkey and block A
from the floor is h and 2h respectively [h = 2.5 m] F
A
(a) The monkey loosens its grip on the rope and
slides down to the floor. At what height from
B1
the ground is block A at the instant the money
hits the ground?
(b) Another block of mass equal to that of A is
stuck to the block A and the system is released.
The monkey decides to keep itself at height
h above the ground and it allows the rope to
slide through its hand. With what speed will
the block strike the ground?
(c) In the situation described in (b), the monkey
decides to prevent the block from striking the
 Newton’s Laws 3.11

bars and all springs are massless. All springs are Q. 59. In the arrangement shown in the fig. all pulleys are
relaxed and the bottom row of springs is fixed to mass less and the strings are inextensible and light.
horizontal ground. The free end of the top spring is Block A has mass M.
pulled up with a constant force F. In equilibrium, (a) If the system stays at rest after it is released,
find find the mass of the block B.
(a) The displacement of free end A of the top (b) If mass of the block B is twice the value
spring from relaxed position. found in part (a) of the problem, calculate the
(b) The displacement of the top bar B1 from the acceleration of block A.
initial relaxed position.
Q. 57. In the system shown in the fig. there is no friction
and string is light. Mass of movable pulley P2
is M2. If pulley P1 is massless, what should be
value of applied force F to keep the system in
equilibrium?

P3
M A

B
P1

Q. 60. In the fig. shown, the pulley and string are mass
less and the incline is frictionless. The segment
P2
AP of the string is parallel to the incline and the
segment PB is perpendicular to the incline. End of
the string is pulled with a constant force F.
m
(a) If the block is moving up the incline with
Q. 58. In the system shown in the fig., the bead of mass acceleration while being in contact with the
m can slide on the string. There is friction between incline, then angle q must be less then q0.
the bead and the string. Block has mass equal to Find q0
twice that of the bead. The system is released from q0
(b) If q= find the maximum acceleration
rest with length l of the string hanging below the 2
bead. Calculate the distance moved by the block with which the block can move up the plane
before the bead slips out of the thread. Assume the without losing contact with the incline.
string and pulley to be massless. F
A
B

P
m

bead

Q.61. A triangular wedge A is held fixed and a block B

is released on its inclined surface, from the top.
Block B reaches the horizontal ground in time t. In
another experiment, the wedge A was free to slide
P2
on the horizontal surface and it took t’ time for the
block B to reach the ground surface after it was
2m released from the top. Neglect friction and assume
 3.12 Problems in Physics for JEE Advanced

that B remains in contact with A. horizontal, and coefficient of friction between

(a) Which time is larger t or t´? Tell by simple shoes and the platform is 0.6.
observation. Q. 64. A wedge is placed on the smooth surface of a fixed
(b) When wedge A was free to move, it was incline having inclination q with the horizontal.
observed that it moved leftward with an The vertical wall of the wedge has height h and
g there is a small block A on the edge of the horizontal
acceleration and one of the two measured
4 surface of the wedge. Mass of the wedge and the
times (t & t´) was twice the other. Find the small block are M and m respectively.
inclination q of the inclined surface of the
(a) Find the acceleration of the wedge if friction
wedge.
between block A and the wedge is large
B enough to prevent slipping between the two.
(b) Find friction force between the block and the
wedge in the above case. Also find the normal
force between the two.
(c) Assuming there is no friction between the
A
block and the wedge, calculate the time in
which the block will hit the incline.
Q. 62. A block A is made to move up an inclined plane
of inclination q with constant acceleration a0 as
shown in figure. Bob B, hanging from block A A
by a light inextensible string, is held vertical and
q
is moving along with the block. Calculate the
magnitude of acceleration of block A relative to h
the bob immediately after bob is released.
a0 q

A Q. 65. In the system shown in figure, all surfaces are

smooth, pulley and strings are massless. Mass of
both A and B are equal. The system is released
from rest.
B

Q. 63. A 50 kg man is standing at the centre of a 30 kg

platform A. Length of the platform is 10 m and
coefficient of friction between the platform and B
the horizontal ground is 0.2. Man is holding one A
end of a light rope which is connected to a 50 kg
box B. The coefficient of friction between the box  
and the ground is 0.5. The man pulls the rope so (a) Find the a A . a B immediately after the system
as to slowly move the box and ensuring that he  
is released. a A and a B are accelerations of
himself does not move relative to the ground. If
the shoes of the man does not slip on the platform, block A and B respectively.

calculate how much time it will take for the man (b) Find a A immediately after the system is
to fall off the platform. Assume that rope remains released.
B Q.66. A block is placed on an incline having inclination
50 kg
q. There is a rigid L shaped frame fixed to
30 kg
the block. A plumb line (a ball connected to a
A
thread) is attached to the end A of the frame. The
10 m system is released on the inline. Find the angle
 Newton’s Laws 3.13

that the plumb line will make with vertical in its placed in contact with the wedge B as shown. The
equilibrium position relative to the block when coefficient of friction between the block C and the
3 m
(a) the incline is smooth vertical wedge wall is m = 4 . Find the ratio for
M
(b) there is friction and the acceleration of the which the block C will not slide with respect to the
block is half its value when the incline is wedge after the system is released?
smooth A
A m C
M
4
B M
30° B

