LINEAR MOTION

EXPLAINED WITH

WORKED EXAMPLES

BY

S H E F I U S . Z A K A R I YA H
 PREFACE
After a successful dissemination of the previous books1, which are available online, in
your hands is another book for potential scientists and engineers. This current work –
Linear Motion Explained with Worked Examples – offers 100 worked examples. There are
two main parts in this book; one gives a broad explanation of the topic and the other
presents worked examples. The questions used in this work are similar to those in
physics, mathematics and / or engineering textbooks designed for A-level, college and
university students. Advanced learners, particularly those returning to study after a
break from the academic environment, will also find this helpful. Additionally, it could
be used as a reference guide by teachers, tutors, and other teaching staffs during classes
and for assessment (quizzes, home works and examinations).

Finally, many thanks to my colleagues who have offered suggestions and comments,
especially Khadijah Olaniyan (Loughborough University, UK), Shazamin Shahrani
(University of Sussex, UK) and Dr. Abdul Lateef Balogun (Saudi).

Pertinent suggestions, feedback and queries are highly welcome and can be directed to
the author at the address below.

Coming soon in this series are:

 Worked Examples on Circuit Theorems

 Worked Examples on Calculus
 Worked Examples on Partial Fractions
 Worked Examples on Balancing Chemical Equations

© Shefiu S. Zakariyah 2014

Email: shefiuz@theiet.org | S.Zakariyah@derby.ac.uk

1
These (and future publications) are available at https://independent.academia.edu/ShefiuZakariyah/ or
http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Shefiu_Zakariyah .

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 Disclaimer
The author has exerted all effort to ensure an accurate presentation of questions and
their associated solutions in this book. The author does not assume and hereby
disclaims any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors
or omissions, either accidently or otherwise in the course of preparing this book.

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 CONTENTS
PREFACE ................................................................................................................................................................. I

DISCLAIMER ........................................................................................................................................................... II

CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................................................ III

FUNDAMENTALS OF LINEAR MOTION .................................................................................................................... 1

WORKED EXAMPLES ............................................................................................................................................ 11

SECTION 1. EQUATIONS OF MOTION ..............................................................................................................11

SECTION 2. SPEED AND DISTANCE ..................................................................................................................14
SECTION 3. LINEAR MOTION - HORIZONTAL (BASIC - INTERMEDIATE) ........................................................19
SECTION 4. LINEAR MOTION - HORIZONTAL (INTERMEDIATE - ADVANCED) ..............................................26
SECTION 5. GRAPHICAL SOLUTION OF ONE-DIMENSIONAL MOTION ..........................................................41
SECTION 6. FREE FALL MOTION (BASIC) .........................................................................................................57
SECTION 7. FREE FALL MOTION (ADVANCED) ...............................................................................................63

BIBLIOGRAPHY AND FURTHER READING ............................................................................................ 75

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FUNDAMENTALS OF LINEAR MOTION

1. Introduction

Motion of objects – living and non-living matter - is one of the key branches of physics.
It finds applications in numerous fields such as engineering, medicine, geology, and
sport science among others. Whether you drive (or you are driven), walk, jog or fly in
the air, you are exercising some form of motion. When in this state, habitually one is
interested in how much longer, when, and how quickly one can get to his / her
destination. Having answers to these and similar questions would be very useful to
individuals, and this is exactly the discourse of this book.

In this current work, we will be considering motion in one dimension called linear
motion. In other words, attention is only given to vertical, horizontal and any other
forms of straight line motion, such as motion on an inclined surface. Furthermore,
motion will be analysed without making reference to its causes, i.e. forces. This is to say
that this book deals with kinematics; dynamics on the other hand will be dealt with in
the nearest future – keep fingers crossed. One more thing that I should add here is that,
for this topic we will keep our discussion concise and focus more on the examples.
However, further information on the topic can be obtained from the reference list
provided at the end of this book.

2. Variables (or Quantities)

Let us take a little time to review the variables or terms commonly used in this topic. By
a variable, we mean ‘what varies’ of course, but more specifically it refers to physical
quantities that we measure. So what are the variables commonly used in this subject?
Here we go:

(a) Distance: is a change in position relative to a reference (or zero) point. It is a scalar2
quantity, measured in metre3 (m) and as such, it can only be positive.
(b) Displacement: is a change in position relative to a reference (or zero) point in a
particular direction. It is a vector4 quantity and also measured in metre (m). Various
letters are used to represent both displacement and distance, but the most

2
It is a physical quantity that has (or is described with) a magnitude only.
3
This is the fundamental SI unit for distance, but other units can also be used or found in use.
4
It is a physical quantity that has (or is described with) both a magnitude and a direction. As a result, it can be
positive or negative in value depending on the chosen direction of reference. A positive sign is generally omitted
but a negative value is indicated unless if this is substituted with a word or term that indicates such.

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commonly used ones are , and . Displacement, being a vector, can be positive or
negative.
(c) Average Speed: is the rate of change of distance. It is a scalar quantity, measured in
metre per second (m/s or ms-1). Since speed is likely to change over the course of
motion, it is often useful to give the average speed, which can be obtained using:

When we refer to the speed at a given point in time, we are talking about what is
‘technically’ called instantaneous speed (or simply speed). This is the speed recorded
by a car’s speedometer. It is mathematically given as

where

, and

(d) Average Velocity: is the rate of change of displacement and is also measured in
metre per second (m/s or ms-1). Unlike speed, it is a vector quantity, which is
expressed as

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Velocity at a specified position or a particular point in time is called instantaneous

velocity (or simply velocity). This is obtained by reducing the change in time, in
principle, to zero and is expressed mathematically as

or simply

where
,
, and

Alternatively, we can define velocity as the rate of change of distance in a particular

direction or simply speed in a particular direction. Note the phrase ‘in a particular’
which shows the distinction between them on the basis of being either a ‘scalar’ or a
‘vector’. In the same vein, we can say that speed is a velocity without any direction
associated to it (either in words or writing). It is therefore not surprising that they are
misunderstood as synonyms and sometimes used interchangeably especially in
conversation.

When the symbols and are used together, refers to the initial velocity and the
final velocity. or can also be used to represent the initial velocity or you may find
other symbols being used. Furthermore, it is possible to find that the symbol is used
for speed, but this is more appropriately ‘reserved’ for distance.

At this point we need to clear a misconception that could occur (and this is indeed
found among students). In data analysis (or statistics) for example, average or mean is
computed by diving the sum of all the values with the number of the items as

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This is not generally the case in linear motion. For instance, if a journey is undertaken at
three different velocities denoted as , , and the average velocity denoted as is
not equal to the sum of the three velocities divided by three. In other words,

The average value in linear motion can only be computed similarly to the average value
in statics if the time spent at each of the velocity is equal. That is to say

where are the times spent while moving at respectively.

In general, the average velocity is found by

(e) Average Acceleration: is the rate of change of velocity and is measured in metre per
second squared (m/s2 or ms-2). It is also a vector quantity and can be evaluated
using

Acceleration occurs due to a change in the:

(i) magnitude of the velocity only,

(ii) direction of the velocity only, or
(iii) magnitude and direction of the velocity.

In other words, the velocity can remain constant while a body accelerates (possibly due
to a change in direction). A typical example is a body moving in a circular path at a
constant velocity. Since the direction of the motion keeps changing at every particular
point, the body is said to accelerate although there is no change in the value of the
velocity.

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Instantaneous acceleration (or simply acceleration) is the acceleration at a specified

position or a particular point in time. It is obtained by reducing the change in time, in
principle, to zero as

or simply

where
,
, and

In general, the letter is used for acceleration, however, an object undergoing vertical
motion in the vicinity of the earth experiences a uniform acceleration, irrespective of the
characteristics (shape, mass, or density) of the object. This is termed acceleration due to
gravity (or free-fall acceleration); it is denoted by the letter and has a value of
(correct to two significant) at sea level. This value slightly varies as one moves
from the equator to either the South or North pole and also on the elevation (or altitude)
of the object from the Earth’s surface. This free fall acceleration acts as though it is
pulling a body towards the centre of the Earth.

For simplicity, it is customary to use when carrying out ‘quick’

calculations. In this book, we will be using both and .
Sometimes large accelerations are expressed as multiples (or in ‘unit’ ) of . For
instance, an acceleration of can be written as because
. Note also that the equations of motion are valid only for free falling objects
near the Earth’s surface provided that the effect of air is negligible. For this a positive
value of is used for a body falling towards the surface of the earth (or downwards)
and a negative value of i.e. is used for a body moving away from the
earth’s surface (or upwards).

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When acceleration is negative, it is called deceleration. It is worth noting that when the
velocity decreases it does not necessarily mean the body is decelerating, it rather
implies that acceleration is in an opposite direction from the chosen reference axis.
However, the word retardation can be correctly used to mean that a body slows down
or its speed decreases. To erase any confusion, we can say that

Case 1. If the velocity increases, then the sign of both velocity and acceleration
must be the same (positive or negative).
Case 2. If the velocity decreases, then the sign of velocity and acceleration must be
opposite, i.e. if one is positive the other must be negative.

Note that when an object is thrown vertically upwards, its velocity decreases until it
reaches zero at its maximum height; therefore, and based on what was stated above,
velocity and acceleration must have different signs. Thus velocity is positive and
acceleration (due to gravity) is negative. Similarly, if a particle falls freely, it gains
velocity so both velocity and acceleration must have the same sign, a positive sign.

Time is another important variable that is inevitably used in this topic and it is one of
the fundamental units; as such I believe we do not require a ‘formal’ definition for this
or do we? Table 1 below gives a summary of what has been presented on these six
variables and these will be our ‘tools’ for analysis.

Table 1: Variables used in Linear Motion

Scalar /
Quantity Unit Calculus5
Vector

1 distance metre ( ) scalar

2 displacement metre ( ) vector ∫ ( )

3 speed metre per second ( ) scalar

4 velocity metre per second ( ) vector ∫ ( )

5
These are instantaneous values (velocity and acceleration) given as differentials and / or integrals.

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metre per second squared ( )

5 acceleration vector
( )

6 time seconds scalar

Before we leave this section, it will be useful to mention a term which frequently occurs
in motion or in mechanics as a whole. The term is ‘particle’, and it refers to a point-like
matter which has a relatively negligible size and mass. One final quick note on average
and instantaneous values is that when acceleration or velocity remains constant its
average and instantaneous values are both equal. Hopefully this is clear, or you may
want to reflect on this.

