Serway Physics for Scientists and

Engineers
Chapter-1
Physics and Measurement
 Dimensions and Units

Q1:
A1:
Q2:
A2:
Q3:
A3:
A3:
Q4:
A4:
Q5:
Q6:
A5:
Q6:
A6:
Serway Physics for Scientists and
Engineers
Chapter-2
Motion in One Dimension
Q1:Figure shows a graph of vx versus t for the motion of a motorcyclist as he starts from rest
and moves along the road in a straight line.
(a) Find the average acceleration for the time interval t = 0 to t = 6.00 s.
(b) Estimate the time at which the acceleration has its greatest positive value and the value of
the acceleration at that instant.
(c) When is the acceleration zero?
(d) Estimate the maximum negative value of the acceleration and the time at which it occurs.

Figure
A1
Q2 : A speedboat travels in a straight line and increases in speed uniformly from vi = 20.0 m/s to
vf = 30.0 m/s in a displacement Δx of 200 m. We wish to find the time interval required for the
boat to move through this displacement.

(a) Draw a coordinate system for this situation.

(b) What analysis model is most appropriate for describing this situation?
(c) From the analysis model, what equation is most appropriate for finding the acceleration of
the speedboat?
(d) Solve the equation selected in part (c) symbolically for the boat’s acceleration in terms of vi,
vf, and Δx.
(e) Substitute numerical values to obtain the acceleration numerically.
(f) Find the time interval mentioned above.
A2
Q3:The driver of a car slams on the brakes when he sees a tree
blocking the road. The car slows uniformly with an
acceleration of -5.60 m/s2 for 4.20 s, making straight skid
marks 62.4 m long, all the way to the tree. With what speed
does the car then strike the tree?
A3:
Q4:An object moves with constant acceleration 4.00 m/s2 and over a time interval
reaches a final velocity of 12.0 m/s.

(a) If its initial velocity is 6.00 m/s, what is its displacement during the time interval?
(b) If its initial velocity is -6.00 m/s, what is its displacement during the time interval?
(c) What is the total distance it travels during the interval in part (c) ?
A4:
A4:
Q5: Astudent throws a set of keys vertically upward to
her sorority sister, who is in a window 4.00 m above.
The second student catches the keys 1.50 s later.

(a)With what initial velocity were the keys thrown?

(b)What was the velocity of the keys just before they
were caught?
A5:
A5:
Q6:
At time t = 0, a student throws a set of keys vertically upward
to her sorority sister, who is in a window at distance h above.
The second student catches the keys at time t.

(a) With what initial velocity were the keys thrown?

(b) What was the velocity of the keys just before they were
caught?
A6:
Q7:The speed of a bullet as it travels down the barrel of a rifle toward the opening is given by

where v is in meters per second and t is in seconds. The acceleration of the bullet just as it
leaves the barrel is zero.

(a) Determine the acceleration and position of the bullet as functions of time when the bullet is
in the barrel.
(b) Determine the time interval over which the bullet is accelerated.
(c) Find the speed at which the bullet leaves the barrel.
(d) What is the length of the barrel?
A7:
A7:
Q8:
A freight train is lumbering along at a constant speed of 16.0 m/s.
Behind the freight train on the same track is a passenger train traveling
in the same direction at 40.0 m/s. When the front of the passenger train
is 58.5 m from the back of the freight train, the engineer on the
passenger train recognizes the danger and hits the brakes of his train,
causing the train to move with acceleration -3.00 m/s2. Because of the
engineer’s action, the trains do not collide.
A8
A8
Q9:
Two students are on a balcony a distance h above the street. One student throws a ball vertically
downward at a speed vi; at the same time, the other student throws a ball vertically upward at
the same speed. Answer the following symbolically in terms of vi, g, h, and t.

(a) What is the time interval between when the first ball strikes the ground and
the second ball strikes the ground?
(b) Find the velocity of each ball as it strikes the ground.
(c) How far apart are the balls at a time t after they are thrown and before they strike
the ground?
Q10:The velocity of a particle moving along the x axis varies according to the expression
vx = 40-5t2, where vx is in meters per second and t is in seconds.

a) Find the average acceleration in the time interval t=0 to t=2.0 s

b) Determine the acceleration at t=2.0 s

Figure: The velocity–time graph for a particle moving along the x axis according to the expression:
vx = 40- 5t2
A10
a) Think about what the particle is doing from the mathematical representation.

Is it moving at t = 0?

In which direction?

Does it speed up or slow down?

Figure is a vx–t graph that was created from the velocity versus time expression given in the
problem statement.

Because the slope of the entire vx–t curve is negative, we expect the acceleration to be negative.
Find the velocities

at 𝑡𝑖 = 𝑡𝐴 = 0 and 𝑡𝑓 = 𝑡𝐵 = 2.0 s

by substituting these values of t into the expressşon for the velocity:

𝑣𝑥𝐴 = 40 − 5𝑡𝐴2 = 40 − 5 0 2 = 40 𝑚/𝑠

𝑣𝑥𝐵 = 40 − 5𝑡𝐵2 = 40 − 5 2.0 2 = 20 𝑚/𝑠

Find the average acceleration in the specified time interval

∆𝑡 = 𝑡𝐴 − 𝑡𝐵 = 2.0𝑠:

𝑣𝑥𝑓 − 𝑣𝑥𝑖 𝑣𝑥𝐵 − 𝑣𝑥 𝑎 20 𝑚/𝑠 − 40 𝑚/𝑠

𝒂𝒙,𝒂𝒗𝒈 = = = = −𝟏𝟎𝒎/𝒔𝟐
𝑡𝑓 − 𝑡𝑖 𝑡𝐵 − 𝑡𝐴 2.0𝑠 − 0𝑠

The negative sign is consistent with our expectations the average acceleration, represented by
the slope of the blue line joining the initial and final points on the velocity –time graph, is
negative.
A10
b)
Q11:A graph of position versus time for a
certain particle moving along the x-axis is
shown in Figure .

Find the average velocity in the time

intervals from
(a) 0 to 2.00 s,
(b) 0 to 4.00 s,
(c) 2.00 s to 4.00 s,
(d) 4.00 s to 7.00 s,
(e) 0 to 8.00 s
Q12:A stone thrown from the top of a
building is given an initial velocity of 20.0 m/s
straight upward. The building is 50.0 m high,
and the stone just misses the edge of the roof
on its way down, as shown in Figure. Using
tA=0 as the time the stone leaves the
thrower’s hand at position (A), determine
(A) the time at which the stone reaches its
maximum height,
(B) the maximum height,
(C) the time at which the stone returns to
the height from which it was thrown,
(D) the velocity of the stone at this
instant(anlık), and
(E) the velocity and position of the stone at
t=5.00 s.
A12:

(A) As the stone travels from (A) to (B) its velocity

must change by 20 m/s because it stops at (B) .
Because gravity causes vertical velocities to
change by about 10 m/s for every second of free
fall, it should take the stone about 2 s to go from
(A) to(B) in our drawing. To calculate the exact
time tB at which the stone reaches maximum
height, we use VyB = VyA + ayt, noting that VyB = 0
and setting the start of our clock readings at
tA=0:
A12:

(B) Because the average velocity for this first

interval is 10 m/s (the average of 20 m/s and 0
m/s) and because it travels for about 2 s, we
expect the stone to travel about 20 m. By
substituting, we can find the maximum height as
measured from the position of the thrower, where
we set yA=0:
A12:
(C) There is no reason to believe that the stone’s motion
from (B) to © is anything other than the reverse of its
motion from (A) to (B) . The motion from (A) to © is
symmetric.