Q. 70. A smooth rod is fixed at an angle a to the

horizontal. A small ring of mass m can slide along
q the rod. A thread carrying a small sphere of mass
Q. 67. A wedge of mass m is placed on a horizontal M is attached to the ring. To keep the system in
smooth table. A block of mass m is placed at the equilibrium, another thread is attached to the ring
mid point of the smooth inclined surface having which carries a load of mass m0 at its end (see
length L along its line of greatest slope. Inclination figure). The thread runs parallel to the rod between
of the inclined surface is q = 45°. The block is the ring and the pulley.
released and simultaneously a constant horizontal All threads and pulley are massless.
force F is applied on the wedge as shown. (a) Find m0 so that system is in equilibrium.
(a) What is value of F if the block does not slide (b) Find acceleration of the sphere M immediately
on the wedge? after the thread supporting m0 is cut.
(b) In how much time the block will come out of
the incline surface if applied force is 1.5 times m
that found in part (a)
m0
L a
m
F
M

q m Q. 71. In the system shown in figure all surfaces are

smooth and string and pulleys are light. Angle of
Q. 68. A rod is kept inclined at an angle q with the Ê 3ˆ
horizontal A sleeve of mass m can slide on the wedge q = sin -1 Á ˜ . When released from rest
Ë 5¯
rod. If the coefficient of friction between the rod it was found that the wedge of mass m0 does not
and the sleeve is m, for what values of horizontal M
acceleration a of the rod, towards left, the sleeve move. Find .
m
will not slide over the rod?

a m M

m0 q
q

Q. 72. In the last problem take M = m and m0 = 2 m and

Q. 69. In the arrangement shown in figure, a block A of
calculate the acceleration of the wedge.
mass m has been placed on a smooth wedge B of
mass M. The wedge lies on a horizontal smooth Q. 73. In the system shown in the figure all surfaces are
M smooth, pulley and string are massless. The string
surface. Another block C of mass has been
4 between the two pulleys and between pulley and
 3.14 Problems in Physics for JEE Advanced

block of mass 5 m is parallel to the incline surface

d 2 x1 d 2 x2
of the block of mass 4 m. The system is released (b) Find the value of and
from rest. Find the acceleration of the block of dt 2 dt 2
immediately after string AB is cut.
mass 4 m. ÈÍ tan 37∞ = ˘˙
3
Î 4˚ d 2 x1 d 2 x2
(c) Find the value of and
dt 2 dt 2
immediately after spring 2 is cut.
Q. 76. In the figure shown, the pulley, strings and springs
5m
are mass less. The block is moved to right by a
8m
4m distance x0 from the position where the two
37° springs are relaxed. The block is released from this
position.
Q. 74. In the system shown in figure, the two springs S1
and S2 have force constant k each. Pulley, springs K1
and strings are all massless. Initially, the system T0
M
is in equilibrium with spring S1 stretched and S2 K2
relaxed. The end A of the string is pulled down
slowly through a distance L. By what distance Smooth
does the block of mass M move?
(a) Find the acceleration of the block immediately
after it is released.
(b) Find tension (T0) in the support holding the
S1
pulley to the wall, immediately after the block
is released.
M
Assume no friction.
Q.77. The system shown in figure is in equilibrium.
Surface PQ of wedge A, having mass M, is
horizontal. Block B, having mass 2M, rests on
A wedge A and is supported by a vertical spring. The
S2
spring balance S is showing a reading of 2 Mg.
There is no friction anywhere and the thread QS
Q. 75. The system shown in figure is in equilibrium. is parallel to the incline surface. The thread QS
Pulley, springs and the strings are massless. The is cut. Find the acceleration of A and the normal
three blocks A, B and C have equal masses. x1 contact force between A and B immediately after
and x2 are extensions in the spring 1 and spring 2 the thread is cut.
respectively.

S
2M Q
P B
A M A

Spring 1 B

Spring 2

q = 45°

Q.78. A triangular wedge of mass M lies on a smooth

d 2 x2 horizontal table with half of its base projecting
(a) Find the value of immediately
dt 2 out of the edge of the table. A block of mass m is
after spring 1 is cut. kept at the top of the smooth incline surface of the
 Newton’s Laws 3.15

wedge and the system is let go. Find the maximum È 3 2 ˘

M Ítan q = 4 ; g = 10 m / s ˙
value of for which the block will land on the Î
˚
m
x(m)
table. Take q = 60°. A
x 2.0
m F
0.5 A
t (sec)
x=0 O 1.0 2.0
–0.5
B
q
–2.0 A q