3. Equations of (Constant Acceleration) Motion

The equations presented so far can be used to analyse simple motion problems.
However, a complex problem particularly when the object is accelerating will require
that an advance equation is used. These equations called equations of motion are
summarised in the table below. Note that these equations are valid when the
acceleration is constant (or can be considered, by approximation, to be constant)
otherwise these equations cannot be used. Furthermore, equation 5 in Table 2 is not
distinctive because it can be derived by combining equations 1 and 2 in the same Table
2 as demonstrated below.

Table 2: Equations of Motion

Equations (general) Equations (gravity) Variables

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4 ( ) ( )

From equation (1),

Substitute the above in equation (2) of Table 2, we will have

( )

This is the reason why some textbooks only list the first four equations. Anyway, note
the following subtle differences between equations 2 and 5 from Table 2:

(i) Equation 2 has an initial velocity while equation 5 has a final velocity.
(ii) Equation 2 has a positive sign between its two terms while equation 5 has a
negative sign in the same place.

Furthermore, if we carefully look at the above table of equations, we will discover that
each equation has four variables. To use an equation, we need to carry out two quick
checks, namely:

Check 1. First and foremost, it must have the variable we are solving for.
Check 2. It must have the other three variables in the chosen equation, either given
in the problem or obtained from another calculation.

Once these are satisfied, we then need to substitute the known variables in order to
solve for the unknown quantity. In a situation where the ‘check 2’ above is not
completely satisfied, perhaps we have two known variables, it is likely that we would
need to combine two equations from Table 2 in order to arrive at an answer.

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On a final note, although it is worthwhile to know how certain equations are derived,
but we will not be showing the ‘how’ for equations of motion. If you are interested in
this kindly do refer to the reference / further reading list or any other source of your
choice.

4. Graphs of Linear Motion

Graphs are used for various purposes in science and engineering, and for one-
dimensional motion there is no exception. In particular, complex motion problems,
which could prove difficult with the equations of motion, can easily be solved
graphically. For this we will be using a two-axis graph where only two variables are
involved. In each of the graph, time is by default the horizontal axis (or ). Since
we have six physical quantities, it implies that there are five different types of graphs,
namely:

(i) Distance-time graph,

(ii) Displacement-time graph,
(iii) Speed-time graph,
(iv) Velocity-time graph, and
(v) Acceleration-time graph.

In each case, the first named quantity is plotted on the vertical axis (or ). For
example, in a distance-time graph, distance and time are plotted on the vertical and
horizontal axes respectively. Furthermore, while it is general to consider graphs (i) & (ii)
and (iii) & (iv) as separate, the pairs are however identical. Hence, in practice we have
three different graphs, i.e. (i) distance-time or displacement-time graph, (ii) speed-time
graph or velocity-time graph, and (iii) acceleration-time graph.

For a uniform motion, the paths under the graphs are straight lines (vertical, horizontal
or slanting) but for a non-uniform motion, the graphs can be of any shapes such as
parabola, exponential, etc. Our focus will be on the former (straight line graphs).
Whatever the graphs, two things are usually of interest for analysis. These are the slope
and under the area on the graph. Each of the two (slope and area) will result into (or be
equivalent to) one of the aforementioned six variables (apart from time) depending on
the type of graph as shown in Table 3.

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Table 3: Slope and Area in Linear Motion Graphs

Graph Slope (Gradient) Area

speed

1 Distance-time ( ) meaningless

velocity

2 Displacement-time ( ) meaningless

3 Speed-time ( ) meaningless distance

acceleration

4 Velocity-time ( ) displacement

5 Acceleration-time ( ) meaningless velocity

END OF FUNDAMENTALS OF LINEAR MOTION

AND

BEGINNING OF WORKED EXAMPLES

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WORKED EXAMPLES
Section 1. Equations of Motion [3] Given , , in a problem, decide which
equation to use to find .
INTRODUCTION
In this first section of the Worked Examples, we Solution
will begin by getting familiar with the equations
of motion. This is achieved by giving certain The equation that connects the four variables and
variables and deciding on which equation is to be which should be used to solve this problem is
used to determine an unknown variable. In
addition, we will put into test our ability to
substitute values into an equation in order to find
unknown variable(s). Do not worry as this will be What Next 1. Substitute the values.
basic; but if you are confident with this already, What Next 2. Simplify the expression on the
feel free to move to any section of your choice.
right hand side.
[1] Given , , in a problem, decide which What Next 3. Write the final answer.
equation to use to find . [4] Given , , in a problem, decide which
equation to use to find .
Solution
The equation that connects the four variables and Solution
which should be used to solve this problem is The equation that connects the four variables and
which should be used to solve this problem is
What Next 1. Substitute the values. ( )
What Next 2. Simplify the expression on the
right hand side. What Next 1. Substitute the values.

What Next 3. Write the final answer. What Next 2. Simplify the expression on the

[2] Given , , in a problem, decide which right hand side.

equation to use to find . What Next 3. Write the final answer.

[5] Given , , in a problem, decide which
Solution equation to use to find .
The equation that connects the four variables and
which should be used to solve this problem is Solution
The equation that connects the four variables and

What Next 1. Substitute the values. which should be used to solve this problem is

What Next 2. Simplify the expression on the

right hand side.
What Next 1. Substitute the values.
What Next 3. Write the final answer.

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What Next 2. Simplify the expression on the

right hand side. What Next 1. Make the subject of the
What Next 3. Write the final answer. formula.
[6] Given , , in a problem, decide which What Next 2. Substitute the values.
equation to use to find . What Next 3. Simplify the expression on the
right hand side.
Solution
What Next 4. Write the final answer.
The equation that connects the four variables and
[9] Given , , in a problem, decide which
which should be used to solve this problem is
equation to use to find .

What Next 1. Make the subject of the Solution

formula. The equation that connects the four variables and
What Next 2. Substitute the values. which should be used to solve this problem is
What Next 3. Simplify the expression on the
right hand side.
What Next 1. Make the subject of the
What Next 4. Write the final answer.
formula.
[7] Given , , in a problem, decide which
What Next 2. Substitute the values.
equation to use to find .
What Next 3. Simplify the expression on the

Solution right hand side.

The equation that connects the four variables and What Next 4. Write the final answer.

which should be used to solve this problem is NOTE

In questions 7, 8 and 9, making the unknown
variable the subject of the formula before
What Next 1. Make the subject of the
substituting the known values is optional.
formula.
What Next 2. Substitute the values.
[10] Find when , and
What Next 3. Simplify the expression on the
.
right hand side.
What Next 4. Write the final answer.
Solution
[8] Given , , in a problem, decide which Step 1. Decide on the formula.
equation to use to find . We need to use
()
Solution
Step 2. Solve for .
The equation that connects the four variables and
Substituting the given values in equation (i), we
which should be used to solve this problem is
will have

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are dealing with vector quantities. It could be that

the motion occurs in two directions for example.
Let find the value of the initial velocity ‘ to see
[11] Find when , and
what is going on.
.

Solution
Step 1. Decide on the formula.
We need to use
( )
()
This suggests that the initial and final velocities
Step 2. Solve for .
are equal but opposite, which might imply that
Substituting the given values in equation (i), we
equal distance is covered in two opposing
will have
directions with a net value of zero.

[13] Find when , ,

.
[12] Find when , and
. Solution
Step 1. Decide on the formula.
Solution
We need to use
Step 1. Decide on the formula.
()
We need to use
Step 2. Re-arrange the formula.
() Since we are solving for the acceleration (a), we
Step 2. Solve for . need to make the subject of the above equation
Substituting the given values in equation (i), we as
have
implies

therefore

( )
NOTE
Step 3. Solve for .
One may wonder why the distance, s, is zero
Substituting the given values in equation (ii), we
when the velocity is not. This is possible since we
will have

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Step 4. The average speed for the whole

journey.

Section 2. Speed and Distance

. / . /

INTRODUCTION
By now we should have developed a degree of . /
confidence with the variables used in linear
motion and how to choose a suitable equation for
obtaining the unknown quantity. In this section, it [15] Mu’aadh lives in Jeddah and wants to travel
is time we engage in, at least for now, basic
problems involving speed and distance. Let us get to Makkah to perform a lesser pilgrimage. If
on with this right away. the distance between his residence in Jeddah

[14] A plane flies from London Heathrow Airport and Makkah is and the maximum safe

to Dubai International Airport, a distance of driving speed is , what is the longest

approximately at an average speed time he can stop to rest if he must get to

of . The return trip was made at an Makkah within ?

average speed of . Find the average

Solution
speed for the whole journey.
Step 1. Write out the given values.

Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.

Step 2. Calculate the shortest possible time for

the journey.
If is the short time possible to use for the trip,

Step 2. Trip time from London to Dubai. then

Step 3. Trip time from Dubai to London. Therefore, the longest time to stop for rest is

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This means that Mu’adh can wait (to rest) on his

way to Makkah for up to 39 minutes (maximum). and

[16] A university driver drove from Windhoek to

Ongwediva campus for at an
average speed of . If a third of the
distance was driven at , calculate
Thus, from (i)
the distance between these two campuses and
the average speed for the remaining part of
the journey.

Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values. From (iii),

Step 2. Calculate the distance between the

campuses. NOTE
Distance between Windhoek and Ongwediva Alternatively,
campus is the same as the distance, , travelled.
This is given by

that is

as before.

Step 3. Calculate the average speed for the

remaining part of the journey. Similarly, from (iv),

Let and be the average speeds of a third and

the remaining part (i.e. two-third) of the journey
respectively. Similarly, let us denote the time
Hence, the average speed for the rest of the
taken for these with and respectively. Thus,
journey can be found from the equation (ii) as,
()
( )
and
( )
( )
But

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[17] In a learner training exercise, David has to

drive a distance of . For the first
he drives at a constant speed of
. At what constant speed must he
drive the remaining distance if his average From (v)
speed for the whole distance is to be ?

Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values. From (ii)

From (ii)

Step 2. Calculate the average speed for the rest

of the journey.
Let and be the speeds of the first and second
[18] Yusuf a.k.a. Joseph plans to visit a friend at
part of the journey respectively. Similarly, let us
Loughborough University in Loughborough
denote the time taken for the first and second part
town. He intends to drive from Birmingham
of the journey with and respectively. It
to Loughborough via the motorways; he
therefore follows that
covers distances along the motorways at
()
, single carriage-ways at
( )
and those in built-up areas (of towns and
and
cities) at . Find his average speed for
( )
each of the following:
( )
(i) within Birmingham city (built-up
( )
area) and then on the motorways.
(ii) on single carriage-way and then
From (iv)
in Loughborough town (built-up
area).

Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.
From (i)
We are given the following

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( )

( ) Thus,

( )

Also,
Now let
( )
( )
( ) Hence,
( )
( )
( )
Step 2. Calculate the average speed for
within Birmingham and on the
. / . /
motorways.

. /

Thus,

( )
[19] ETS North bound train from Kualar Lumpur

Also, (KL Sentral) to Ipoh (South-west of KL) is

scheduled to take
(including the time spent waiting at stations)
to complete its journey. It stops at 10
Therefore,
stations on the way with 1 minute waiting
time (for passengers to alight and get on
board) at each of the stations.

. / . / . / (i) Calculate the average speed of the train.

(ii) What would be the average speed if the
stop at each station was increased to
( )
?
Step 3. Calculate the average speed for on
single carriage ways and in Solution
Loughborough. Step 1. Write out the given values.

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( )
Step 2. Calculate the average speed.
[20] From Abuja, a motorist travels
southwards heading to Port Harcourt
But the total time . Due to an emergency, he makes a
U- turn and travels northwards at
to a nearby service station.
Determine the difference between the average
speed and the average velocity on this
Thus,
journey assuming he travels on a straight
road.
. /

Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.
( )
Step 3. Calculate the average speed when the
time spent to stop at each station is
increased to 9 .

Step 2. Calculate the average speed.

The actual time spent on the journey, excluding If and are the time spent for the journey

the waiting times at the 10 stations, in the towards the north and south respectively, then

previous case is:

( )

Also,
Also, the time spent at the stations in the current
case is:
( )

Therefore, the average speed,

Thus,

. / . /

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from a velocity of to at a rate

of . How far does she travel while
( )
accelerating?
Step 3. Calculate the average velocity.
Since velocity is a vector quantity we need to Solution
specify a positive direction. So let us take the Step 1. Write out the given values.
north as our positive direction, then the average
velocity

NOTE
You see here that we have taken as the
initial velocity and as the final velocity
( )
although the question did not specify. This is
Step 4. Calculate the difference between the
because the word ‘initial’ means the first in the
average speed and the average velocity
series, so is the first velocity in the part
on the trip.
we are considering.
If represents the difference between the average
speed and the average velocity then Furthermore, it should be added that the final
velocity in one part of a journey could represent
( ) the initial velocity in the succeeding part of the
same journey. We will come across this later in
( ) this book.

Section 3. Linear Motion - Horizontal

Step 2. Calculate the distance travelled while
(Basic - Intermediate)
accelerating.
Using
INTRODUCTION
In section 1, we have had a look at how to choose
and substitute variables into the equations of
Re-arrange the formula to make the subject
motion. In the current section it is time to present
some basic uniform acceleration problems, which
will require the use of one of the equations of
motion previously introduced. Note that from
now on, we will need to be able to determine
variable quantities from expressions or problems Substitute the values to determine
so do get ready.

[21] During her daily exercise, Sarah accelerates

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Step 1. Write out the given values.

[22] The safe take-off velocity of a particular
passenger plane is set at . Find the
minimum acceleration that the airplane needs
to move on a runway.
Step 2. Calculate the acceleration.
Solution Using
Step 1. Write out the given values.

Make the subject

Substitute the values to have

Step 2. Calculate the acceleration necessary to

achieve this final velocity.
Using
Because is negative, it implies that the
acceleration is in the opposite direction to the
Re-arrange the formula to make the subject
direction of velocity, which is westerly in this
case. Hence the acceleration is

First we need to convert the velocity from to NOTE

as Alternative ways of saying this includes:
(1) Acceleration of
(2) Deceleration of
(3) Acceleration of
Substitute the values in the above equation in
order to determine
[24] A tractor is initially at rest and accelerates at
for . Find its velocity after this
time.
[23] A coach is travelling eastwards at .
After its velocity is in the same Solution
direction. What is the magnitude and Step 1. Write out the given values.
direction of its acceleration?

Solution

20
Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

The collision between the ball and the racket

Step 2. Calculate the velocity. takes place for . What is the average
acceleration of the ball during this collision?

Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.

NOTE
The word ‘rest’ is typically used to mean that the
velocity is zero. As a result, we assign .
This is a general principle and you will find this Step 2. Calculate the average acceleration.
frequently used in linear motion. Average acceleration is

[25] A motorist leaving a village to a town, drives

on a straight road at an average velocity of
. If the motorist enters the town with If we take the direction of rebound as positive
a velocity of , what was his velocity then . Now substitute to have
at the village, assuming that acceleration was ( )
constant during this journey?

Solution [27] Sultan, a motorcyclist, is initially moving with

Step 1. Write out the given values. a velocity of . He then accelerates
uniformly at a rate of for .
Calculate his final velocity.

Step 2. Calculate the initial velocity. Solution

( ) Step 1. Write out the given values.

Thus

( )

Step 2. Calculate the velocity.

[26] During a table tennis game, the Ping-Pong

ball hits Tanyaluk’s racket with a speed of
and rebounds with a speed of .

21
Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

[28] In a traffic accident involving a car and a maintaining a constant speed. How far has it
truck, the car's velocity changed from covered during the acceleration period?
to in .
(i) What is the acceleration of the car? Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.
(ii) Express the acceleration of the car as
multiple acceleration due to gravity, , to
the nearest whole number.

Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values. Step 2. Calculate the distance.

( )( )

Step 2. Calculate the driver’s acceleration.

Using [30] Two different motorists are travelling at
and on a motorway, both
Substitute the values driving within the regulated limits. If they are
both required to stop, how much further apart
would they be after coming to rest (assuming
that both retard at equal rates)?

Solution
Step 3. Calculate the multiples of of the
Step 1. Write out the given values.
driver’s acceleration.
If the multiples of the acceleration is denoted by ⁄
then ⁄
| |

| | Step 2. Choose the equation to calculate the

| | distance travelled after braking.
For this problem, we need to use

[29] A passenger bus starts from rest at a bus stop Re-arrange the formula to make the subject
on a straight road and moves with a uniform
acceleration of for before

22
Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.
Case 1. Distance for braking from .
Substitute the given values in the above equation
to determine

Step 2. Calculate the distance.

( )
Case 2. Distance for braking from .
Substitute the values, we will have
Substitute the given values in the above equation
to determine ( )

[32] A car starting from rest at a traffic light

reaches a speed of in . Find the

Step 3. Calculate how much further to travel for acceleration of the car (in ) and the

braking from instead of distance travelled.

.
Solution
Find the ratio of the two distances and as
Step 1. Write out the given values.
. /

. /

Step 2. Calculate the acceleration.

or

The above shows that the distance travelled by Therefore

one motorist is 4 times the other. Hence, we can
say that the distance between the two motorists
would be 3 times the distance travelled by the
motorist braking from to rest.
[31] An athlete accelerates uniformly from Step 3. Calculate the distance travelled.
to in . Find the distance covered
( )
by him / her during this time.

23
Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

If we take the direction of rebound as positive

Substitute the values in the above equation to then
have ( )

The original velocity is equal to which implies

that the ratio of the original velocity to the
NOTE
Alternatively, we can say acceleration is

[34] A car with an initial velocity of ,

accelerates uniformly at until it
reaches a velocity of . Calculate the
as before. time taken and the distance travelled during
this acceleration.
[33] Somdee kicks a ball and hits an opponent
player directly on the chest. Consequently, the Solution

direction of the ball is completely reversed Step 1. Write out the given values.

with its velocity being halved. If the ball-

opponent contact lasts for , what is the
ratio of the original velocity to the
acceleration of the ball?

Solution Step 2. Calculate the time.

Step 1. Write out the given values. Using

Substitute above values to have

Step 2. Calculate the average acceleration.
Average acceleration is

Step 3. Calculate the distance travelled.

We can use

24
Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

Therefore
Substituting the values, we will have
√
( )( ) Substitute the values, we will have

√
√

NOTE
Step 3. Convert the speed from m/s to km/h.
Alternatively, we can use

This implies that

Yes it is safe, but it will be better to stop
accelerating at this stage.
Substitute the values, we will have [36] In a race, Yuyan covers three quarters
of the track in . If he is initially at rest and
maintains a constant acceleration, what is his
velocity when he crosses the finish line?
Leave the answer correct to 2 significant
as before. figures.

[35] On a motorway, a vehicle is driven from rest Solution

with an acceleration of . Find its Step 1. Write out the given values.

velocity after a 5 drive. Is it safe to

continue to accelerate if the speed limit is ( )
for this type of vehicle?

Solution
Step 2. Calculate the velocity.
Step 1. Write out the given values.
( )

( )

Step 2. Calculate the velocity.

25
Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

Section 4. Linear Motion - Horizontal (i) the speed after ,

(Intermediate - Advanced) (ii) the distance travelled in .

Solution
INTRODUCTION
Unlike previous sections, in this section we will be Step 1. Write out the given values.
solving more challenging problems. Are you
ready? Then, let us get started.

[37] A tram starts from rest and moves with a

uniform acceleration of for
. Determine the value of , if it
covers during this journey. Step 2. Calculate the velocity after .

Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.

Step 3. Calculate the distance after .

( )( )

Step 2. Calculate the distance.

Using
NOTE
Alternatively, we can say
Substituting above values, we will have
( )
( )

( )
( )

( )
This implies that

as before.