Thus, the time needed for it to go from ! to # should be

twice the time needed for it to go from (A) to (B). When
the stone is back at the height from which it was thrown
(position ©), the y coordinate is again zero. Using , yC = 0,
we obtain

This is a quadratic equation and so has two solutions for

t= tC. The equation can be factored to give

One solution is t=0, corresponding to the time the stone

starts its motion. The other solution is t = 4.08 s, which
is the solution we are after. Notice that it is double the
value we calculated for tB.
A12:

(D) Again, we expect everything at© to be the same

as it is at (A) , except that the velocity is now in the
opposite direction. The value for t found in (c) can be
inserted into Equation to give
A12:
(E) For this part we ignore the first part of the motion
(A)→(B) and consider what happens as the stone falls
from position(B), where it has zero vertical velocity, to
position (D9. We define the initial time as tB= 0.
Because the given time for this part of the motion
relative to our new zero of
time is 5.00 s - 2.04 s = 2.96 s,
we estimate that the acceleration due to gravity will
have changed the speed by about
30 m/s. We can calculate this from Equation, where we
take t = 2.96 s

To further demonstrate that we can choose different

initial instants of time, let us use Equation to find the
position of the stone at t D ! 5.00 s with respect to tA=
0 by defining a new initial instant, tC=0:
Q13:A person walks first at a constant speed of 5.00 m/s along a straight
line from point A to point B and then back along the line from B to A at a
constant speed of 3.00 m/s.

a) What is her average speed over the entire trip?

b) What is her average velocity over the entire trip?
A13: This problem lets you think about the distinction between speed and velocity.
Speed is positive whenever motion occurs, so the average speed must be positive. Velocity we
take as positive for motion to the right and negative for motion to the left, so its average value
can be positive, negative, or zero.

a) The average speed during any time interval is equal to the total distance of travel diveded by
the total time:

𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒅𝑨𝑩 +𝒅𝑩𝑨

Average speed = =
𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝑨𝑩 +𝒕𝑩𝑨

𝑑 𝑑
But 𝑑𝐴𝐵 = 𝑑𝐵𝐴 𝑡𝐴𝐵 = and 𝑡𝐴𝐵 =
𝑣𝐴𝐵′ 𝑣𝐵𝐴

𝑑+𝑑 2(𝑣𝐴𝐵 )(𝑣𝐵𝐴 ) (5.00 𝑚/𝑠 )(3.00 𝑚/𝑠 )

So Average speed = 𝑑 𝑑 = =2 = 𝟑. 𝟕𝟓 𝒎/𝒔
+ 𝑣𝐴𝐵 +𝑣𝐵𝐴 5.00 𝑚/𝑠 +3.00 𝑚/𝑠
𝑣𝐴𝐵′ 𝑣𝐵𝐴
b) The average velocity during any time interval equals total displacement divided elapsed time .

∆𝒙
𝒗𝒙.𝒂𝒗𝒈 =
∆𝒕
Since the walker returns to the starting point,

∆𝒙=0 and 𝒗𝒙.𝒂𝒗𝒈 = 𝟎

The velocity can be thought to average out to zero because it has a higher positive value for a
short time interval and a lower negative value for a longer time.
Q14:A particle moves along the x axis according to the equation x =2.00
+ 3.00t + 1.00t2, where x is in meters and t is in seconds. At t = 3.00 s,
find

(a)the position of the particle,

(b)its velocity, and
(c)its acceleration.
(a) A4:
❖ A mathematical function can be specified as a table of values, a graph, or a formula. Previous
problems have displayed position as a function of time with a graph. This problem displays
x(t) with an equation

❖ To find position we simply evaluate the given expression. To find velocity we differentiate it.
To find acceleration we take a second derivative.

❖ with the position given by x =2.00 + 3.00t + 1.00t2 , we can use the rules for differentiation
to write expressions for the velocity and acceleration as functions of time:

𝒅𝒙 𝒅(𝟐+𝟑𝒕+𝒕𝟐)
𝒗𝒙 = = = 𝟑 + 𝟐𝒕 = 𝟗 𝒎/𝒔 and
𝒅𝒕 𝒅𝒕

𝒅𝒗 𝒅(𝟑+𝟐𝒕)
𝒂𝒙 = = = 𝟐 𝒎Τ𝒔𝟐
𝒅𝒕 𝒅𝒕
a) x= 2.00 + 3.00 (3.00) – (3.00)2 = 2.00 m

b) vx = 3.00- 2 (3.00) = -3.00 m/s

c) Ax=-2.00 m/s2

❖ The operation of taking a time derivative corresponds physically to finding out how fast a
quantity is changing—to finding its rate of change.
Q15: Abaseball is hit so that it travels straight upward after being struck
by the bat. A fan observes that it takes 3.00 s for the ball to reach its
maximum height. Find

(a)the ball’s initial velocity and

(b)the height it reaches.
A15:
❖ The initial speed of the ball is probably somewhat greater than the speed of the pitch, which
might be about 60 mi/h (∼30 m/s), so an initial upward velocity off the bat of somewhere
between 20 and 100 m /s would be reasonable. We also know that the length of a ball fi eld
is about 300 ft (∼100 m), and a pop-fly usually does not go higher than this distance, so a
maximum height of 10 to 100 m would be reasonable for the situation described in this
problem.

After leaving the bat, the ball is in free fall for t= 3.00 s and has constant acceleration:

ay= −g = −9.80 m/s2.

Solve the equation

vyf= vyi + ayt with ay=−g

to obtain vyi with vyf=0 when the ball reaches its maximum height.
A5:

a)

vyi = vyf+ gt

= 0 + (9.80 m/s2)(3.00 s)
= 29.4 m/s (upward)

b)
The maximum height is:

𝟏
yf = vyi t − 𝟐gt2

𝟏
yf= (29.4 m/s)(3.00 s) − (9.80 m/s2)(3.00 s)2 = 44.1 m
𝟐

The calculated answers seem reasonable since they lie within our expected ranges, and they
have the correct units and direction. We say that the ball is in free fall in its upward motion as
well as in its subsequent downward motion and at the moment when its instantaneous velocity
is zero at the top. On the other hand, it is not in free fall when it is in contact with the bat or
with the catcher’s glove.
Q6:
Q7:
Serway Physics for Scientists and
Engineers
Chapter-3
Vectors
Q1:The Cartesian coordinates of a point in the xy plane are (x, y) = (-3.50, -2.50) m as shown in
Active Figure 1. Find the polar coordinates of this point.