M
q Q.82. Block B of mass m has been placed on block A
of mass 3 m as shown. Block A rests on a smooth
horizontal table. F1 is the maximum horizontal
L L
2 2 force that can be applied on the block A such that
there is no slipping between the blocks. Similarly,
Q.79. In the system shown in the figure all surfaces are F2 is the maximum horizontal force that can be
smooth and both the pulleys are mass less. Block applied on the block B so that the two blocks move
on the incline surface of wedge A has mass m. Mass together without slipping on each other. When
of A and B are M = 4 m and M0 = 2 m respectively. F1 and F2 both are applied together as shown in
Find the acceleration of wedge A when the system figure.
is released from rest.
m F2
B

3m F1
A
m
Smooth
B
(a) Find the friction force acting between the
q A blocks.
(b) Acceleration of the two blocks.
Q.80. A block of mass m requires a horizontal force F0 to (c) If F2 is decreased a little, what will be direction
move it on a horizontal metal plate with constant of friction acting on B.
velocity. The metal plate is folded to make it a right
Q. 83. (i) In the arrangement shown in the figure the
angled horizontal trough. Find the horizontal force
coefficient of friction between the 2 kg block and
F that is needed to move the block with constant
the vertical wall is m = 0.5. A constant horizontal
velocity along this trough.
force of 40 N keeps the block pressed against the
wall. The spring has a natural length of 1.0 m and
F0
F
45° its force constant is k = 400 Nm–1. What should
be the height h of the block above the horizontal
Q.81. Block A of mass mA = 200 g is placed on an incline floor for it to be in equilibrium. The spring is not
plane and a constant force F = 2.2 N is applied on tied to the block.
it parallel to the incline. Taking the initial position
of the block as origin and up along the incline
as x direction, the position (x) time (t) graph of F = 40 N
2 kg
the block is recorded (see figure (b)). The same
experiment is repeated with another block B of
mass mB = 500 g. Same force F is applied to it
h
up along the incline and its position – time graph
is recorded (see figure (b)). Now the two blocks
are connected by a light string and released on
the same incline as shown in figure (c). Find the (ii) A block of mass M is pressed against a rough
tension in the string. vertical wall by applying a force F making an
 3.16 Problems in Physics for JEE Advanced

angle of q with horizontal (as shown in figure). Q. 86. A block of mass m = 1 kg is kept pressed against a
Coefficient of friction between the wall and the spring on a rough horizontal surface. The spring is
block is m = 0.75. compressed by 10 cm from its natural length and to
m keep the block at rest in this position a horizontal
F
force (F) towards left is applied. It was found that
the block can be kept at rest if 8 N F 18 N.
q Find the spring constant (k) and the coefficient of
M friction (m) between the block and the horizontal
surface.

F
(a) If F = 2 Mg, find the range of values of q so m
that the block does not slide
[Take tan 37° = 0.75; sin 24° = 0.4] Q. 87. An experimenter is inside a uniformly accelerated
(b) Find the maximum value of q above which train. Train is moving horizontally with constant
equilibrium is not possible for any magnitude acceleration a0. He places a wooden plank AB in
of force F. horizontal position with end A pointing towards
Q. 84. A block is projected up along a rough incline with the engine of the train. A block is released at end
a velocity of u = 10 m/s. After 4 s the block was A of the plank and it reaches end B in time t1. The
at point B at a distance of 5 m from the starting same plank is placed at an inclination of 45° to the
point A and was travelling down at a velocity of horizontal. When the block is released at A it now
v = 4 m/s. t2 5
climbs to B in time t2. It was found that =2 4.
m/
s t1
4 What is the coefficient of friction between the
v=
m/
s block and the plank?
0
u =1 B Direction of acceleration of the train

B
A 5m

q
B A
45
(a) Find time after projection at which the block A
came to rest.
Q. 88. Two hemispheres of radii R and r (< R) are fixed on
(b) Find the coefficient of friction between the
a horizontal table touching each other (see figure).
block and the incline.
A uniform rod rests on two spheres as shown. The
Take g = 10 m/s2 coefficient of friction between the rod and two
Q. 85. A long piece of paper is being pulled on a spheres is µ. Find the minimum value of the ratio
horizontal surface with a constant velocity u along
r
for which the rod will not slide.
its length. Width of the paper is L. A small block R
moving horizontally, perpendicular to the direction
of motion of the paper, with velocity v slides onto
the paper. The coefficient of friction between the
block and the paper is m. Find maximum value of R r
v such that the block does not cross the opposite O1 O2
edge of the paper.
Q. 89. In order to lift a heavy block A, an engineer has
u designed a wedge system as shown. Wedge C is
L
v fixed. A horizontal force F is applied to B to lift
block A. Wedge B itself has negligible mass and
mass of A is M. The coefficient of friction at all
 Newton’s Laws 3.17

surfaces is m. Find the value of applied force F at and strings are mass less. Mass of block C is M.
which the block A just begins to rise. [g = 10 m/s2]

A A

B
q
B

q q
C (fixed)
C
Q.90. A 60 kg platform has been placed on a rough (a) Find value of M for which block B does not
incline having inclination q = 37°. The coefficient
accelerate
of friction between the platform and the incline
(b) Find maximum value of M for which A does
is m = 0.5. A 40 kg man is running down on the
not accelerate.
platform so as to keep the platform stationary.
What is the acceleration of the man? It is known Q.93. In the arrangement shown in figure, pulley and
that the man cannot manage to go beyond an string are light. Friction coefficient between the
È ˘ 3 two blocks is m whereas the incline is smooth.
acceleration of 7 m/s2. Ísin 37∞ = 5 ˙ Block A has mass m and difference in mass of
Î ˚
the two blocks is m. Find minimum value of m
40 kg 0.5
m for which the system will not accelerate when
released from rest.