[39] In an electronics factory, a conveyor belt is

[38] In a speed controlled zone, a car is initially
used to move circuit boards. Initially at rest, a
travelling at a speed of before it begins
board moves from the production stage to the
to accelerate uniformly at . Calculate:
assembly stage with acceleration of .

26
Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

Find the velocity with which the board

reaches the assembly section if the length of
( )
the belt between the two stages is .
Step 3. Calculate the time.

Solution Using

Step 1. Write out the given values.

Substituting the values, we will have

Step 2. Calculate the velocity. . /

Substitute the values, we will have

. /

( )

√ [41] A motor vehicle is uniformly retarded from a

velocity and finally come to a

[40] The speed of a particle increases from complete halt after . Determine:

to in . Calculate the rate of change (i) the rate at which it slowed down, and

and the time taken for this increment. (ii) the distance covered during this period.

Solution Solution

Step 1. Write out the given values. Step 1. Write out the given values.

Step 2. Calculate the acceleration. Step 2. Change the velocity from to .

Using

Substituting the values, we will have

Step 3. Calculate the retardation.

Substituting the values, we will have

27
Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

Let be the time it takes to go from A to B and

the time taken to travel between B and C.
Therefore,

Step 4. Calculate the distance covered.

Substituting the values, we will have

Tip: Since the velocity is constant for the whole
( )
journey, we can find velocity first and then use it
to find the distance between A and B.
Step 3. Calculate the velocity.

But the time, , is

NOTE
Alternatively, we can use
( )

Hence
Substituting the values, we will have

( )( )

Step 4. Find the .

as before.

[42] A passenger bus moves with a constant

[43] A van skids to a halt from an initial speed of
velocity along a straight road having three
covering a distance of . Find the
consecutive bus stops, , and . It takes
acceleration of the van (assumed constant)
to move from to and to move
and the time it takes to stop.
from to . If , find .

Solution
Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.
Step 1. Sketch the journey.

A B C

Step 2. Write out the given values.

28
Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

Step 2. Calculate the acceleration.

Substitute the values, we will have

Therefore
Step 3. Calculate the time taken to stop.
Note that for this part of the journey, we have

Step 3. Calculate the time taken. because Hafsah comes to rest.

Therefore,
Substitute the values in above equation to have

Substituting the values, we will have

[44] Hafsah is running at . She then speeds

up to in . [45] Alcohol is one of the factors that affect human
(i) Determine her acceleration. reaction times (RT). Initially travelling at
(ii) If she thereafter slows down at , , how much farther would a drunk
how long does she take to come to a final driver travel before he/she reacts to an
stop? Emergency Road Sign when compared to a
‘normal’ driver given that the former level of
Solution
alcohol would increase his / her RT to ?
Step 1. Write out the given values.
Take as the ‘normal’ RT.

Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.

Step 2. Calculate the acceleration.

Step 2. Convert the initial velocity from to

.

29
Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

NOTE
Alternatively, we can say

Step 3. Calculate the distance covered by the ( )

normal driver before hitting the brake. ( )
Let the distance covered by the ‘normal’ driver’s
car be , thus

where is the reaction time for the ‘normal’ as before.

driver, therefore
[46] Asmaa’ is cycling her bike initially at 1.5 m/s
before she decides to accelerate at .
Step 4. Calculate the distance covered by the What will be the time taken to cover on
drunk driver before hitting the brake. a straight road leading to her school.
Let the distance covered by the drunk driver’s car
be , thus Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.

Where is the reaction time for the drunk

driver, therefore

Step 5. Calculate how much farther the drunk Step 2. Calculate the time.

driver would travel. Using

Let ‘how much farther’ distance travelled by the

drunk driver’s car be , thus
Substitute above values to have

( )

Divide through by 1.5,

Now multiply through by 5,

( )( )
Either

30
Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

or Step 4. Calculate the velocity.

Since time cannot be negative, it follows that the

only solution (the time taken to cover
distance) is [48] A taxi driver moving at a velocity of 10 m/s
realised that he had 35 seconds to get to his
[47] The front of a multi-coach train long destination which is 800 m away. He therefore
(approx.) passes a signal at a level crossing accelerated at for the rest of the
with a speed of . If the rear of the journey. Did he succeed in getting to his
train passes the signal later, determine: destination on time?
(i) the acceleration of the train, and
Solution
(ii) the speed at which the rear of the train
Step 1. Write out the given values.
passes the signal.

Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.

Step 2. Calculate the time.

Substituting the values in above equation, we will

have
Step 2. Convert to .
( )

Step 3. Calculate the acceleration.

Multiply through by 2,
Using

( )( )
Either
( )( )

or

31
Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

Step 3. Find the smallest non-zero time when (a)

the velocity is zero, and (b) the object is
Since time cannot be negative, it follows that the
at the origin.
only solution is
 The smallest non-zero time when the object is
at the origin can be found at in equation
Yes, he succeeded in getting to his destination on
(i) as
time, i.e. 15 seconds earlier.

[49] A particle moves along a straight line with ( )

acceleration . It starts its motion at Therefore, either
the origin with velocity .
(i) Write down equations for its position and or
velocity at time .
(ii) Find the smallest non-zero time when
(a) the object is at the origin,
(b) the velocity is zero.
(iii) Sketch the position-time, velocity-time  The smallest non-zero time when the velocity

and speed-time graphs for the interval is zero can be found at in equation (ii)

. as

Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.
Step 4. Sketch the position-time, velocity-time
and speed-time graphs for .
Step 2. Write down equations for its position
position-time graph
and velocity at time seconds.
30
 Its position at time is
25

20
position (m)

15
( )
10
()
5
 Its velocity at time is
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
time (s)
( )
( )

32
Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

the velocity at .
velocity-time graph
15

Solution
10
Step 1. Write out the given values.
velocity (m/s)

0 Step 2. Calculate the position of the particle at

0 2 4 6 8 10 12
specified times.
-5
 At , the position of the particle is
-10

-15 ( ) ( ) ( )
time (s)

 At , the position of the particle is

speed-time graph
12 ( ) ( ) ( )

10
speed (m/s)

8
 At , the position of the particle is
6

4
( ) ( ) ( )
2

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
 At , the position of the particle is
tine (s)

( ) ( ) ( )
[50] A particle moves such that its position
metres at time seconds is given by the
expression .
 At , the position of the particle is
(i) Determine the position of the particle
when times , , , , and .
( ) ( ) ( )
(ii) Construct a table showing the position of
the particle at these times.
(iii) Draw a position- time graph.  At , the position of the particle is
(iv) State the times when the particle is at the
origin and describe the direction in which ( ) ( ) ( )
it is moving at those times.
(v) Using the graph in (iv) or otherwise, find

33
Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

Step 3. Construct a table. Taking the values of and at two points, we can
The table showing the positions of the particle at find the gradient
the interval is shown below. ( )

( ) 0 1 2 3 4 5
( ) 0 -12 -32 -42 -24 40
38.3
Hence, the velocity at is correct to 2
Step 4. Sketch a graph of the position against
significant figures.
time.

Graph of position against time NOTE

50
Alternatively, we can find the velocity using
40

30 differentiation as
20
position, x (m)

10
Point 1
( )
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
-10

-20 ( )
-30

-40

-50
time (s)
Point 2 The above is a velocity as a function of time. To

Step 5. State the times when the particle is at the find the velocity at , we simply substitute for

origin and describe the direction in in the expression as

which it is moving at those times. ( ) ( ) ( )

From the above graph, the particle is at the origin
(where the curve crosses the x-axis) at
 , and it is decreasing or going in the
as before.
negative direction.
 , and it is increasing or going in the
[51] An object moving with a uniform acceleration
positive direction.
covers distances and in the first two
Step 6. Find the velocity at seconds.
equal and consecutive intervals of time .
Since the graph is not a straight line, we need to
Express in terms of , and .
make a tangent to the curve at t = 4 as shown
above. The velocity at this time is equal to the
Solution
slope of the tangent at that point. The initial velocity, , of the second stage of the
From the graph, the slope of the tangent is motion is equal to the final velocity of the first
stage. Using

34
Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

and

Step 2. Calculate the time it takes Faisal to cover

Thus for distance we have the distance of .

()

Similarly for distance

( ) This is the time it takes Faisal to reach the finish

because line. We can use this to know what Edward has
covered in the same time interval.
Subtracting equation (i) from (ii), we have Step 3. Calculate the distance covered by Edward

( ) ( ) in .

[52] Towards the end of a 400m race, Faisal and

Edward are leading and are both running at
. While Faisal is from the finish Therefore, Edward did not succeed because when
line Edward is from the finish line. Faisal finished, Edward has 13.6 m distance to
Realising this and to beat Faisal, Edward cover since he was 100 m away from the finish
decides to accelerate uniformly at line.
until the end of the race while Faisal keeps on
NOTE
the same constant speed. Does Edward
Alternatively, we can find the time taken by
succeed in beating Faisal?
Edward to reach the finish line as follows

Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.
 Faisal

 Edward Using quadratic equation formula

35
Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

and and represent the distances of T1

√
and T2 respectively from the International
we have Airport. Assuming the motion is considered

√ ( )( ) to be on a straight path,
( ) (i) Write down an expression for of the
√ train at time .
(ii) Write down an expression for of the
either
train at time
√
(iii) When and where do the trains meet?

Solution
or
Step 1. Write out the given values.
√

Since time cannot be negative, it implies that the

time taken by Edward to reach the finish line is
13.59 seconds. This indicates that he reached the
finish line
( )
Step 2. Calculate the acceleration of T1 and T2.
later than Faisal. Therefore, he did not succeed as
The acceleration of T1 and T2 can be found using
previously determined.

 For T1
[53] Between two terminals E1 and D1 for
We have
international and domestic flights
respectively, trains are used to transfer
Since it implies that
passengers. If a train T1 starts from terminal
E1 and accelerates uniformly for
or
until it reaches a maximum speed of .
At the same time, a train T2 starts from D1
and accelerates uniformly for until
it reaches the same maximum speed of
. The two trains then maintain the
 For T2
maximum speed of for after
Similarly we will have
leaving their respective terminals. The
distance between the two terminals is
Again, since it implies that

36
Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

or Step 5. Determine when the two trains meet.