Figure 1: finding polar coordinates when Cartesian coordinates are given.

A1:
Based on the statement of the problem and
the Conceptualize step, we recognize that we are simply
converting from Cartesian coordinates to polar coordinates.
We therefore categorize this example as a sub stitution
problem. Substitution problems generally do not have an
extensive Analyze step other than the substitution of
numbers into a given equation. Similarly, the Finalize step
consists primarily of checking the units and making sure that
the answer is reasonable. Therefore, for substitution
problems, we will not label Analyze or Finalize steps.

𝒓= 𝒙 𝟐 + 𝒚𝟐 = (−𝟑. 𝟓𝟎)𝟐 +(−𝟐. 𝟓𝟎)𝟐 = 𝟒. 𝟑𝟎 𝒎

𝑦 −2.50 𝑚
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 = = = 0.714 𝑚
𝑥 −3.50 𝑚

❖ 𝜃 = 216°
Notice that you must use the signs of x and y to find that the point lies in the third quadrant of
the coordinate system. That is, 𝜃 = 216° not 35.5°, whose tangent is also 0.714.
Q2: A car travels 20.0 km due north and then 35.0 km in a direction 60.0° west of north as
shown in Figure 2a. Find the magnitude and direction of the car’s resultant displacement.

Figure 2: (a) Graphical method for finding the resultant displacement vector 𝑅ത = 𝐴ҧ + 𝐵.
ത
(b) Adding the vectors in reverse order 𝐵ത + 𝐴ഥ gives the same result for 𝑅.
ത
A2:
In this example, we show two ways to analyze the problem of finding the resultant of two
vectors. The first way is to solve the problem geometrically, using graph paper and a protractor
to measure the magnitude of 𝑅ത and its direction in Figure 2(a). (In fact, even when you know
you are going to be carrying out a calculation, you should sketch the vectors to check your
results.) With an ordinary ruler and protractor, a large diagram typically gives answers to two-
digit but not to three-digit precision. Try using these tools on 𝑅ത in Figure 2(a). The second way to
solve the problem is to analyze it algebraically. The magnitude of 𝑅ത can be obtained from the
law of cosines as applied to the triangle in Figure 2(a).

The second way to solve the problem is to analyze it algebraically. The magnitude of 𝑅ത can be
obtained from the law of cosines as applied to the triangle in Figure 2(a).
𝑅2 = 𝐴2 + 𝐵2 − 2𝐴𝐵𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 from the law of cosinus to find R:

𝑅= 𝐴2 + 𝐵2 − 2𝐴𝐵𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃

Substitute numerical values, noting that 𝜃= 180° - 60° =120°

𝑅= (20.0 𝑘𝑚)2 +(35.0 𝑘𝑚)2 −2(20.0 𝑘𝑚)(35.0 𝑘𝑚)𝑐𝑜𝑠120°

=48.2 km
Q3: A vector has an x component of −25.0 units and a y
component of 40.0 units. Find the magnitude and direction of
this vector.
A3: We use geometry and trigonometry to obtain a more precise result.

The magnitude can be found by the Pythagorean theorem:

𝒓= 𝒙 𝟐 + 𝒚𝟐 , 𝒓= (−𝟐𝟓. 𝟎 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒔)𝟐 +(𝟒𝟎. 𝟎 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒔)𝟐 = 47.2 units

We observe that can

𝒙 𝟐𝟓.𝟎 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒔
∅ = 𝒕𝒂𝒏−𝟏 = 𝒕𝒂𝒏−𝟏 = 𝒕𝒂𝒏−𝟏 𝟎. 𝟔𝟐𝟓 = 32.0 °
𝒚 𝟒𝟎.𝟎 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒔

The angle from the +x axis can be found by adding 90° to Ø

θ=Ø + 90° =122°

Q4: A person walks 25.0° north of east for 3.10 km. How far
due north and how far due east would she have to walk
to arrive at the same location?
Q5: A girl delivering newspapers covers her route by traveling 3.00
blocks west, 4.00 blocks north, and then 6.00 blocks east.

What is her resultant displacement magnitude?

Q6: Consider the two vectors 𝐴ҧ = 3𝑖Ƹ − 2𝑗Ƹ and 𝐵ത = −𝑖Ƹ − 4𝑗Ƹ .
Calculate

a) 𝐴ҧ + 𝐵ത

b) 𝐴ҧ − 𝐵ത

c) | 𝐴ҧ + 𝐵I
ത ,

d) | 𝐴ҧ − 𝐵ത | , and

e) the directions of 𝐴ҧ + 𝐵ത and 𝐴ҧ − 𝐵.

ത

A5:
we can get answers in unit-vector form just by doing calculations with each term labeled with an
𝑖Ƹ or 𝑗Ƹ . There are in a sense only two vectors to calculate, since parts (c), (d), and (e) just ask
about the magnitudes and directions of the answers to (a) and (b).
 ഥ+𝑩
a) 𝑨 ഥ = 𝟑𝒊Ƹ − 𝟐𝒋Ƹ + −𝒊Ƹ − 𝟒𝒋Ƹ = 𝟐. 𝟎𝟎𝒊Ƹ − 𝟔. 𝟎𝟎𝒋Ƹ

ഥ−𝑩
b) 𝑨 ഥ = 𝟑𝒊Ƹ − 𝟐𝒋Ƹ − −𝒊Ƹ − 𝟒𝒋Ƹ = 𝟒. 𝟎𝟎𝒊Ƹ + 𝟐. 𝟎𝟎𝒋Ƹ

For the vector ഥ = 𝑹𝒙 𝒊Ƹ + 𝑹𝒚 𝒋Ƹ

𝑹

ഥ =
the magnitude is 𝑹 𝑹𝒙 𝟐 + 𝑹𝒚 𝟐 so

ഥ+𝑩
c) 𝑨 ഥ = 𝟐𝟐 + (−𝟔)𝟐 = 𝟔. 𝟑𝟐 and

ഥ−𝑩
d) 𝑨 ഥ = 𝟒𝟐 + 𝟐𝟐 = 𝟒. 𝟒𝟕 and

The direction of a vector relative to the positive x axis is 𝜽 = 𝒕𝒂𝒏−𝟏 (𝑹𝒚 /𝑹𝒙 )

ഥ+𝑩
e) For 𝑨 ഥ , 𝜽 = 𝒕𝒂𝒏−𝟏 (−𝟔/𝟐) in the fourth quadrant = -71.6° = 288°

ഥ−𝑩
For 𝑨 ഥ , 𝜽 = 𝒕𝒂𝒏−𝟏 (𝟐/𝟒) in the first quadrant = 26.6°
 ഥ has x, y, and z components of 8.00, 12.0, and -4.00 units, respectively.
Q7: The vector 𝑨