60 kg

A
q 
B

Q. 91. In the system show in figure, mass of the

block placed on horizontal surface is M =

4 kg. A constant horizontal force of F = 40 N
is applied on it as shown. The coefficient of Q. 94. In the arrangement shown in figure pulley P can
friction between the blocks and surfaces is move whereas other two pulleys are fixed. All of
m = 0.5. Calculate the values of mass m of the them are light. String is light and inextensible. The
block on the incline for which the system does not coefficient of friction between 2 kg and 3 kg block
È 3 ˘ is m = 0.75 and that between 3 kg block and the
move. Ísin 37∞ = ; g = 10m / s2 ˙ table is m = 0.5. The system is released from rest
Î 5 ˚
 2 kg
M
F
 3 kg
m

P
q = 37°

M
Q. 92. In the arrangement shown in the figure, block A
of mass 8 kg rests on a horizontal table having (i) Find maximum value of mass M, so that the
coefficient of friction m = 0.5. Block B has a system does not move. Find friction force
mass of 6 kg and rests on a smooth incline having between 2 kg and 3 kg blocks in this case.
Ê 2ˆ (ii) If M = 4 kg, find the tension in the string
inclination angle q = sin -1 Á ˜ . All pulleys
Ë 5¯ attached to 2 kg block.
 3.18 Problems in Physics for JEE Advanced

(iii) If M = 4 kg and m1 = 0.9, find friction force D E

between the two blocks, and acceleration of
B C
M. 30°

(iv) Find acceleration of M if m1  = 0.75, m2  =  -0.9

A Vertically down
and M = 4 kg.
60°
Êp ˆ
Q. 95. A rope of length Á + 1˜ R has been placed on a (a) Find m
Ë2 ¯
smooth sphere of radius R as shown in figure. End (b) x is distance measured along the length of the
A of the rope is at the top of the sphere and end B rope starting from point A. Plot the variation
is overhanging. Mass per unit length of the rope is of tension in the rope (T) with distance x.
. The horizontal string holding this rope in place (c) Find the maximum tension in the rope.
can tolerate tension equal to weight of the rope.
Find the maximum mass (M0) of a block that can Q. 98. (i) Four small blocks are interconnected with
be tied to the end B of the rope so that the string light strings and placed over a fixed sphere as
does not break. shown. Blocks A, B and C are identical each
having mass m = 1 kg. Block D has a mass of m´
String
= 2 kg. The coefficient of friction between the
blocks and the sphere is m = 0.5. The system is
A
released from the position shown in figure.
A
D B

Rope 37° 37°

53°
C
B

Q.96. A uniform rope has been placed on a sloping

surface as shown in the figure. The vertical
separation and horizontal separation between the
end points of the rope are H and X respectively. (a) Find the tension in each string. Which string
The friction coefficient (m) is just good enough has largest tension?
to prevent the rope from sliding down. Find the
value of m. (b) Find the friction force acting on each block.
A
È 3 2˘
ÍTake tan 37∞ = 4 ; g = 10 m / s ˙
Î ˚
(ii) A fixed square prism ABCD has its axis
H
horizontal and perpendicular to the plane
of the figure. The face AB makes 45° with
the vertical. On the upper faces AB and
B
X BC of the prism there are light bodies P
and Q respectively. The two bodies (P and
Q.97. A uniform rope ABCDE has mass M and it is Q) are connected using a string S1 and
laid along two incline surfaces (AB and CD) and strings S0 and S2 are hanging from P and Q
two horizontal surfaces (BC and DE) as shown respectively. All strings are mass less, and
in figure. The four parts of the rope AB, BC, CD inextensible. String S1 is horizontal and the
and DE are of equal lengths. The coefficient of other two strings are vertical. The coefficient
friction (m) is uniform along the entire surface of friction between the bodies and the prism
and is just good enough to prevent the rope from is m . Assume that P and Q always remain in
sliding. contact with the prism.
 Newton’s Laws 3.19

S1 that is vertically above the centre of the sphere.

