Equations of Rectilinear Motion
Equations of Rectilinear Motion
Equations of Rectilinear Motion
Imagine a particle that starts from initial speed u (m/s) and accelerates at
a rate of a (𝑚𝑠 −2 ). After time t (s), it attains a new speed of v (m/s),
covering a distance of s (m). The velocity-time graph of such a particle
is shown below.
𝑣−𝑢
The gradient gives the acceleration. Hence, a = or, v = u+at
𝑡
(2)
1
The area under the graph gives the displacement. Since the area
looks like a trapezium, we find displacement using the formula
𝒕
for the area of a trapezium s = (u+v) (3)
𝟐
If we make v the subject in (1) and substitute into (2), we get
𝟏
s = ut + 𝒂𝒕𝟐 (𝟒),
𝟐
If we make u the subject in (1) and substitute into (2), we get
𝟏
s = vt - 𝒂𝒕𝟐 (𝟓),
𝟐
Making t the subject in (1) and substituting into (2)
𝒗𝟐 = 𝒖𝟐 + 2as (6)
SUVAT equations:
𝒕(𝒖+𝒗) 𝟏
s = vt (1), v = u = + at, (2), s = (3), s = ut + 𝒂𝒕𝟐 (𝟒), 𝒗𝟐 = 𝒖𝟐
𝟐 𝟐
𝟏 𝟐
+ 2as (5) s = vt - 𝒂𝒕 (𝟔), Note: the numbering is arbitrary.
𝟐
2
Solution
𝒕(𝒖+𝒗) 20(0+45)
s= = = 450 m.
𝟐 2
(i) Find his speed at the end of the acceleration. (ii) Find the time
taken to complete the race.
Solution
1
(i) u = 0, t = 5 s, s = 25 m, a =? We use (4): 25 = 0(5) + 𝑎(5)2 ,
2
25 = 12.5a, a = 2 𝑚𝑠 −2
(ii) The time taken to run the first segment (25 m) is 5 s. Since the
race is a sprint (100 m), this leaves 75 m. We, therefore, find
the time taken to complete the rest 75 m.
3
(i) Determine the distance traveled by the driver from the time
she sees the sheep to the time she applies the breaks.
(ii) Calculate the distance covered by the driver between applying
the brakes and coming to rest, hence, state whether or not she
hits the sheep.
Solution
Between seeing the goat and applying the brakes, the car/s speed was
constant/uniform so we use s = vt to find the distance travelled in this
reaction time. s = vt = 80(0.2) = 16 m. Hence, she moves 16 m before
starting to apply the brakes.
(ii) When the driver starts to apply the brakes, u = 80 m/s, a = -14 𝑚𝑠 −2
(deceleration)
When the driver starts to decelerate, the distance between her and the
sheep is 120 m -16 m = 104 m.
4
Since the stopping distance is (123 m). This is greater than the distance
left between the car and the deer (104 m). the driver inevitable knocks
the sheep.
Example 2.4 Consider the two particles A and B which move towards
each other. At time t = 0, A and B are 400 m apart. A has initial speed of
5 m/s and accelerates at 0.2 𝑚𝑠 −2 . B maintains constant speed of 4 m/s.
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Example 2.5 A rider moves at 18 m/s. Just as he is 30 m behind a
stationary bus, the bus starts to move with acceleration of 0.5 𝑚𝑠 −1 .
(a) Find the value of t [Hint: At time t when they meet, 𝑆𝐴 = 30 +𝑆𝐵
(see diagram)].
(b) How far would the bus have travelled by then? [Hint: use s = vt]
Example 2.6 A stone is released from rest and falls freely under gravity.
Find:
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Solution
Example 2.7 A particle is fired from the ground with a speed of 12 m/s.
Solution
Conclusion: The time taken for a particle to reach maximum point is the
time taken for it to come back to its original point.
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Projectile motion
For a body that undergoes vertical, projectile motion, we use the equation
1
s = 𝑠𝑜 + ut - 𝑎𝑡 2 .
2
Solution
(b) When the particle comes back to the ground, s = 0. Hence, 0 = 30t-
1
(10)(𝑡)2 . Solving the quadratic equation, t = 0 s, t = 6 s. t = 0 is the
2
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beginning when the body is still on the ground. Therefore, we go for
t=6s
Example 2.10 Consider the diagram below. How long does the particle
take to fall to the ground? [Hint: ground is the reference point. 𝑠𝑜 = 10
m, s = 0. ]
Example 2.11 A particle is projected from the hole shown. How long
does it take for the particle to land on the platform? [hint: ground is the
reference point, t: 𝑠𝑜 = -3 m since it is below ground, s = 10 m above
ground.]
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Example 2.12 Two bodies are fired from the same horizontal ground as
shown. A is shot up 1 s before B. Determine the time when the two bodies
are at the same level.
Solution
When the two bodies are at the same level, they have the same
displacement above the reference point (ground). 𝑆𝐴 = 𝑆𝐵
1 1
𝑆𝐴 = 50t - (10)(𝑡𝐴 )2 , 𝑆𝐵 = 40t - (10)(𝑡𝐵 )2
2 2
The particles are at the same height 0.5 s after B starts to go up (1.5 s
after A goes up).
For a plane inclined at to the horizontal. The equations are still valid.
However, the acceleration a = g sin 𝜃. After time t, the particles covers
ℎ
a distance s along the plane and a vertical distance h such that, tan 𝜃 =
𝑠
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Example 2.13 A particle is projected at a speed of 4.4 m/s along a smooth
plane inclined at 25° to the vertical. What is the vertical height climbed
by the particle?
u = 4 m/s, a = 5 𝑚𝑠 −2 , v = 0, s =? 𝑣 2 = 𝑢2 + 2as
02 = 42 + 2(-5) s, s = 1.6 m
h
Hence, sin 30 = , h = 0.8 m
1.6
11
Answers to questions
(b) 1265.4 m
Example 2.8 t = 8 s
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