The two trains meet when their respective
distances from terminal E1 is equal. In other
words

Step 3. Write an expression for for T1 after Thus

time .
The distance of train T1 from the International which implies that

Airport E1 after is

Where and are the distances covered

The two trains meet 59 seconds after leaving their
during acceleration and constant velocity
origins, i.e. terminals E1 and D1.
respectively. Thus
Step 6. Determine where the two trains meet.
[ ] , ( )- The place where the trains meet can be found by

which implies that substituting in either or as

( )( ) ] , ( )- { ( )
[

, - , -

or

Step 4. Write an expression for for T2 after { ( )

time .
The distance of train T2 from the International
Airport E1 after is The two trains meet at from terminal E1.
( )
[54] When John rows his boat, the two oars are
Where and are the distances covered
both in water for and then both out of the
during acceleration and constant velocity
water for . This pattern is repeated for a
respectively. Thus
race lasting 1 minute.
{[ ] , ( )-} (i) Find the change in speed that takes place

which implies that in water if the boat accelerates at a

constant rate of .
{[ ( )( ) ] , ( )-}
(ii) Find the change in speed that takes place
*, - , -+
out of water if the boat decelerates at a
* +

37
Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

constant rate of . The positive value indicates that the total change
(iii) Calculate the change in the boat’s speed in speed for each 7 s cycle is increase.
for each cycle. Step 4. Calculate the finishing speed.
(iv) What is John’s speed as he crosses the The speed with which John would finish his race
finishing line, if he starts the race from is given by
rest?
Since he starts from the rest and takes to
Solution complete then
Step 1. Find the change in speed that takes place
in water. But
If the acceleration in the water is then ( )

Thus
( )

[55] As soon as the traffic light changed to green,

Step 2. Find the change in speed that takes place Abdullah accelerates uniformly with his
out of water. motorcycle at for . He then
If the deceleration out of the water is then maintains a steady velocity for a two-third of
his journey.
(i) How far does he travel from the traffic
light junction until he reached a
maximum velocity?
(ii) What maximum velocity does he reach?
(iii) How long in total does he take to come to
Step 3. Calculate the change in the boat’s speed
rest if he then slows down at ?
for each 7 s cycle.
The change in the boat’s speed for each cycle is Solution
the algebraic sum of the changes in and out of the Step 1. Write out the given values.
water, which is
( ) ( ) ( )
( )

38
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Step 2. Calculate the distance travelled during

the acceleration.
The time spent on retardation can be found from
We need to use the formula

where
Substituting the values, we will have

( ) ( )( ) ( )

Step 3. Calculate the final velocity reached.

We need to use

( ) ( )
Substitute the values to have

Step 4. Calculate the total time taken to come to √

a stop.
Note that the total time spent is equal to the sum Thus

of the time spent in accelerating, the time spent at

the constant velocity and the time spent on
retardation. Let these be respectively represented
as , and If the total time spent is denoted
as , then
NOTE
This can be also solved using graphical method.
But,
This method is dealt with in section 5.

We know that
[56] , and are three Non-Stop stations for a
High Speed train connecting two major cities.
Assuming , and are a on a straight
railway track and station is mid-way
Where is the distance covered during a constant
between stations and . If the speeds with
velocity, which is , i.e. two-third of .
which the train passes and are
Substituting the values, we will have
and respectively, what is the speed

39
Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

with which the train passes station . further .

The motion of the car is modeled by taking
Solution the acceleration to be constant with a value of
Step 1. Sketch the journey.
.

A B C (i) By considering the part of the journey

from the T-junction to the tunnel, show
that .
Step 2. Calculate the speed at point .
(ii) Find another second equation involving
Let the distance between and be . It follows
and .
that
(iii) By elimination method or otherwise,
()
solve for and in the two equations.
Also, let the speed with which the train passes
be . This is equal to the final velocity of the Solution
journey between and and the initial velocity Step 1. Find an expression for the journey
of the journey between and . Using between the junction and the tunnel in
terms of and .
we can therefore write: The distance between the T-junction and the
 For journey tunnel can be calculated using

( )
 For journey Substituting the values, we will have

( )
( )
Now equate the right-hand sides of equations (ii) Divide through by 12
and (iii)

()
Step 2. Find another expression involving and
’.
√ ( )
The distance from the junction to the end of the
tunnel can be calculated using
[57] From a speed of at a T-junction, Barrak
accelerates his car along a straight highway
For this case,
road. He observes that he reaches a tunnel
from the junction and that he
crosses the tunnel, which is long, in a

40
Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

between the two bus stops.

Now substituting the values, we will have
Solution
( )
Step 1. Draw the graph.

Vel. / (m/s)
Divide through by 18

( )
B E
Step 3. Find the values of and .
To find , subtract equation (i) from (ii),

C D F
A
20 60 70
From equation (i), time / (sec)

Step 2. Calculate the final velocity ’.

( ) The slope of AB is equal to the acceleration, i.e.

Section 5. Graphical Solution of One-

Step 3. Calculate the total distance travelled by
Dimensional Motion
the train.

INTRODUCTION The total distance travelled during the journey is

In the previous sections, we have attempted to equal to the area of the trapezium ABEF
solve linear motion problems using one of the
equations of motions (and employing suitable ( )
methods). Sometimes, questions are easily dealt
with using a graphical method and this is the goal
of this section.

[58] A passenger bus starts from a stop and travels [59] A roller skater, Hawwah, starts off with an

with a uniform acceleration of for initial velocity of before she gets to a

until it reached a maximum velocity. It sloppy surface where she gains speed at a

travels with this maximum velocity for constant rate. If after she is already

another , the brake is then applied so that moving at ,

a uniform retardation is obtained and then (i) Find an expression of her speed and

come to a halt at the next bus stop after . distance seconds after she started

Sketch the velocity-time graph of this motion gaining speed.

and use this to calculate the total distance (ii) Given that the length of the slope is ,

41
Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

what is her speed at the bottom of the ( )

slope?
( )
Solution
Step 1. Draw the graph.
NOTE
Vel. / (m/s)

Alternatively, the distance (s) travelled after

seconds is
E

( )

A D F Step 4. Find the speed at the bottom of the slope.

time / (sec) The time taken to reach the bottom of the slope
can be found using equation (iii) as
Step 2. Find an expression for her speed as a
function of time .
Multiply by 4 and re-arrange to have,
The speed after the push is

Using quadratic equation formula

The acceleration is equal to the slope of the line
√
BC, i.e.

√ ( )( )
( )

Therefore,
This implies that
()

Step 3. Fid an expression for the distance

travelled as a function of time .
or
The distance (s) travelled after t seconds is equal
to the area of the trapezium ABEF

( )
Therefore, the only valid value is .

( ) The final speed at the bottom of the slope can be

found using equation (i) as
Substitute equation (i) in equation (ii), we have

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( ) Similarly, the slope of EF is equal to the

deceleration, i.e.

[60] A train is travelling along a straight path

between two stations and . Initially at
station A, the train accelerates uniformly from
rest to a speed of and maintains this
Therefore, the journey time
speed for . It then decelerates
uniformly until it comes to rest at station . If
the acceleration and deceleration are
( )
and respectively, find the total journey
Step 3. Calculate the distance travelled during
time and the total distance between the two
the journey.
stations. Give the answer correct to 3
The distance travelled during the journey is
significant figures.
equal to the area of the trapezium ABEF

Solution
( )
Step 1. Draw the graph.
Note that the time has been converted from
( )
minutes to seconds.
[61] Yaasir is driving his car behind a coach at a
velocity of while the coach is moving
Vel. / (m/s)

at a constant velocity of . When the car

is behind the front of the coach, Yaasir
B E

accelerates uniformly at . The car

continues at the same acceleration until it
reaches a velocity of , which he

A
C D F maintains until passing the front of the coach.
time / (sec) Calculate the distance the car travels while
Step 2. Calculate the total journey time. accelerating correct to 2 significant figures.
The total journey time, , is given by
Solution
Step 1. Draw the graph.
The slope of AB is equal to the acceleration, i.e.

43
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Vel. / (m/s) distance.

(i) Find the time that the driver takes to react
to the situation.
(ii) Using, a velocity-time graph, calculate the
D Car
deceleration once the car starts braking.
C
(iii) What is the stopping distance for another
B E Coach
vehicle travelling at if the reaction
time and the deceleration are the same as
before?

F
A
Solution
time /(sec)
Step 1. Draw the graph.
Step 2. Calculate the time spent in
accelerating.
Vel. / (m/s)
The acceleration, , is equal to the slope of the line
CD, thus
Case 2
C D

B Case 1 E
Therefore,

F G H
A

time /(sec)
Step 3. Calculate the distance the car travels
Step 2. Calculate the time taken to react.
while accelerating.
The time, , taken to react is
The distance travels while accelerating, , is equal
to the area of the trapezium ACDF

( )

Step 3. Calculate the deceleration.

[62] A car is travelling at when the driver
The deceleration, a, is equal to the slope of the line
has to perform an emergency stop due to a
EG, thus
sudden shock. The car has travelled a distance
of before the driver decided on what to ()

do and applied a brake. The car then comes to

But the distance covered after applying the brake
rest with constant deceleration in a further
is equal to the area of the triangle EFG, thus

44
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before it catches up ?
( )
( )
Solution
Therefore, Step 1. Draw the graph.

Vel. / (m/s)
( )

Substitute equation (ii) in equation (i), we have

Step 4. Calculate the stopping distance.