The other end of the string is connected to a small
P B Q particle of mass m that rests on the sphere. The
string makes an angle a = 30° with the vertical.
45°
A C Find the acceleration of the sphere immediately
after it is released. There is no friction anywhere.
S0 S2
D
Q. 102. A light rod AB is fitted with a small sleeve of
mass m which can slide smoothly over it. The
(a) If tension in S0 is T0, find the minimum sleeve is connected to the two ends of the rod
tension (T1) in S1 to keep the body P at rest. using two springs of force constant 2k and k (see
fig). The ends of the springs at A and B are fixed
(b) A mass M0 is tied to the lower end of
and the other ends (connected to sleeve) can move
string S0 and another mass m2 is tied to S2.
along with the sleeve. The natural length of spring
Find the minimum value of m2 so as to keep
connected to A is l0. Now the rod is rotated with
P and Q at rest.
angular velocity w about an axis passing through
Q. 99. A metal disc of radius R can rotate about the k
vertical axis passing through its centre. The top end A that is perpendicular to the rod. Take mw 2 = h
surface of the disc is uniformly covered with and express the change in length of each spring
dust particles. The disc is rotated with gradually (in equilibrium position of the sleeve relative to
increasing speed. At what value of the angular the rod) in terms of l0 and h.
speed (w) of the disc the 75% of the top surface
w
will become dust free. Assume that the coefficient
of friction between the dust particles and the metal B
A
disc is m = 0.5. Assume no interaction amongst 2K m K
the dust particles.

Q. 103. A metallic hemisphere is having dust on its

surface. The sphere is rotated about a vertical axis
passing through its centre at angular speed w =
R
10 rad s –1. Now the dust is visible only on top
20% area of the curved hemispherical surface.
Radius of the hemisphere is R = 0.1 m. Find the
coefficient of friction between the dust particle
and the hemisphere [g = 10 ms –2].
w
Q.100. In the last question, the axis of the disc is tilted Dust
slightly to make an angle q with the vertical. Redo
the problem for this condition and check the result
by putting q = 0 in your answer.
Q. 101.
Q. 104. Civil engineers bank a road to help a car negotiate a
 curve. While designing a road they usually ignore
friction. However, a young engineer decided to
include friction in his calculation while designing
a road. The radius of curvature of the road is R
and the coefficient of friction between the tire and
the road is m.
(a) What should be the banking angle (q ) so that
A sphere of mass M is held at rest on a horizontal car travelling up to a maximum speed V0 can
floor. One end of a light string is fixed at a point negotiate the curve.
 3.20 Problems in Physics for JEE Advanced

(b) At what speed (V1) shall a car travel on a road Q.108. Three small discs are connected with two
banked at q0 so that there is no tendency to identical massless rods as shown in fig. The rods
skid. (No tendency to skid means there is no are pinned to the discs such that angle between
static friction force action on the car). them can change freely. The system is placed on
(c) The driver of a car travelling at speed (V1) a smooth horizontal surface with discs A and B
starts retarding (by applying brakes). What touching a smooth wall and the angle ACB being
angle (acute, obtuse or right angle) does the 90°. A force F is applied to the disc C in a direction
resultant friction force on the car make with perpendicular to the wall. Find acceleration of
the direction of motion? disc B immediately after the force starts to act.
Masses of discs are mA = m; mB = 2 m; mC = m
Q. 105. A turn of radius 100 m is banked for a speed of [wall is perpendicular to the plane of the fig.]
20 m/s A
m
(a) Find the banking angle
(b) If a vehicle of mass 500 kg negotiates the
curve find the force of friction on it if its
m
speed is – (i) 30 m/s (ii) 10 m/s C
90°
Assume that friction is sufficient to prevent F

skidding and slipping. wall

[Take tan 22° = 0.4, sin 22° = 0.375, cos 22° = 2m
0.93, g = 10 ms –2] B

Q. 106. A horizontal circular turning has a curved length

L and radius R. A car enters the turn with a speed Q. 109. Figure shows two blocks in contact placed on an
V0 and its speed increases at a constant rate f. If incline of angle q = 30°. The coefficient of friction
the coefficient of friction is m, between the block of mass 4 kg and the incline is
m1, and that between 2 kg block and incline is m2.
(a) At what time t0, after entering the curve, will Find the acceleration of the blocks and the contact
the car skid? (Take it for granted that it skids force between them if –
somewhere on the turning) (a) m1 = 0.5, m2 = 0.8
(b) At a time t (< t0) what is the force of friction (b) m1 = 0.8, m2 = 0.5
acting on the car? (c) m1 = 0.6, m2 = 0.1 [Take g = 10 m/s2]

Q. 107. A 70 kg man enters a lift and stands an a weighing
scale inside it. At time t = 0, the lift starts 2k
g
g
moving up and stops at a higher floor at t = 9.0 4k
s. During the course of this journey, the weighing
scale records his weight and given a plot of his
weight vs time. The plot is shown in the fig. = 30°
[Take g = 10 m/s2]
(a) Find F0 Q. 110. A small collar of mass m = 100 g slides over the
surface of a horizontal circular rod of radius R =
(b) Find the magnitude of maximum acceleration
0.3 m. The coefficient of friction between the rod
of the lift.
and the collar is m = 0.8. Find the angle made with
(c) Find maximum speed acquired by the lift.
vertical by the force applied by the rod on the collar
F
when speed of the collar is V = 2 m/s.
800N