ഥ in unit-vector notation.
a) Write a vector expression for 𝑨
ഥ one-fourth the length of 𝑨
b) Obtain a unit-vector expression for a vector 𝑩 ഥ pointing in the
ഥ.
same direction as 𝑨
ഥ three times the length of 𝑨
c) Obtain a unit-vector expression for a vector 𝑪 ഥ pointing in the
ഥ.
direction opposite the direction of 𝑨
A6:
We use unit-vector notation throughout. There is no adding to do here, but just multiplication of
a vector by two different scalars.

a) 𝑨 ෡
ഥ = 𝑨𝒙 𝒊Ƹ + 𝑨𝒚 𝒋Ƹ + 𝑨𝒛 𝒌 ෡
ഥ = 𝟖. 𝟎𝟎𝒊Ƹ + 𝟏𝟐. 𝟎𝒋Ƹ − 𝟒. 𝟎𝟎𝒌
𝑨

ഥ=𝑨
b) 𝑩 ഥ /𝟒 ෡
ഥ = 𝟐. 𝟎𝟎𝒊Ƹ + 𝟑. 𝟎𝟎𝒋Ƹ − 𝟏. 𝟎𝟎𝒌
𝑩

ഥ = −𝟑𝑨
c) 𝑪 ഥ 𝑪 ෡
ഥ = −𝟐𝟒. 𝟎𝒊Ƹ − 𝟑𝟔. 𝟎𝒋Ƹ + 𝟏𝟐. 𝟎𝒌
Q8:
A person going for a walk follows the path shown in Figure
P3.47. The total trip consists of four straight-line paths. At the
end of the walk, what is the person’s resultant displacement
measured from the starting point?
Q9
Q10:A force 𝑭𝟏 of magnitude 6.00 units
acts on an object at the origin in a
direction θ= 30.0° above the positive x-axis
(Fig.). A second force 𝑭𝟐 of magnitude
5.00 units acts on the object in the
direction of the positive y-axis.

Find graphically the magnitude and

direction of the resultant force.
𝑭𝟏 + 𝑭 𝟐
Serway Physics for Scientists and
Engineers
Chapter-4
Motion in Two dimensions
Q1:A stone is thrown from the top of a building upward
at an angle of 30.0° to the horizontal with an initial
speed of 20.0 m/s as shown in Figure 1. The height from
which the stone is thrown is 45.0 m above the ground.

a) How long does it take the stone to reach the ground?

b) What is the speed of the stone just before it strikes

the ground?

Figure 1: A stone is thrown from the top of a building

We categorize this problem as a projectile motion
problem. The stone is modeled as a particle under
constant acceleration in the y direction and a particle
under constant velocity in the x direction.

We have the information

xi = yi =0,
yf= -45.0 m
ay= -g
vi= 20.0 m/s
the numerical value of yf is negative because we have chosen the point of the throw as the
origin).
A1:
a) Find the initial x and y components of the stone’s velocity:

Express the vertical position of the stone from the vertical component:

Substitute numerical values:

Solve the quadratic equation for t:

A1:
b) Use the y component to obtain the y component of the velocity of the stone just before it
strikes the ground:

Substitute numerical values, using t = 4.22 s:

Use this component with the horizontal component 𝑣𝑥𝑓 = 𝑣𝑥𝑖 17.3 m/s to find the speed of the
stone at t = 4.22 s:
Q2: A ski jumper leaves the ski track moving in the
horizontal direction with a speed of 25.0 m/s as
shown in Figure 2. The landing incline below her
falls off with a slope of 35.0°.
Where does she land on the incline?

Figure 2: A ski jumper leaves the track moving in a horizontal direction.

A2: It is convenient to select the beginning of
the jump as the origin. The initial velocity
components are vxi = 25.0 m/s and vyi = 0. From
the right triangle in Figure 2,

we see that the jumper’s x and y coordinates at

the landing point are given by xf=dcosØ and
yf=-dsinØ

Express the coordinates of the jumper as a

function of time:
Substitute the values of xf and yf at the landing point:

Solve Equation (3) for t and substitute the result into Equation (4):

Solve for d:

Evaluate the x and y coordinates of the point at which the skier lands:
Q3: A motorist drives south at 20.0 m/s for 3.00 min, then turns west and travels at 25.0 m/s for
2.00 min, and finally travels northwest at 30.0 m/s for 1.00 min. For this 6.00-min trip, find

a) the total vector displacement,

b) the average speed, and
c) the average velocity. Let the positive x axis point east.
Q3: A motorist drives south at 20.0 m/s for 3.00 min, then turns west and travels at 25.0 m/s for
2.00 min, and finally travels northwest at 30.0 m/s for 1.00 min. For this 6.00-min trip, find

a) the total vector displacement,

b) the average speed, and
c) the average velocity. Let the positive x axis point east.

We must use the method of vector addition and the definitions of average velocity and of
average speed.

For each segment of the motion we model the car as a particle under constant velocity.
Her displacements are

a) ∆ത𝒓=(20.0 m/s)(180s) south + (25.0 m/s)(120s) west + (30.0 m/s)(60.0 s) northwest

Choosing 𝒊ҧ = 𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒋 ҧ = 𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉, we have

ҧ (3.00 km)(- 𝒊)ҧ + (1.80 km)cos 45.0°(- 𝒊)ҧ + (1.80 km)sin 45.0°(- 𝒋)ҧ
∆ത𝒓=(3.60 km)(-𝒋)+

∆ത𝒓=(3.00 + 1.27)km(- 𝒊)ҧ + (1.27- 3.60) km(𝒋)=

ҧ (-4.27𝒊ҧ - 2.33 𝒋)km
ҧ
Q3: A motorist drives south at 20.0 m/s for 3.00 min, then turns west and travels at 25.0 m/s for
2.00 min, and finally travels northwest at 30.0 m/s for 1.00 min. For this 6.00-min trip, find

a) the total vector displacement,

b) the average speed, and
c) the average velocity. Let the positive x axis point east.