Car A
From equation (ii),

time / (sec)

The deceleration of the case 2 is equal to the slope Step 2. Calculate the time.
of the line DH. Since the deceleration is the same
Let
in both cases then the slope of the line DH is also
equal to . Therefore,

Using the figure above,

( )

The stopping distance, , is equal to the area of the

trapezium ACDH
Make the subject
( )

[63] In a convoy, Car is travelling with a

uniform velocity of and passed a
stationary car waiting to join the convoy.
Five seconds later, car starts and accelerates
at . How far will have to travel

45
Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

Since the two cars must have covered the same

Make the subject
distance, it implies that , therefore
( )
( )
( )( )
Simplify the equation and solve for
Since the two cars must have covered the same
distance, it implies that , therefore

( )
( )( )
Therefore, either Simplify the equation and solve for

or ( )( )
Therefore, either

Substitute the values of in either or to

determine how far will have to travel before it
or
catches up . Note that cannot be negative so
use only.
( )

Substitute the values of in either or to

NOTE
determine how far will car have to travel before
Alternatively, using figure below it catches up car ,
Vel. / (m/s)

as before.

or

Car A
It is important to note that cannot be
a valid answer since after 5 seconds, car A must
time / (sec) have travelled a distance of 100 m, i.e.
, a distance car B needs, at a minimum, to
travel in order to catch up with car A.
( )

[64] A motorist drives past a police patrol team

with an over speed-limit of , and
continues with that speed for ,

46
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when he noticed that he was being chased. He

( )
therefore applied the brake and is brought to
rest in a further On the other hand,
the patrol team started from rest
Step 3. Calculate the distance between the two
later, speed up and attained a speed of
vehicles after stopping.
in . They directed the motorist to stop
Distance covered by the motorist equals the area
when they are abreast each other. As a result,
of the trapezium ABEH
the team also applied a brake and are brought
( )
to rest under uniform retardation in
another . Assuming uniform
acceleration and retardation in both cases, Distance covered by the patrol team is equal to

using a suitable graph, the area of the triangle DCG

(i) find the value of ; ( )

(ii) the distance between the two vehicles
after both have finally stopped.
Therefore, the distance between the motorist’s car
and the patrol team car after both have finally
Solution
stopped is
Step 1. Draw the graph.
( )
Vel. / (m/s)

This shows that the patrol team car will be

in front of the motorist’s car.

C
[65] Three junctions , and are on a straight
road. A motorcyclist passes junction with a
speed of from where he accelerates at
a constant rate of until he gets to
B E junction . He therefore pulls up with a
constant retardation of and comes to a
D F G H complete halt at junction . Given that the
A
time / (sec) total distance between junctions and is
Step 2. Calculate the value of . , find:
When the two are abreast, they must have (i) the speed of the motorcycle at junction ,
travelled the same distance. Thus, the area of and
triangle DCF is equal to the area of rectangle
(ii) the distance from junction to junction .
ABEF.

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Solution
( ) ( ) ( )
Step 1. Draw the graph.
Multiply through by 6
Vel. / (m/s)

( ) ( ) ( )

Junction Y
C

This implies that

Junction X
√
Junction Z
A D E

time /(sec)

Step 2. Calculate the value of . Step 3. Calculate the distance from to .

The velocity, , is the speed at which the If the distance between junction and is
motorcycle passes junction . denoted by , then is equal to the area of
the trapezium ABCD given by
If the distance covered by the motorcycle from
junction to is denoted by , then is the ( )
sum of the areas of the trapezium ABCD and
triangle CDE. Thus, Using equation (ii),

[ ( )] [ ] ( )( )

() ( )( )

Acceleration is the slope of the line BC given by

( )( )

[66] A train takes to travel from

( ) Stansted Airport to Cambridge. The train
accelerates from rest at a rate of for
Also, the deceleration is the slope of the line CE
. It then travels at a constant speed before
given by
it is finally brought to rest in with a
constant deceleration. The motion is modelled
as a linear motion on a straight railway track.
( ) (i) Sketch a velocity-time graph for the
journey.
Substitute for and in equation (i), thus
(ii) Find the steady speed, the deceleration

48
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and the distance from Stansted Airport to

Cambridge station.
( )
Solution
Step 4. Calculate the distance from Stansted
Step 1. Draw the graph.
Airport to Cambridge.
Note: The time in the graph is in minutes, but this
Let the distance covered by the train be , which is
will be converted to seconds during the
equal to the area of the trapezium ABEF.
calculations where appropriate.

,( ) -
Vel. / (m/s)

B E

--

NOTE
C D F
A
Alternatively, let the distance covered by the
time / (min)
train be , which is equal to the sum of the
Step 2. Calculate the steady speed. distance covered in the different stages of the
Let the steady speed be , therefore journey. If , and are the distances
covered in stages 1, 2 and 3 respectively, then

which implies that where

or

Step 3. Calculate the deceleration.

The deceleration is the slope of the line EF,
therefore

( )
Therefore,
which implies that

49
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Step 3. Calculate the distance covered during

as before the uniform speed.

Let the distance covered during the uniform
speed be denoted as . This is equal to the area
of the rectangle BCDE. Therefore,

[67] A motorcycle starting from rest reaches a

maximum speed of in ; it continues
Step 4. Calculate the distance covered while
with this speed for another before it is
decelerating.
finally brought to rest in another . Using a
Let the distance covered during the deceleration
graphical method, determine the distance be denoted as . This is equal to the area of the
covered by the car when triangle DEF. Therefore,

(i) it was accelerating

(ii) it was moving with uniform speed
(iii) it was decelerating.
Step 5. Calculate the distance travelled by the
Hence or otherwise, calculate the total
car.
distance travelled by the car.
Let the total distance travelled by the car be
Solution denoted as , which is equal to the total area of
the shape. Therefore,
Step 1. Draw the graph.
Vel. / (m/s)

B E

NOTE
Alternatively, the total distance travelled, , is
equal to the area of the trapezium ABEF.
Therefore,
C D F
A

time / (sec) ( )

Step 2. Calculate the distance covered while

accelerating.
Let the distance covered during the acceleration as before.
be denoted as . This is equal to the area of the
triangle ABC. Therefore,
[68] From an initial velocity of ,a
professional cyclist accelerates uniformly

50
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until he attains a maximum velocity of .

He maintains this velocity for some time Hence,
before decelerating uniformly to rest. The
[ ( ) ] , ( )-
total time taken for the journey is and the
total distance travelled is . If the time [ ( )]
spent accelerating is two-thirds of that at
, - , )- , -
constant velocity, calculate the deceleration.

This implies that

Solution
Step 1. Draw the graph.
Vel. / (m/s)

Thus, from equation (i) deceleration is

C F
( )

[69] A train accelerates uniformly from rest at a

B

station to a maximum speed of .

D E G The constant maximum speed is maintained

A

time / (sec) for a period of time and the train then

Step 2. Calculate the deceleration. decelerates uniformly until it comes to a stop

The deceleration, , is the slope of line FG. This is at station . The distance between the two
given as railway stations is and the journey
takes . If the magnitude of the
acceleration is half that of deceleration, by
using graphical method, determine:
()
(i) the acceleration, in metre per second, and
The total distance covered is equal to the area of (ii) the time, in minutes, during which the
ABCFG in the above figure. Let this area be
train travels at its maximum speed.
denoted as and , and to represent the
area under acceleration, constant velocity and
Solution
deceleration respectively. Therefore,
Step 1. Draw the graph.
( )

where

51
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Vel. / (m/s) ( )

The distance between the two stations is equal to

the area of the trapezium ABEF. Hence,
B E

, ( )-

substitute equation (iii), thus

( )
C D F

( )
A
time / (sec)

Let us do some conversions as follows

 Speed from to This implies that

 Time from minutes to seconds

Thus, from equation (ii) acceleration is

Step 2. Calculate the acceleration.

The acceleration, , is the slope of line AB. This is . /
given as

Step 3. Calculate the time, in minutes, during

which the train travels at its maximum
speed.
()
From the graph, the time for constant speed is

Because the magnitude of the deceleration is

double that of acceleration implies that

( )

( )
Therefore, time in minutes is
Equating (i) to (ii), we have
( )

[70] On her way to Kuala Lumpur International

Airport, Katrina was initially driving at
Therefore,

52
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. On getting to one end of the SMART From the graph, the acceleration of the car is equal
(Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel), to the slope of the line BC, thus

she began to increase her speed such that she

gained every . She continued like
this until reaching a maximum speed of where is the time the car reached its maximum
which she maintained. Assuming the speed. Therefore,

tunnel is modeled as a straight-line path,

using a speed-time graph or otherwise,
(i) Find the time taken to reach the
Step 3. Calculate the time taken to drive through
maximum speed.
the tunnel.
(ii) If the tunnel is approximately 10 km long,
Let the distance covered after be , which is
find the time, in minutes correct to 2
equal to the sum of the distance covered in the
significant figures, taken to drive through two different stages of the journey. If and are
the tunnel. the distances covered in stages 1 and 2
respectively, then
(iii) Write down expressions for the speed of
the car as a function of time in seconds.

where
Solution
Step 1. Draw the graph.
( )
Vel. / (m/s)

( )
C F

But

Stage 2
Therefore,
Stage 1

D E
A

time / (sec)

Step 2. Calculate the time taken the car to reach

its maximum speed of .
If the car gains every , it implies that ( )
the acceleration is

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Step 4. Determine expressions for the speed of Solution

the car as a function of time in seconds. Step 1. Draw the graph.
There are two stages of the motion, each has a

Vel. / (m/s)
different expression for the speed.

 Stage 1 : or
C D
At this stage, the speed (v) as a function of time (t)
is
B

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4

 Stage 2: or E
A
time / (sec)
At this stage, the speed (v) as a function of time (t)
is Step 2. Calculate the speed at point B.
The slope of AB is equal to the acceleration of the
car between A and B, thus

[71] A motorist is initially at rest at a point on a

which implies that
straight road between two small villages. He
moves with a constant acceleration of
for where he attained a velocity of .
or
He thereafter changed to a higher gear and
moves with a uniform acceleration
until reaching a maximum speed limit of
in a further at point and Step 3. Calculate acceleration of the car when

maintained this speed for to reach point travelling from B to C.

. As he comes close to a traffic light at , the The slope of BC is equal to the acceleration of the
car between B and C, therefore
brake is applied and the car gradually comes
to rest in . Draw a velocity-time graph for
the motion, and find:
(i) the speed of the car at But , thus

(ii) the acceleration a of the car when

travelling from to ,
(iii) the retardation of the car when or
travelling from to , and
(iv) the total distance from to .

54
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complete stop in . Assuming the motion is

Step 4. Calculate the distance between A and E. modeled to be a straight line, find the distance
Let the distance covered by the car be , which is covered if the whole journey takes .
equal to the sum of the distance covered in the
different stages of the journey. If , , and Solution
are the distances covered in stages 1, 2, 3 and 4
Step 1. Draw the graph.
respectively as shown in the graph, then

Vel./ (m/s)
where
B

E F

Stage 2

Stage 1 Stage 3 Stage 4

C D G H
A

( ) time / (sec)

Step 2. Calculate the total distance covered.