700N 6.0 9.0

o t (s)
0.2 2.8 3.0

Fo
 Newton’s Laws 3.21

Q. 111. A flat race track consists of two straight section is suspended at the centre of the room tied to
AC and DB each of length 180 m and one semi three inextensible strings as shown. String BA is
circular section DC of radius R = 150 m. A car horizontal with A being the centre point of the
starting from rest at A has to reach B in least wall. Find the ratio of tension in the string BA and
possible time (the car may cross through point BC.
B and need not stop there). The coefficient of Q.114. Two identical smooth disc of radius R have been
friction between the tyres and the road is m = placed on a frictionless table touching each other.
0.6 and the top speed that the car can acquire Another circular plate is placed between them as
is 180 kph. Find the minimum time needed shown in figure. The mass per unit area of each
to move from A to B under ideal conditions. object is s, and the line joining the centers of the
Braking is not allowed in the entire journey plate and the disc is q
[g = 10 m/s 2]
(a) Find the minimum horizontal force F0 that
must be applied to the two discs to keep them
together.
C R D
O (b) Angle q can be changed by changing the size
of the circular plate. Find F0 when q 0.
È q2 ˘
180 m 180 m Í use cos q = 1 - and sin q = q for small q ˙
Î 2 ˚

(c) Find F0 when q Æ p . Explain the result.

A B 2

Q. 112. A small insect is climbing slowly along the

inner wall of a hemispherical bowl of radius R.
The insect is unable to climb beyond q  =  45°.
Whenever it tries to climb beyond q  =  45°, it F R F
slips.
(a) Find the minimum angular speed w with
which the bowl shall be rotated about its
vertical radius so that the insect can climb Q. 115. Three identical smooth cylinders, each of mass
upto q = 60°. m and radius r are resting in equilibrium within
(b) Find minimum w for which the insect can a fixed smooth cylinder of radius R (only a part
move out of the bowl. of this cylinder has been shown in the fig). Find
w the largest value of R in terms of r for the small
cylinders to remain in equilibrium.

Q. 113. C
D
Q. 116. A massless spring of force constant K and natural
length l0 is hanging from a ceiling. An insect of
B A mass m is sitting at the lower end of the spring
and the system is in equilibrium . The insect starts
slowing climbing up the spring so as to eat a bug
A room is in shape of a cube. A heavy ball (B) sitting on the ceiling. Assume that insect climbs
 3.22 Problems in Physics for JEE Advanced

mg (a) Find the maximum value of F (call it F0)

without slipping on the spring and K . Find so that all the four blocks move with same
l0
1 acceleration.
the length of the spring when the insect is at th
4 (b) Will the value of F0 increase or decrease if
of its original distance from the bug.
another block (E) of mass m2 is placed above
block D and coefficient of friction between E
Bug
and D is m?
Q. 119. A chain with uniform mass per unit length lies
in a vertical plane along the slope of a smooth
hill. The two end of the chain are at same height.
K
If the chain is released from this position find its
acceleration.

insect

Q. 117. In the system shown in fig., all pulleys are mass

less and the string is inextensible and light.
(a) After the system is released, find the
acceleration of mass m1
pR
(b) If m1 = 1 kg, m2 = 2 kg and m3 = 3 kg then Q. 120. A uniform rope of length has been placed on
2
what must be value of mass m4 so that it fixed cylinder of radius R as shown in the fig. One
accelerates downwards? end of the rope is at the top of the cylinder. The
coefficient of friction between the rope and the
cylinder is just enough to prevent the rope from
sliding. Mass of the rope is M.
(a) At what position, the tension in the rope is
m1 m2 m3 maximum?
(b) Calculate the value of maximum tension in
the rope.

m4 R
Q. 118. In the system shown in fig., block A and C are
placed on smooth floors and both have mass equal
to m1. Blocks B and D are identical having mass
m2 each. Coefficient of friction Q. 121. In the last problem, the rope is placed on the
cylinder as shown. Find maximum tension in the
D
rope.
C F

B 45° 45°

Between A and B and that between C and D are

both equal to m. String and pulleys are light. A
horizontal force F is applied on block C and is Q. 122. A 4 kg block is placed on a rough horizontal
gradually increased. surface. The coefficient of friction between the
 Newton’s Laws 3.23

block and the surface is m = 0.5. A force F = 18 N Q. 125. A smooth cylinder is fixed with its axis horizontal.
is applied on the block making an angle q with the Radius of the cylinder is R. A uniform rope (ACB)
horizontal. Find the range of values of q for which of linear mass density (kg/m) is exactly of length
the block can start moving. R and is held in semicircular shape in vertical
ÈTake g = 10 m/s2 , tan -1 (2) = 63∞˘ plane around the cylinder as shown in figure. Two
Í ˙ massless strings are connected at the two ends of

Í -1 Ê 10 ˆ ˙ the rope and are pulled up vertically with force T0
Í sin Á
Ë ˜¯ = 84∞ ˙
Î 9 1 .25 ˚ to keep the rope in contact with the cylinder.