The answer can also be written as

𝟐.𝟑𝟑
∆ത𝒓 = (−𝟒. 𝟐𝟕 𝒌𝒎)𝟐 +(−𝟐. 𝟑𝟑 𝒌𝒎)𝟐 at 𝒕𝒂𝒏−𝟏 (𝟒.𝟐𝟕)=28.6 south of west

or

∆ത𝒓 = 4.87 km at 209 ° from the east

Q3: A motorist drives south at 20.0 m/s for 3.00 min, then turns west and travels at 25.0 m/s for
2.00 min, and finally travels northwest at 30.0 m/s for 1.00 min. For this 6.00-min trip, find

a) the total vector displacement,

b) the average speed, and
c) the average velocity. Let the positive x axis point east.

b) The total distance or path-length traveled is

(3.60 +3.00+1.80) km =8.40 km

So
𝟖.𝟒𝟎 𝒌𝒎 𝟏.𝟎𝟎 𝒎𝒊𝒏 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎𝒎
average speed = = 𝟐𝟑. 𝟑 𝒎/𝑠
𝟔.𝟎𝟎 𝒎𝒊𝒏 𝟔𝟎.𝟎𝒔 𝒌𝒎

∆ത𝒓 −𝟒.𝟐𝟕𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒕−𝟐.𝟑𝟑 𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉 𝒌𝒎

ഥ𝒂𝒗𝒈 =
c) 𝒗 = = 𝟏𝟏. 𝟗 𝒘𝒆𝒔𝒕 + 𝟔. 𝟒𝟔 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝒎/𝒔
𝒕 𝟑𝟔𝟎𝒔

The average velocity is necessarily in the same direction as the total displacement. The total
distance and the average speed are scalars, with no direction. Distance must be greater than the
magnitude of displacement for any motion that changes direction, and similarly average speed
must be greater than average velocity.
Q4: In a local bar, a customer slides an empty beer mug down the counter for a refi ll. The height
of the counter is 1.22 m. The mug slides off the counter and strikes the floor 1.40 m from the
base of the counter.
a) With what velocity did the mug leave the counter?
b) What was the direction of the mug’s velocity just before it hit the floor?
Q4: In a local bar, a customer slides an empty beer mug down the counter for a refi ll. The height
of the counter is 1.22 m. The mug slides off the counter and strikes the floor 1.40 m from the
base of the counter.
a) With what velocity did the mug leave the counter?
b) What was the direction of the mug’s velocity just before it hit the floor?

A4:
We are looking for two different velocities, but we are only given two distances. Our approach
will be to separate the vertical and horizontal motions. By using the height that the mug falls,
we can find the time interval of the fall. Once we know the time, we can find the horizontal and
vertical components of the velocity. For convenience, we will set the origin to be the point
where the mug leaves the counter.

Vertical motion yf= -1.22 m vyi=0 vy=? ay=-9.80 m/s2

Horizontal motion xf = 1.40m vx=?=constant ax= 0

a) To find the time interval of fall, we use the equation for motion with constant accelaration
𝟏
𝒚𝒇 = 𝒚𝒊 + 𝒗𝒚𝒊𝒕 + 𝟐 𝒂𝒚𝒕𝟐

𝟏
Substituting -1.22m=0+0- 𝟐 (𝟗. 𝟖𝟎𝒎/𝒔𝟐 )t2

So t= 𝟐(𝟏. 𝟐𝟐𝒎)/𝟗. 𝟖𝟎 𝟎. 𝟓 = 0.499 s

𝒙𝒇 𝟏.𝟒𝟎 𝒎
Then 𝒗𝒙 = 𝒕
= 𝟎.𝟒𝟗𝟗 𝒔 = 𝟐. 𝟖𝟏 𝒎/𝒔
Q4: In a local bar, a customer slides an empty beer mug down the counter for a refi ll. The height
of the counter is 1.22 m. The mug slides off the counter and strikes the floor 1.40 m from the
base of the counter.
a) With what velocity did the mug leave the counter?
b) What was the direction of the mug’s velocity just before it hit the floor?

b)
The mug hits the floor with a vertical velocity of 𝑣𝑦𝑓 = 𝑣𝑦𝑖 + 𝑎𝑦 𝑡 and an impact angle below
the horizontal of 𝜃 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 (𝑣𝑦𝑖 /𝑣𝑥 )

Evaluating 𝑣𝑦𝑓 , 𝒗𝒚𝒇 = 𝟎 − (𝟗. 𝟖𝟎 𝒎/𝒔𝟐)(0.499 s) =-4.89 m/s

−𝟒.𝟖𝟗 𝒎/𝒔
Thus 𝜽 = 𝒕𝒂𝒏−𝟏 ( 𝟐.𝟖𝟏 𝒎/𝒔 ) = -60.2° below the horizontal
Q5:A placekicker must kick a football from a point 36.0 m (about 40 yards) from the goal. Half
the crowd hopes the ball will clear the crossbar, which is 3.05 m high. When kicked, the ball
leaves the ground with a speed of 20.0 m/s at an angle of 53.0° to the horizontal.

a) By how much does the ball clear or fall short of clearing the crossbar?
b) Does the ball approach the crossbar while still rising or while falling?
Q5:A placekicker must kick a football from a point 36.0 m (about 40 yards) from the goal. Half
the crowd hopes the ball will clear the crossbar, which is 3.05 m high. When kicked, the ball
leaves the ground with a speed of 20.0 m/s at an angle of 53.0° to the horizontal.

a) By how much does the ball clear or fall short of clearing the crossbar?
b) Does the ball approach the crossbar while still rising or while falling?

Model the football as a projectile, moving with constant horizontal velocity and with constant
vertical acceleration. We need a plan to get the necessary information to answer the yes-or-no
questions. We will find the height of the ball when its horizontal displacement component is 36
m, to see whether it is more than 3.05 m. After that, we will find the time interval for which the
ball rises and compare it with the time interval for it to travel Δx = 36 m, to see which interval is
longer.

a) To find the height of football when it crosses above the goal line, we use the equations

𝟏 1
𝒚𝒇 = 𝒚𝒊 + 𝒗𝒚𝒊𝒕 + 𝟐 𝒂𝒚𝒕𝟐 = 0 + 𝑣𝑖 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑖 𝑡 − 2 𝑔𝑡 2 and 𝑥𝑓 = 𝑥𝑖 + 𝑣𝑥𝑖 𝑡 = 0 + 𝑣𝑖 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃𝑖 𝑡

𝑥𝑓
From the second of these we substitute 𝑡 = 𝑣 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 into the first, to obtain the ‘’trajectory
𝑖 𝑖
equation’’
𝑔𝑥2𝑓
𝑦𝑓 = 𝑥𝑓 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃𝑖 − 2
2𝑣 𝑖 𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝜃
Q5:A placekicker must kick a football from a point 36.0 m (about 40 yards) from the goal. Half
the crowd hopes the ball will clear the crossbar, which is 3.05 m high. When kicked, the ball
leaves the ground with a speed of 20.0 m/s at an angle of 53.0° to the horizontal.

a) By how much does the ball clear or fall short of clearing the crossbar?
b) Does the ball approach the crossbar while still rising or while falling?

We can use it directly to compute the altitude of the ball

With 𝒙𝒇 =36.0 m, 𝒗𝒊=20.0 m/s and θ𝒊= 53.0°

𝒎 𝟐
𝟗.𝟖𝟎𝒔𝟐 𝟑𝟔.𝟎 𝒎
Thus: 𝒚𝒇 = 𝟑𝟔. 𝟎 𝒎 𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝟓𝟑. 𝟎° − 𝒎 𝟐
𝟐 𝟐𝟎.𝟎 𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝟐𝟓𝟑.𝟎°

𝒚𝒇 = 47.774 - 43.834 = 3.939 m

Q6:The athlete shown in Figure 3 of the textbook
rotates a 1.00-kg discus along a circular path of radius
1.06 m. The maximum speed of the discus is 20.0 m/s.
Determine the magnitude of the maximum radial
acceleration of the discus.