Let the total distance covered be , which is equal
to the sum of the distance covered in the different
stages of the journey. If , , and are the
distances covered in stages 1, 2, 3 and 4
respectively, then

where
Hence,

[72] From a petrol station, Benjamin increases his ( )

speed at a constant rate to in the first
of his journey. On seeing a temporary
speed limit on the road, he then decreases
uniformly to in a further , ( )
remaining constant for some times before he
decelerates uniformly from this speed to a

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Step 2. Calculate the distance the coach has

travelled from the garage.
Let the distance covered by the train be , which is
Thus,
equal to the sum of the distance covered in the
different stages of the journey. If , , ,
and are the distances covered in stages 1, 2, 3, 4
and 5 respectively, then

[73] A coach driver leaves a garage and accelerates Note: remember to convert the time to seconds by
multiplying by 60.
at a constant rate for . He then
maintains a constant speed of for
before he begins to slow down where
uniformly as he gets close to a set of signals.
After the coach is travelling at
( )
but the signal changes to green on his
approach. He therefore increases speed
uniformly for until reaching a
( )
speed of . A road signal then orders
the coach to stop, which he obeys by slowing
down uniformly for . Using a graph
motion, calculate the distance, kilometres ( ) ( )

correct to 2 significant figures, covered by the

driver.

( ) ( )
Solution
Step 1. Draw the graph.
Vel. / (m/s)

( )
I

Therefore,
B
E

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5

C D G H J
A

time / (min.)

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Section 6. Free fall Motion (Basic) [75] A light weight stone is thrown vertically
upwards from the ground and hits the
INTRODUCTION ground after . Calculate the maximum
So far we have had a look at linear motion in an
horizontal direction; that is to say motion that is height reached by the stone during this
not under the influence of the earth’s gravity. In journey.
this section, we will be spending time to analyse
motion in the vertical direction, which is
Solution
constantly under the effect of acceleration due to
gravity. Unless otherwise is stated in the question, Step 1. Write out the given values.
we will take the value of to be .

[74] A metal coin is thrown straight upwards with

an initial velocity of . Calculate the
distance covered (from the point of NOTE
projection) and the velocity after . Take There are certain tips to know in order to be able
. to solve this question more comfortably, namely:

Solution (i) The given time is the time taken to travel up

Step 1. Write out the given values. from and down to the ground; it thus follows
that the time taken to reach the maximum
height is half of this, i.e. .
(ii) At maximum height the ball comes to rest. In
other words, final velocity for the upward
motion is zero.
Step 2. Calculate the distance. (iii) Height is the same as the distance in the
equation of motion.
We will use these tips frequently in this and
Substituting the values, we will have
subsequent questions.
( )( )

Step 2. Calculate the height.

Step 3. Calculate the velocity.

Substituting the values, we will have
Substitute the values, we will have
( ) ( )

( )

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[76] An object is thrown straight upwards with an

initial velocity of . How long does it
take to reach the greatest height?

Solution Step 3. Calculate the time taken to reach the

Step 1. Write out the given values. greatest height.

This implies that ,

Step 2. Calculate the time.

At the greatest height the ball is at rest. This
implies that the final velocity is zero, i.e.

[78] An apple fruit falls freely from a tree at a

This implies that ,
height of . How long does it take to
reach the ground? Disregard the air resistance
and leave the answer correct to 2 significant
figures.

Solution
[77] A helium-filled balloon is thrown straight
Step 1. Write out the given values.
upwards with an initial velocity of .
Assuming the air resistance is negligible,
calculate the greatest height reached and the
time taken to reach it. Take .

Step 2. Calculate the time.

Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.

Because , we will have

Make the subject of the formula

Step 2. Calculate the greatest height reached.
Using

it implies that ,
√
( )

58
Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

Substituting the values, we will have

√ Tip: Note that the initial velocity of the package is

the same as the velocity of the helicopter.
√
However, since the package is moving in the
opposite direction, we will assign a negative sign
[79] A book falls from a bookshelf which is at a to it.
height of from the floor. Determine its Step 2. Calculate the height from which the
velocity just before striking the floor. package was thrown.
If is the height above the ground from where the
Solution
package was thrown then
Step 1. Write out the given values.

Substituting the values, we will have

( )( )
Step 2. Calculate the time.
At the initial height the ball is at rest. This implies
that the initial velocity is zero.

[81] An object falls off from the edge of a blade of

Because , we will have
an off-shore wind turbine. If the tower
is , high find the velocity with which the
This implies that
object hits the surface of the water below it.
√
Leave the final answer in surd form.
Substitute the values, we will have

√ Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.
[80] A package is dropped from a helicopter
moving upwards at . If it takes
before the package reaches the ground, how
high above the ground, correct to 2 s. f., was
the package when it was released? Step 2. Calculate the velocity.

Solution This implies that ,

Step 1. Write out the given values. ( )( )

59
Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

√
√
[82] An object falls freely from a height through a √

distance of . Calculate the velocity √

attained by the object, taking . [84] A 500 g parcel is dropped from a height of
, from a plane which is moving upwards
Solution with a velocity of . Determine:
Step 1. Write out the given values. (i) the initial velocity of the parcel,
(ii) the time taken for the parcel to reach the
ground? Disregard air resistance and take
the value of to be .

Step 2. Calculate the velocity. Solution

Step 1. Write out the given values.
This implies that ,
( )( )

√
Step 2. Calculate the initial velocity.
[83] A fountain is designed such that water can be Provided the air resistance is negligible, the initial
projected vertically upwards to a height of velocity of the parcel is the same as that of the
. Determine the speed at which the water balloon. In other words,
must be leaving the fountain nozzle, leaving
the answer in surd form. Step 3. Calculate the time.

Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values. Substituting the values, we will have

( )

Step 2. Calculate the initial velocity.

When the water reaches a height of , the
( )( )
velocity is zero, i.e.
Either

This implies that ,

( )( )

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or Step 2. Calculate the height.

Since , it implies that ,

Since time cannot be negative, it follows that the
only solution is ( )( )

[85] A metallic ring is released from rest from the

top of a cliff high. Find the time it takes [87] A child, standing on the floor of a balcony of a
the ring to reach the ground. multi-storey building, throws a ball straight
upwards with an initial velocity of . If
Solution
the floor is high from the ground, find:
Step 1. Write out the given values.
(i) the maximum height above the ground
reached by the ball, and
(ii) the velocity with which the ball strikes the
ground.

Step 2. Calculate the velocity.

Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.

This implies that ,

( )( )

[86] An object at rest is subjected to a free fall from

the top of a building. How high is the
building if it takes for the object to reach
the ground? Take to be .

Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.

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Step 2. Calculate the velocity. Step 1. Write out the given values.

Let

Step 2. Calculate the time.

We need to use the equation below to find as: Note that when the object returns to the same
point from which it was thrown, the displacement
Make the subject, (height) is zero, i.e.

This implies that ,

( )

Step 3. Calculate the velocity.

( )
Either

√ or

NOTE
Alternatively,

The valid answer is 1.2 s as the time taken by the

ball to return to the same point from where it was
thrown.
√

as before.

[88] A ball is projected straight upwards with an

initial velocity of from a point . How
long will it take for the object to return to the
same point from where it was thrown?

Solution

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Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

rocket continues to coast upwards in

NOTE
unpowered mode and reaches its maximum
Alternatively, the time taken for upward motion
height before finally falling back to the
can be calculated which is then multiplied by 2 to
ground. Determine the time interval, during
obtain the time to return to the same point from
which the rocket engine provides upward
which the object was thrown. This is because the
acceleration and the value of this acceleration.
time taken for upward motion is the same as that
Leave the answers correct to 2 significant
of the downward motion under gravity provided
figures.
the air resistance is disregarded.

Here is the working Solution

Step 1. Write out the given values.
Note that the object returns because it has reached
its greatest height. At this height, the velocity is
zero, i.e. . Thus,

Step 2. Calculate the time interval during which

Therefore, the time to return is the rocket engine provides upward
acceleration.
Using
as before.
( )

This implies that ,

Section 7. Free fall Motion
( )
(Advanced)

INTRODUCTION
I hope you have had a go with linear motion
under a free fall – great! It is time to delve more
into this type of motion by taking some Step 3. Calculate the upward acceleration of the
challenging questions, right?
rocket during the burn phase.
[89] An amateur rocket is propelled vertically Using
upwards from the ground during which the
rocket engine provides constant upward This implies that ,
acceleration. At the instant the engine power
burns out, the rocket has risen to a height of
and acquired a velocity of . The

63
Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

Make the subject,

[90] A man on top of a building high

throws an object straight upwards with an
initial velocity of . Take to be
and find:
(i) the maximum height above the ground
reached by the body, and
Step 3. Calculate the velocity with which the
(ii) the velocity with which the body hits the
body hits the ground.
ground.

Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.
√
( )

NOTE
Alternatively,

( )
as before.

[91] An object is projected straight upwards with

an initial velocity of . If is the time taken
to return to the point of projection (time of
flight), the greatest height and is the
acceleration due to gravity, show that

Step 2. Calculate the maximum height above the (i)

ground reached by the body. (ii)

At the height the ball is at rest. This implies that
the initial velocity is zero. Solution

64
Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

Step 1. Write out the given values. proved.

[92] A body is projected vertically upwards with

an initial velocity of . Another body is
projected with the same initial velocity
Step 2. Show that .
seconds after the first. If is the time when
Using the two bodies meet and is the acceleration
() due to gravity, show that
Remember that the time taken to reach the
maximum height from the point of projection is
equal to the time taken from the maximum height
Solution
to come back to the point of projection. That is
Step 1. Sketch the projection.

( )

Substituting (ii) in (i), we will have

( )
This is the point where
This is because the two bodies meets.
At this point, the height
(i) the final velocity is zero at the maximum above the point of
projection for the two
height, , and is equal.
(ii) acceleration due to gravity is negative for an
object moving vertically upwards. Thus Step 2. Provide tips.
Let the bodies be represented by and and
distances travelled by each be denoted with
and respectively as shown above. At the point

proved. of meeting, will have travelled and

would have travelled for ( ) .
Step 3. Show that .
Step 3. Find the distances travelled by the
Using
bodies.