F = 18 N
(a) Find minimum value of T0 so that the rope
does not lose contact with the cylinder at any

point.
4kg
(b) If T0 is decreased slightly below the minimum
m = 0.5 value calculated in (a), where will the rope
lose contact with the cylinder.
Q. 123. Two rectangular blocks A and B are placed on
T0 T0
a horizontal surface at a very small separation.
The masses of the blocks are mA = 4 kg and mB =
5 kg. Coefficient of friction between the horizontal
surface and both the blocks is m = 0.4. Horizontal A
O
B
forces F1 and F2 are applied on the blocks as
shown. Both the forces vary with time as R

F1 = 15 + 0.5 t
F2 = 2t C

Where ‘t’ is time in second. Q. 126. A block of mass m placed on an incline just begins
Plot the variation of friction force acting on the to slide when inclination of the incline is made
two blocks ( A and B) vs time till the motion q = 45°. With inclination equal to q = 30°, the
starts. Take rightward direction to be positive for block is placed on the incline. A horizontal force
(F) parallel to the surface of the incline is applied
B and leftward direction to be positive for A.
5 kg to the block. The force F is gradually increased
4 kg from zero. At what angle a to the force F will the
F1 F2 block first begin to slide?
A B

Level 3 a
F

Q. 124. A rope of mass m is hung from a ceiling. The

centre point is pulled down with a vertical force q
F. The tangent to the rope at its ends makes an
angle a with horizontal ceiling. The two tangents
at the lower point make an angle of q with each Q. 127. In the last problem if it is allowed to apply the
other. Find q. force F in any direction, find the minimum force
Fmin needed to move the block on the incline.
a a
Q. 128. A block A has been placed symmetrically over
two identical blocks B and C. All the three blocks
q have equal mass, M each, and the horizontal
surface on which B and C are placed is smooth.
The coefficient of friction between A and either
of B and C is m. The block A exerts equal pressure
F
on B and C. A horizontal force F is applied to the
 3.24 Problems in Physics for JEE Advanced

block B. (a) Find tension in the string.

A (b) Find the acceleration of the hemisphere
immediately after the string is cut.
F
B C Q. 131. A semicircular ring of radius R is fixed on a smooth
horizontal table. A small block is projected with
speed u so as to enter the ring at end A. Initial
(a) Find maximum value of F so that A does velocity of the block is along tangent to the ring at
not slip on B or C and the three blocks move A and it moves on the table remaining in contact
together. with the inner wall of the ring. The coefficient of
(b) If F is increased beyond the maximum found friction between the block and the ring is m.
in (a) where will we see slipping first- at (a) Find the time after which the block will exit
contact of A and B or at the contact of A and the ring at B.
C.
(b) With what speed will the block leave the ring
(c) If F is kept half the maximum found in (a), at B.
calculate the ratio of friction force between A A
and B to that between A and C. Does this ratio
change if F is decreased further? u

Q. 129. In the arrangement shown in the figure the

coefficient of friction between the blocks C and
D is m = 0.7 and that between block D and the
horizontal table is m = 0.2. The system is released
from rest. [ Take g = 10 ms –2] Pulleys and threads
are massless.
C B
3 kg
D Q. 132. A long helix made of thin wire is held vertical.
1.5 kg The radius and pitch of the helix are R and r
A respectively. A bead begins to slide down the
3 kg
0.5 kg B helix.

(a) Find the acceleration of the block C. (a) Find the normal force applied by the wire on
the bead when the speed of the bead is v.
(b) Block B is replaced with a new block. What
shall be the minimum mass of this new block (b) Eventually, the bead acquires a constant
so that block C and D accelerate in opposite speed of v0. Find the coefficient of friction
direction? between the wire and the bead.

Q. 130. A hemisphere of mass M and radius R rests on a

smooth horizontal table. A vertical rod of mass m
is held between two smooth guide walls supported
on the sphere as shown. There is no friction
between the rod and the sphere. A horizontal r
string tied to the sphere keeps the system at rest.

R
m
Q. 133. A wedge of mass m is kept on a smooth table and
its inclined surface is also smooth. A small block
of mass m is projected from the bottom along the
M R String incline surface with velocity u. Assume that the
block remains on the incline and take q = 45°,
q g = 10 m/s2.
 Newton’s Laws 3.25

(a) Find the acceleration of the wedge and the string AO is twice the tension (T2) in string
x and y components of acceleration of the BO
block. (d) Assume that both strings are taut when the
(b) Draw the approximate path of the block as string AO breaks. What will be nature of path
observed by an observer on the ground. At of the particle moment after AO breaks ?
what angle does the block hit the table? Q. 136. A sphere of mass m and radius r = 3m is placed
(c) Calculate the radius of curvature of the path inside a container with flat bottom and slant
of the block when it is at the highest point. sidewall as shown in the figure. The sphere
touches the slant wall at point A and the floor at
x
point B. It does not touch any other surface. The
container, along with the sphere, is rotated about
y
the central vertical axis with angular speed w.
u The sphere moves along with the container, i.e.,
m m it is at rest relative to the container. The normal
q = 45 force applied by the bottom surface and the slant
surface on the sphere are N1 and N2 respectively.
Q. 134. A cylinder with radius R spins about its horizontal There is no friction.
axis with angular speed w. There is a small block
(a) Find the value of w above which N2 becomes
lying on the inner surface of the cylinder. The
larger than N1
coefficient of friction between the block and the
cylinder is m. Find the value of w for which the (b) Find the value of w above which the sphere
block does not slip, i.e., stays at rest with respect leaves contact with the floor.
w
to the cylinder.
w