Figure 3
 Q6:The athlete shown in Figure 3 of the textbook
rotates a 1.00-kg discus along a circular path of radius
1.06 m. The maximum speed of the discus is 20.0 m/s.
Determine the magnitude of the maximum radial
acceleration of the discus.

Figure 3

A6:
Model the discus as a particle in uniform circular motion. We evaluate its centripetal
acceleration from the standard equation proved in the text.

The athlete must keep a firm hold on the discus to give it so large an acceleration. We can call it
“change-in-direction acceleration” to mean the same thing as radial acceleration or centripetal
acceleration.
Q7
Serway Physics for Scientists and
Engineers
Chapter-5
The Laws of Motion
Q1: A hockey puck having a mass of 0.30 kg slides on the frictionless,
horizontal surface of an ice rink. Two hockey sticks strike the
puck simultaneously, exerting the forces on the puck shown in
Figure 5.4. The force 𝐹ഥ1 has a magnitude of 5.0 N, and the force
𝐹2 has a magnitude of 8.0 N. Determine both the magnitude and the
direction of the puck’s acceleration.
Q1: A hockey puck having a mass of 0.30 kg slides on the frictionless,
horizontal surface of an ice rink. Two hockey sticks strike the
puck simultaneously, exerting the forces on the puck shown in
Figure 5.4. The force 𝐹ഥ1 has a magnitude of 5.0 N, and the force
𝐹2 has a magnitude of 8.0 N. Determine both the magnitude and the
direction of the puck’s acceleration.

A1:Because we can determine a net force and we want an acceleration, this problem is
categorized as one that may be solved using Newton’s second law.

Find the component of the net force acting on the puck in the x direction:

Find the component of the net force acting on the puck in the y direction:
Use Newton’s second law in component to find the x and y components of the puck’s
acceleration:

Find the magnitude of the acceleration:

Find the direction of the acceleration relative to the positive x axis:

The vectors in Figure can be added graphically to check the reasonableness of our answer.
Because the acceleration vector is along the direction of the resultant force, a drawing showing
the resultant force vector helps us check the validity of the answer.
Q2:A traffic light weighing 122 N hangs from a cable tied
to two other cables fastened to a support as in Figure 1.
The upper cables make angles of 37.0° and 53.0° with
the horizontal. These upper cables are not as strong as
the vertical cable and will break if the tension in them
exceeds 100 N. Does the traffic light remain hanging in
this situation, or will one of the cables break?

Figure 1: (a) A traffic light suspended

by cables. (b) The forces acting on
the traffic light. (c) The free-body
diagram for the knot where the three
45 45 cables are joined
A2:The traffic light in the y direction:

Choose the coordinate axes as shown in Figure 1c and resolve the forces acting on the knot into
their components:
Apply the particle in equilibrium model to the knot:

Equation (1) shows that the horizontal components of 𝑇ഥ1

and 𝑇2 must be equal in magnitude, and Equation (2)
shows that the sum of the vertical components of 𝑇ഥ1 Figure 1: (a) A traffic light suspended
and 𝑇2 must balance the downward force 𝑇3 ,which is by cables. (b) The forces acting on
equal in magnitude to the weight of the light. the traffic light. (c) The free-body
diagram for the knot where the three
Solve Equation (1) for T in terms of T : cables are joined
2 1

Substitute this value for T2 into Equation (2):

Both values are less than 100 N ( just barely for T2), so the cables will not break.
Q3:A car of mass m is on an icy driveway inclined
at an angle u as in Figure 2a.
A. Find the acceleration of the car, assuming the
driveway is frictionless.
B. Suppose the car is released from rest at the top
of the incline and the distance from the car’s
front bumper to the bottom of the incline is d.
How long does it take the front bumper to reach
the bottom of the hill, and what is the car’s
speed as it arrives there? Figure 2:(a) A car on a frictionless incline.
(b) The freebody diagram for the car. The
black dot represents the position of the
center of mass of the car.

A3 :We categorize the car as a particle under a net force because it accelerates. Furthermore,
this example belongs to a very common category of problems in which an object moves under
the influence of gravity on an inclined plane.
Figure 2b shows the free-body diagram for the car. The only forces acting on the car are the
normal force 𝒏 ഥ exerted by the inclined plane, which acts perpendicular to the plane, and the
gravitational force 𝑭𝒈 =m 𝒈 ഥ , which acts vertically downward. For problems involving inclined
planes, it is convenient to choose the coordinate axes with x along the incline and y
perpendicular to it as in Figure 2b. With these axes, we represent the gravitational force by a
component of magnitude mgsinθ along the positive x axis and one of magnitude mg cos u along
the negative y axis. Our choice of axes results in the car being modeled as a particle under a net
force in the x direction and a particle in equilibrium in the y direction.
A3.A.)
Apply these models to the car:

Solve Equation (1) for ax:

Figure 2:(a) A car on a frictionless incline.

(b) The freebody diagram for the car. The
the acceleration component ax is independent black dot represents the position of the
of the mass of the car! It depends only on the center of mass of the car.
angle of inclination and on g.
From Equation (2), we conclude that the component of 𝑭𝒈 perpendicular to the incline is
balanced by the normal force;
that is, n = mg cosθ. This situation is another case in which the normal force is not equal in
magnitude to the weight of the object. It is possible, although inconvenient, to solve the
problem with “standard” horizontal and vertical axes. You may want to try it, just for practice.
A3.B.) This part of the problem belongs to
kinematics rather than to dynamics, and Equation
(3) shows that the acceleration ax is constant.
Therefore, you should categorize the car in this part
of the problem as a particle under constant
acceleration.

Defining the initial position of the front bumper

as xi = 0 and its final position as xf = d, and
recognizing that vxi = 0, Figure 2:(a) A car on a frictionless incline.
1 (b) The freebody diagram for the car. The
apply Equation , xf = xi + vxit + 2 axt2:
black dot represents the position of the
center of mass of the car.

Solve for t:

vxi = 0, to find the final velocity of the car

Q4:Two blocks of masses m1 and m2, with m1 . m2, are
placed in contact with each other on a frictionless,
horizontal surface as in Active Figure 3a. A constant
ഥ is applied to m1 as shown.
horizontal force 𝑭

A.Find the magnitude of the acceleration of the system

B. Determine the magnitude of the contact force

between the two blocks.