Using , the distance are

Substitute the values noting the same as above,
we will have

and

( ) ( )

Step 4. Express in terms of , and .

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At meeting point, , therefore, Step 2. Calculate the final velocity at height

above the ground.
( ) ( )
At above the ground, the new displacement
( ) is

( )
We can use the following equation to find v
( )

Now substitute the values taking note of the

signs,
( )( )
Therefore,

proved. √

[93] A metallic object is launched vertically

Since the final velocity is downward,
upwards with an initial velocity of
from a point on a tower above the
[94] A ball falls freely (under gravity) from a 15-
ground. The object rises, then falls and strikes
storey building. The distance between floors
the ground. If upward direction is taken as
is constant. It takes to fall from the 15th
positive axis, calculate the velocity of the
to the 14th floor and to fall from the 14th
object when it is above the ground.
floor to the 13th. What is the height of the
building? Take to be .
Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.
Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.

Step 2. Calculate the distance between floors.

Let the distance from the and ( ) floor
be ( ). For example, the distance from the
15th to 14th is denoted as . Similarly, the time
taken to fall from the to ( ) floor, the
initial velocity for journey from the to
( ) floor and the final velocity for journey
from the to ( ) floor will be denoted by

( ) , ( ) , and ( ) respectively.

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Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

Let the distance between two consecutive floors

 Now let us calculate the journey between the
be . This can be calculated from equation (i) as
15th and 14th floor
( ) ( )
Using

which implies that

NOTE
( )( ) ( )( )
Alternatively, is determined from equation (ii)
( ) ( ) ()
as
 In a similar manner, we can calculate the
( ) ( )
journey between the 14th and 13th floor
Using

which implies that as before.

( )( ) ( )
Therefore, if is the height of the building then
( ) ( ) ( )
Since the distance between the floors is constant,
we can say that
[95] An object is thrown vertically upwards with

which means an initial velocity of from a ladder

( ) ( ) which is above ground level. Taking to

( ) ( ) ( ) be ,

We also know that the final velocity of the journey (i) Express the height of the object above

between the 15th and the 14th floor is the same as the ground as a function of time .

initial velocity of the subsequent journey, i.e. from (ii) Use the expression in (i) to find the time

the 14th to the 13th floor. In other words, the object hits the ground and velocity

( ) with which it strikes the ground.

Substitute equation (iv) in equation (iii), we will
Solution
have
Step 1. Write out the given values.
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
( )

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Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

√( ) ( )( )
( )
√

either

or

Step 2. Express the height of the object above the Since time cannot be negative, it implies that the
ground as a function of time. time taken to reach the ground is
Let the distance covered after s from the
ladder be . Therefore Step 4. Its velocity on striking the ground.

() The velocity of the object before it hits the

ground can be found using
( )
Substituting the given values in equation (i), we
Note that, for this case, the initial velocity will be
will have
taken as negative since its direction is opposite to
( )
that of the final velocity. Thus,

From equation (ii), the expression for the height ( ) ( )( )

above the ground as a function of time is

√
Step 3. Calculate the time the object strikes the
ground.
NOTE
The object hits the ground when the height is
Alternatively, the velocity of the object before it
zero, thus
hits the ground

i.e.

using quadratic equation formula

√
as before.
we will have

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Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

Therefore,
[96] Two identical objects are made to collide in
the air such that one object moves vertically
upwards with a velocity of and the
other moves vertically downwards with the
same velocity. How far apart will the objects NOTE

be after ? Alternatively, the distance apart can be found as

Solution
( ) ( )
Step 1. Write out the given values.

Step 2. Calculate the distance apart after . as before.

Let the be the distance apart between the two

objects after . Also, let and denote the [97] From the top of a tree, a fruit falls freely
distance covered by the object thrown upwards and at the same moment another fruit is
and downward respectively in . It follows that thrown downward with an initial velocity of
. How much later or earlier does the
For this case, we can use the formula below to
free-fall fruit reach the ground? Take to be
calculate the distance travelled.
.

Solution
 Object thrown upwards
Step 1. Write out the given values.

( ) ( )( )

 Object thrown downward

Step 2. Calculate the time difference between
the two fruits.
Let and be the time taken by the free-fall
( ) ( )( )
fruit and the thrown fruit to reach the ground
respectively. Therefore, if is the time difference

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Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

between the thrown and free-fall object in

reaching the ground, then Since
| | ()
We can find both and using
It follows that the free-fall is slower and reaches
( )
the ground later than the thrown object.
 For the free-fall fruit, equation (ii) becomes
[98] A tall child throws a ball vertically
( ) upwards from the top of a table with a
velocity of . It takes from the time
of being projected upwards before the ball
hits the ground. If the combined height of the
√ √
child and the table is above the ground,
determine the height of the table. Take to be
 For the thrown fruit, equation (ii) becomes .

( )
Solution
Step 1. Write out the given values.

using the quadratic formula, we will have

√ ( )( )
( )
√

Therefore, either

or

Because time can only be positive, thus the only

value for is . Hence from equation (i)
| |

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Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

Step 2. Determine the height .

NOTE
The time taken to reach the maximum height can
Alternatively, the time taken for the object to
be found using
reach the same point at which it is thrown can be
found using
which implies that

Note that at this point, the velocity is the same as

Since the velocity is zero at maximum height, it
the initial velocity but in opposite direction.
follows that
Therefore,

The distance AB can be obtained as

Again, if the time taken to travel from A to C is

Where , thus , then

Now let us calculate the distance from A to C

using
If the time taken to travel from B to C is , then

where , thus
Now let us calculate the distance from B to C
using

where , thus
From this, the height of the table is

as before.

Hence, the height is

[99] Two particles are projected vertically
upwards from exactly the same point on the
ground at intervals. How high above the
ground do they meet if they both start with an
From this, the height of the table is
initial velocity ? Take to be .

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Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

Solution ( ) ( )
Step 1. Write out the given values. which becomes

Step 2. Calculate the distance travelled. Thus

Let and be the initial speeds of the first and ( )
second particles respectively. Thus
Now we need to find the height from either

Also, let and be the time after the first and equation (ii)

second particles were projected vertically. It

follows that ( ) ( )

()
The two particles meet when their height above
the ground is equal. If is the height of the first or equation (iii)

particle after projection, then

( ) ( )

Substitute the values, we will have

as before.
( )
[100] In a tennis court, Joshua (aka Yuusha’)
( )
hits a tennis ball with his racquet vertically up
Similarly, if is the height of the second particle
from a height of 1.20 m above the floor. The
after projection then
ball reached the floor after .
Assuming the value of to be , find:
Substitute the values, we will have (i) the speed with which Joshua hits the ball,
(ii) the greatest height above the floor
( )
reached by the ball,
( )
(iii) the speed of the ball on reaching the floor,
Substitute equation (i) into (ii)
(iv) how high the ball bounces if it loses a
( ) ( ) ( )
quarter of its speed on hitting the floor.
The two particles meet when

that is, the expression on the right hand side of

equations (iii) and (iv) are equal, which implies
that

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Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

Solution ( )
Step 1. Sketch the graph. ( )

Step 3. Calculate the greatest height above the

floor reached by the ball.
At greatest height, velocity is zero. Thus,

which implies that

( )

If the greatest above the floor is denoted by then

Step 4. Calculate the speed the ball hits the

floor.
The speed the ball hits the floor can be obtained
using

where and are the initial velocity at the

Step 2. Calculate the speed with which Joshua greatest height, and the greatest height above the
hits the ball. floor respectively.
The speed with which Joshua hits the ball is equal For this case and . Now
to the initial velocity of the ball, which can be substitute these values in the above equation to
found using find as

√
Note that when the ball hits the floor, the
displacement is equal to the height above the floor
from which the ball is hit measured from the
floor. In other words,

Now substitute to have

( )( )

( )

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Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

NOTE
Alternatively, the speed the ball hits the ground
can be obtained using the same equation

where is the speed Joshua hits the ball, which is

equal to , and is the net displacement END OF WORKED EXAMPLES
which is equal to . Note that in this case we
are taking all upward values as negative and
downward variables as positive.
Now substitute these values in the above equation
to find as
( )

as before.

Step 5. Determine how high the ball bounces if it

loses a quarter of its speed.
If the ball loses a quarter of its speed, it implies
that the speed of rebound is ⁄ of the speed with
which the ball hits the floor. In other words, the
initial (bouncing) speed, , is

The height can be calculated using

where is the height reached on bouncing and

is the final velocity; the latter is equal to zero in
this case. Thus,
( ) ( )
( )
( )
( )

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Shefiu S. Zakariyah shefiuz@theiet.org

Bibliography and Further Reading

1) Bolton, W. (2006). Engineering Science. 5th Edition. Oxford:Newnes.

2) Bryden, P., Berry, J., Graham, T. and Porkess, R. (2004). MEI Mechanics 1. 3rd
Edition. Abingdon:Hodder Murray.
3) Halliday, D., Resnick, R. and Walker, J. (2011). Fundamentals of Physics. 9th Edition.
John Wiley & Sons.
4) Hannah, .J. and Hiller, M. J. (1992). Applied Mechanics. 2nd Edition. Harlow:
Longman
5) Johnson, K., Hewett, S., Holt, S. and Miller, J. (2000). Advanced Physics for You.
Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes.
6) Okeke, P.N. and Anyakoha, M.W. (2000). Senior Secondary Physics. Revised Edition.
London: Macmillan Education.
7) Reid, D (2001). An Introduction to Engineering Mechanics. London: Palgrave
8) Rex, A. and Wolfson, R. (2009). Essential College Physics. 1st Edition. Addison Wesley.
9) Sadler, A.J. and Thorning, D.W.S. (1996). Understanding Mechanics. 2nd Edition.
Oxford: Oxford University Press.
10) Tuttuh-Adegun, M.R., Sivasubramaniam, S. and Adegoke, R. (1992). Further
Mathematics Project 2. Ibadan: NPS Educational.

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