r
R A
B 60°
2.0 m

Q. 135. A particle of mass m is attached to a vertical rod Q. 137. A car is being driven on a tilted ground. The
with two inextensible strings AO and BO of equal ground makes an angle q with the horizontal.
lengths l. Distance between A and B is also l. The The driven drives on a circle of radius R. The
setup is rotated with angular speed w with rod as coefficient of friction between the tires and the
the axis. ground is m.
(a) What is the largest speed for which the car
will not slip at point A? Assume that rate of
A
l
change of speed is zero.
O (b) What is the largest constant speed with which
l
m the car can be driven on the circle without
slipping?
l
B

O
(a) Find the values of w for which the particle B A
remains at point B.
(b) Find the range of values of w for which q
tension (T1) in the string AO is greater than
mg but the other string remains slack Q. 138. A particle P is attached to two fixed points O1
(c) Find the value of w for which tension (T1) in and O2 in a horizontal line, by means of two
 3.26 Problems in Physics for JEE Advanced

light inextensible strings of equal length l. It is (a) Find the normal force applied by each of the
projected with a velocity just sufficient to make it blocks on the sphere at the instant separation
describe a circle, in a vertical plane, without the between the blocks is a = 2R; R = 1.0 m
strings getting slack and with the angle < O2O1P being the radius of the ball.
= <O1O2P = q. When the particle is at its lowest
point, the string O2P breaks and the subsequent
path of the particle was found to be a circle of C
radius l cos q. Find q.

A B
O1 O2 V a V
q q

(b) How much force must be applied on each of

P the two blocks (when a = 2R) so that they do
Q. 139. The arrangement shown in figure is in equilibrium not have any acceleration. Assume that the he
with all strings vertical. The end A of the string horizontal surface is smooth.
is tied to a ring which can be slid slowly on the Q. 141. In the figure all pulleys (P1, P2, P3 …….) are
horizontal rod. Pulley P1 is rigidly fixed but P2 massless and all the blocks (1,2,3 …..) are
can move freely. A mass m is attached to the identical, each having mass m. The system
centre of pulley P2 through a thread. Pulleys and consist of infinite number of pulleys and blocks.
strings are mass less. Strings are light and inextensible and horizontal
A surfaces are smooth. Pulley P1 is moved to
left with a constant acceleration of a0. Find the
acceleration of block1. Assume the strings to
P1
remain horizontal.
P3
P2
P1
3
M 2
P2 a0 1

m Q. 142. A small disc P is placed on an inclined plane

forming an angle q with the horizontal and
(a) Which block will move up as A is moved imparted an initial velocity v0. Find how the
slowly to the right? velocity of disc depends on the angle f which its
(b) Will the block of mass m have horizontal velocity vector makes with the x axis (see figure).
displacement? The coefficient of friction is m = tan q and initially
p
(c) Is it possible, for a particular position of A, f0 = .
that M has no acceleration but m does have 2
an acceleration? If this happens when string
from P2 to A makes an angle q with vertical, P
find the acceleration of m at the instant.
v f
Q. 140. A smooth spherical ball of mass M = 2 kg is
resting on two identical blocks A and B as shown
in the figure. The blocks are moved apart with
q
same horizontal velocity V = 1 m/s in opposite
directions (see figure).
x
 Newton’s Laws 3.27

ANSWERS

(a) straight line (b) 22400 N

(b) Parabolic (c) 190400 N
20 m (d)
T0 and F do not change. T will increase.
19. (a) No
4H
3. (b) 1 : 4
3g
F F
N = 12; Tension = = 2h
N 12 2
5. 16 N g
6. (i) (a) True
(b) True aA = aB = F ; ac = 0
2m
g
(ii) 22. 3M/5
5
q = 62.5°
(iii)
2 ηh 4. RA : RB : RC = 3 : 1 : 2
(η − 1)g K = 2 Sdg
5
2( M − m)L 26. (a) cms –1
7. t= 3
Mg
(b) 6 N
g 27. (a) 2, 4
(a) a =
4 (b) In both cases acceleration of the frame must be ‘g’.
g 15 m
(b) a =
5
6t
4 Mmg
+ M0 g 36 – p
M+m
v02
8m1m2 30. m £
m0 = 4m1m2 ; M = gL
m1 + m2 m1 + m2
31. 4 kg
All masses will fall down with acceleration g
4.8 kg
11. (a) More than 9/2 Mg
(b) Tension in S2 = Mg/2, Tension in S1 = 5 Mg 174 N
(c) Tension in S2 = Mg/6 1.5 kg m 9.5 kg
q 45°, g/2
5F
73.1 N
m
12.5 s (a) At C
Mg (b) At C
T = 2 Mg; N =
2
(c) 2 m/s2 and 2 m/s2
Zero.
mmin = 1 (i) 15 <w 16.67 rad/s
(a) 6467 N (ii) 500 rad s–1