Figure 3: A force is applied to a block

of mass m1, which pushes on a
second block of mass m2. (b) The
forces acting on m1. (c) The forces
acting on m2.
A4. A:First model the combination of two blocks as a
single particle under a net force. Apply Newton’s
second law to the combination in the x direction to find
the acceleration:

We construct a diagram of forces acting on the object for each block as shown in Active Figures
3b and 3c, where the contact force is denoted by 𝑷ഥ . From Active Figure 3c, we see that the only
ഥ 12 (the force exerted by m1 on m2), which is
horizontal force acting on m2 is the contact force 𝑷
directed to the right.
A4. B:Apply Newton’s second law to m2:

Substitute the value of the acceleration ax given by

Equation (1) into Equation (2):

Figure 3: A force is applied to a block

of mass m1, which pushes on a
This result shows that the contact force P12 is less than second block of mass m2. (b) The
the applied force F. The force required to accelerate forces acting on m1. (c) The forces
block 2 alone must be less than the force required to acting on m2.
produce the same acceleration for the two-block
system.
To finalize further, let us check this expression for P12 by considering the forces acting on m1,
shown in Active Figure 3b. The horizontal forces acting on m1 are the applied force 𝑭 ഥ to the
right and the contact force 𝑷 ഥ 21 to the left (the force exerted by m2 on m1). From Newton’s third
ഥ 21 is the reaction force to 𝑷
law, 𝑷 ഥ 12,
so P21 = P12.
Apply Newton’s second law to m1:

Solve for P12 and substitute the value of ax from

Equation (1):

This result agrees with Equation (3), as it must. Figure 3: A force is applied to a block
of mass m1, which pushes on a
When the force is applied toward the left on m2, the second block of mass m2. (b) The
contact force must accelerate m1. In the original forces acting on m1. (c) The forces
situation, the contact force accelerates m2. Because m1 acting on m2.
> m2, more force is required, so the magnitude of 𝑃12is
greater than in theoriginal situation.
Q5:When two objects of unequal mass are hung
vertically over a frictionless pulley of negligible mass as
in Active Figure 4a, the arrangement is called an Atwood
machine. The device is sometimes used in the
laboratory to determine the value of g. Determine the
magnitude of the acceleration of the two objects and
the tension in the lightweight cord.

Figure 4:The Atwood machine. (a)

Two objects connected by a
massless inextensible cord over a
frictionless pulley. (b) The freebody
diagrams for the two objects.
A5:The objects in the Atwood machine are subject to
the gravitational force as well as to the forces exerted by
the strings connected to them.

Therefore, we can categorize this problem as one

involving two particles under a net force. The free-body
diagrams for the two objects are shown in Active Figure
4b. Two forces act on each object: the upward force 𝑻 ഥ
exerted by the string and the downward gravitational
force.
In problems such as this one in which the pulley is modeled as massless and frictionless, the
tension in the string on both sides of the pulley is the same. If the pulley has mass or is subject
to friction, the tensions on either side are not the same and the situation requires techniques
We must be very careful with signs in problems such as this
one. In Active Figure 4a, notice that if object 1 accelerates
upward, object 2 accelerates downward. Therefore, for
consistency with signs, if we define the upward direction
as positive for object 1, we must define the downward
direction as positive for object 2. With this sign convention,
both objects accelerate in the same direction as defined by
the choice of sign. Furthermore, according to this sign
convention, the y component of the net force exerted on
object 1 is T - m1g, and the y component of the net force
exerted on object 2 is m2g – T .

Apply Newton’s second law to object 1:

Figure 4:The Atwood machine. (a)

Two objects connected by a
Apply Newton’s second law to object 2: massless inextensible cord over a
frictionless pulley. (b) The
freebody diagrams for the two
objects.
Add Equation (2) to Equation (1), noticing that T cancels:
Solve for the acceleration:

Substitute Equation (3) into Equation (1) to find T:

The acceleration given by Equation (3) can be interpreted as Figure 4:The Atwood machine. (a)
the ratio of the magnitude of the unbalanced Two objects connected by a
force on the system (m2 - m1)g to the total mass of the massless inextensible cord over a
system (m1 + m2), as expected from Newton’s second law. frictionless pulley. (b) The
Notice that the sign of the acceleration depends on the freebody diagrams for the two
relative masses of the two objects. objects.
Q6: A ball of mass m 1 and a block of mass m2
are attached by a lightweight cord that passes over a
frictionless pulley of negligible mass as in Figure 5a. The
block lies on a frictionless incline of angle θ. Find
the magnitude of the acceleration of the two objects and
the tension in the cord.
A6: We can identify forces on each of the two objects and
we are looking for an acceleration, so we categorize the
objects as particles under a net force.

Consider the free-body diagrams shown in Figures 5b and

5c.

Apply Newton’s second law in component form to the

ball, choosing the upward direction as positive:
Figure 5: (a) Two objects connected
by a lightweight cord strung over a
frictionless pulley. (b) The freebody
diagram for the ball. (c) The free-
body diagram for the block. (The
incline is frictionless.)
For the ball to accelerate upward, it is necessary that
T>m1g. In Equation (2), we replaced ay with a because
the acceleration has only a y component.
For the block, it is convenient to choose the positive x’
axis along the incline as in Figure 5c.

For consistency with our choice for the ball, we choose

the positive direction to be down the incline

Apply Newton’s second law in component form to the

block:

In Equation (3), we replaced ax’ with a because the two

Figure 5: (a) Two objects connected
objects have accelerations of equal magnitude a.
by a lightweight cord strung over a
frictionless pulley. (b) The freebody
Solve Equation (2) for T:
diagram for the ball. (c) The free-
body diagram for the block. (The
incline is frictionless.)
Substitute this expression for T into Equation (3):

Solve for a:

Substitute this expression for a into Equation (5) to find T:

Figure 5: (a) Two objects connected

by a lightweight cord strung over a
frictionless pulley. (b) The freebody
The block accelerates down the incline only if m2 sinθ > diagram for the ball. (c) The free-
m1. If m1 >m2 sin θ, the acceleration is up the incline body diagram for the block. (The
for the block and downward for the ball. incline is frictionless.)
Also notice that the result for the acceleration, Equation (6), can be interpreted
as the magnitude of the net external force acting on the ball–block system divided by the total
mass of the system; this result is consistent with Newton’s second law.
 ഥ applied as shown can cause the block to accelerate to the
Figure 6: (a) The external force 𝑭
right. (b, c) Diagrams showing the forces on the two objects, assuming the block accelerates to
the right and the ball accelerates upward

Q7:A block of mass m2 on a rough, horizontal surface is connected to a ball of mass m1 by a

lightweight cord over a lightweight, frictionless pulley as shown in Figure 6a. A force of
magnitude F at an angle u with the horizontal is applied to the block as shown, and the block
slides to the right. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and surface is mk.
Determine the magnitude of the acceleration of the two objects.
 ഥ applied as shown can cause the block to accelerate to the
Figure 6: (a) The external force 𝑭
right. (b, c) Diagrams showing the forces on the two objects, assuming the block accelerates to
the right and the ball accelerates upward
A7: We can identify forces and we want an acceleration, so we categorize this problem as one
involving two particles under a net force, the ball and the block.

First draw force diagrams for the two objects as shown in Figures 6b and 6c. Notice that the
string exertsa force of magnitude T on both objects. The applied force 𝑭 ഥ has x and y
components Fcosθ and F sinθ, respectively. Because the two objects are connected, we can
equate the magnitudes of the x component of the acceleration of the block and the y
component of the acceleration of the ball and call them both a. Let us assume the motion of the
block is to the right.
Apply the particle under a net force model to the block in the horizontal direction:
 ഥ applied as shown can cause the block to accelerate to the
Figure 6: (a) The external force 𝑭
right. (b, c) Diagrams showing the forces on the two objects, assuming the block accelerates to
the right and the ball accelerates upward
Because the block moves only horizontally, apply the particle in equilibrium model to the block
in the vertical direction:

Apply the particle under a net force model to the ball in the vertical direction:

Solve Equation (2) for n:

 ഥ applied as shown can cause the block to accelerate to the
Figure 6: (a) The external force 𝑭
right. (b, c) Diagrams showing the forces on the two objects, assuming the block accelerates to
the right and the ball accelerates upward
Substitute n into fk = 𝝁𝒌 n

Substitute Equation (4) and the value of T from Equation (3) into Equation (1):

Solve for a:
 ഥ applied as shown can cause the block to accelerate to the
Figure 6: (a) The external force 𝑭
right. (b, c) Diagrams showing the forces on the two objects, assuming the block accelerates to
the right and the ball accelerates upward

The acceleration of the block can be either to the right or to the left depending on the sign of
the numerator in Equation (5). If the motion is to the left, we must reverse the sign of fk in
Equation (1) because the force of kinetic friction must oppose the motion of the block relative
to the surface. In this case, the value of a is the same as in Equation (5), with the two plus signs
in the numerator changed to minus signs.
Q8:A bag of cement weighing 325 N hangs in equilibrium
from three wires as suggested in Figure 7. Two of the wires
make angles θ1 = 60.0° and θ2 = 40.0° with the horizontal.
Assuming the system is in equilibrium, find the tensions T1,
T2, and T3 in the wires.
A8: A bag of cement whose weight is Fg hangs in equilibrium
from three wires as shown in Figure 7. Two of the wires make
angles θ1 and θ2 with the horizontal. Assuming the system is
in equilibrium, show that the tension in the left-hand wire is

Figure 7:

From Newton’s second law for an object with zero

acceleration we can write down x and y component
equations. The magnitudes of T1 and T2 are unknown, but we
can take components of these two tensions just as if they
were known forces. Then we can eliminate T2 by substitution
and solve for T1.
We use the particle in equilibrium model. Draw a free-body
diagram for the knot where the three ropes are joined. Choose
the x axis to be horizontal and apply Newton’s second law in
component form.

Solve equation [1] for:

Substitute this expression for T2 into equation [2]: Figure 7:

Solve for,
Use the trigonometric identity:

to find,

Figure 7:

The equation indicates that the tension is directly

proportional to the weight of the bag. As sin (θ1 + θ2 )
approaches zero (as the angle between the two upper ropes
approaches 180°) the tension goes to infinity. Making the
right-hand rope horizontal maximizes the tension in the left-
hand rope, according to the proportionality of T1 to cosθ2. If
the right-hand rope is vertical, the tension in the left-hand
rope is zero.
Q9: (5.35) Consider a 72.0-kg man standing on a spring scale in
an elevator. Starting from rest, the elevator ascends, attaining its
maximum speed of 1.20 m/s in 0.800 s. It travels with this
constant speed for the next 5.00 s. The elevator then undergoes
a uniform acceleration in the negative y direction for 1.50 s and
comes to rest. What does the spring scale register

(a) before the elevator starts to move,

(b) during the first 0.800 s,
(c) while the elevator is traveling at constant speed, and
(d) during the time interval it is slowing down?

We draw a force diagram and apply Newton’s second law for

each part of the elevator trip to find the scale force. The
acceleration can be found from the change in speed divided by
the elapsed time.

Consider the force diagram of the man shown as two arrows.

The force F is the upward force exerted on the man by the scale, Figure 8:
and his weight is
With +y defined to be upwards, Newton’s 2nd law gives

Thus, we calculate the upward scale force to be

where a is the acceleration the man experiences as the

elevator changes speed.
a. Before the elevator starts moving, the elevator’s
acceleration is zero (a = 0). Therefore, equation [1] gives
the force exerted by the scale on the man as 706 N
upward, and the man exerts a downward force of 706 N
on the scale.
b. During the first 0.800 s of motion, the man accelerates at
a rate of
Figure 8:

Substituting a into equation [1] then gives

c. While the elevator is traveling upward at constant speed,
the acceleration is zero and equation [1] again gives a
scale force F = 706 N.
d. During the last 1.50 s, the elevator first has an upward
velocity of 1.20 m/s, and then comes to rest with an
acceleration of

Thus, the force of the man on the scale is

The calculated scale forces are consistent with our predictions.

In part (b), the force of the scale is no larger than the
downward gravitational force, so why does the man keep
moving upward? Johannes Kepler invented the term inertia,
taken from a Latin word for laziness, to sound like an
explanation for this motion in the absence of a net force. Figure 8:
When the total force acting on an object is zero, the object clings to the status quo in its motion.
Such an object moves with no acceleration, just like an object feeling no forces at all and
described by Newton’s first law. This problem could be extended to a couple of extreme cases. If
the acceleration of the elevator were +9.80 m/s2, then the man would feel twice as heavy, and if
a = −9.80 m/s2 (free fall), then he would feel “weightless,” even though his true weight (Fg = mg)
would remain the same.
Q10: What horizontal force must be applied to a large block of mass M shown in Figure 8 so that
the tan blocks remain stationary relative to M? Assume all surfaces and the pulley are
frictionless. Notice that the force exerted by the string accelerates m2.

Figure 8
A10: We will use ΣF = ma on each object, so we draw force
diagrams for the M + m1 + m2 system, and also for blocks m1
and m2. Remembering that normal forces are always
perpendicular to the contacting surface, and always push on a
body, draw n1 and n2 as shown. Note that m1 is in contact with
the cart, and therefore feels a normal force exerted by the cart.
Remembering that ropes always pull on bodies toward the
center of the rope, draw the tension force 𝑻 ഥ . Finally, draw the
gravitational force on each block, which always points
downwards.

For vertical forces on m1

For m2
Substituting for T, we have

For all three blocks

Figure 8

Therefore

This problem did not have a numerical solution, but we were

still able to reason about the algebraic form of the solution.
This technique does not always work, especially for complex
situations, but often we can think through a problem to see if
an equation for the solution makes sense based on the
physical principles we know.