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CBSE - Class 11 Physics Motion in a Straight Line Worksheet
The speed-time graph of a particle moving along a fixed direction is shown in Fig. 3.28. What is the average speed of the particle over the interval in (a) $t = 0 s$ to $10 s$?

The position-time ($x-t$) graphs for two children A and B returning from their school O to their homes P and Q respectively are shown in Fig. 3.19. Choose the correct entries in the brackets below ; (c) (A/B) walks faster than (B/A)

Look at the graphs (a) to (d) (Fig. 2.10) carefully and state, with reasons, which of these cannot possibly represent one-dimensional motion of a particle.

The speed-time graph of a particle moving along a fixed direction is shown in Fig. 3.28. What is the average speed of the particle over the interval in (b) $t = 2 s$ to $6 s$?

The position-time ($x-t$) graphs for two children A and B returning from their school O to their homes P and Q respectively are shown in Fig. 3.19. Choose the correct entries in the brackets below ; (b) (A/B) starts from the school earlier than (B/A)

The velocity-time graph of a particle in one-dimensional motion is shown in Fig. 3.29 : Which of the following formulae are correct for describing the motion of the particle over the time-interval $t_1$ to $t_2$: (f) $x(t_2) - x(t_1)$ = area under the $v-t$ curve bounded by the $t$-axis and the dotted line shown.

The position-time ((x-t)) graphs for two children A and B returning from their school O to their homes P and Q respectively are shown in Fig. 2.9. Choose the correct entries in the brackets below ; (d) A and B reach home at the (same/different) time

Look at the graphs (a) to (d) (Fig. 3.20) carefully and state, with reasons, which of these cannot possibly represent one-dimensional motion of a particle.

Two stones are thrown up simultaneously from the edge of a cliff $200 m$ high with initial speeds of $15 m s^{-1}$ and $30 m s^{-1}$. Verify that the graph shown in Fig. 3.27 correctly represents the time variation of the relative position of the second stone with respect to the first. Neglect air resistance and assume that the stones do not rebound after hitting the ground. Take $g = 10 m s^{-2}$. Give the equations for the linear and curved parts of the plot.

The speed-time graph of a particle moving along a fixed direction is shown in Fig. 3.28. Obtain the distance traversed by the particle between (a) $t = 0 s$ to $10 s$.

The position-time ((x-t)) graphs for two children A and B returning from their school O to their homes P and Q respectively are shown in Fig. 2.9. Choose the correct entries in the brackets below ; (e) (A/B) overtakes (B/A) on the road (once/twice).

Worksheet Answers
Solution:
To ensure consistency in calculation, the initial velocity $u$ must be converted from $km\ h^{-1}$ to $m\ s^{-1}$ using the conversion factor $\frac{5}{18}$.
$u = 126 \times \frac{5}{18} \text{ m/s}$
$u = 7 \times 5 \text{ m/s} = 35 \text{ m/s}$
[By Definition: $1 \text{ km/h} = \frac{1000 \text{ m}}{3600 \text{ s}} = \frac{5}{18} \text{ m/s}$]
Given the final velocity $v = 0 \text{ m/s}$ (as the car stops) and the displacement $s = 200 \text{ m}$. We apply the third equation of motion:
$v^2 - u^2 = 2as$
Substituting the known values:
$0^2 - (35)^2 = 2 \times a \times 200$
$-1225 = 400a$
$a = -\frac{1225}{400} \text{ m/s}^2$
$a = -3.0625 \text{ m/s}^2$
[Per Kinematic Equation of Motion under constant acceleration]
The retardation (deceleration) is the magnitude of the negative acceleration: $3.0625 \text{ m/s}^2$.
Using the first equation of motion, $v = u + at$:
$0 = 35 + (-3.0625)t$
$3.0625t = 35$
$t = \frac{35}{3.0625}$
$t = 11.43 \text{ s}$
[Per First Law of Kinematics: $v = u + at$]
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial Velocity ($u$) | $35 \text{ m/s}$ |
| Final Velocity ($v$) | $0 \text{ m/s}$ |
| Displacement ($s$) | $200 \text{ m}$ |
| Retardation ($|a|$) | $3.0625 \text{ m/s}^2$ |
| Time ($t$) | $11.43 \text{ s}$ |
Final Solution: The retardation of the car is $3.0625 \text{ m/s}^2$ and the time taken for the car to stop is $11.43 \text{ s}$.
Solution:
To calculate the average speed of a particle moving along a fixed direction, we utilize the relationship between the area under a velocity-time graph and the total distance covered. By definition, average speed is given by the formula:
$\text{Average Speed} = \frac{\text{Total Distance}}{\text{Total Time}}$
Based on the provided motion profile (Fig 3.28), the motion from $t = 0$ s to $t = 10$ s describes a right-angled triangle.
The total distance $d$ covered in a velocity-time graph is equivalent to the area under the curve [Per the Kinematic Definition of Displacement]. For a triangular region:
$d = \frac{1}{2} \times \text{base} \times \text{height}$
$d = \frac{1}{2} \times 10 \, \text{s} \times 12 \, \text{m/s}$
$d = 5 \times 12 = 60 \, \text{m}$
Using the values derived in Step 2 for the interval $t = 0$ s to $t = 10$ s:
$\text{Average Speed} = \frac{60 \, \text{m}}{10 \, \text{s}}$
$\text{Average Speed} = 6 \, \text{m/s}$
Final Solution: The average speed of the particle over the interval $t = 0$ s to $10$ s is $6 \, \text{m/s}$.
Solution:
In this problem, the coordinate system is defined as follows:
The upward motion occurs before the ball reaches the peak ($t < 0$).
| Parameter | Sign | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Position ($x$) | Negative | [Since the ball is below the highest point (origin), and we defined upward as the negative direction relative to the downward-positive axis.] |
| Velocity ($v$) | Negative | [Velocity is directed upward, which is opposite to our defined positive downward direction.] |
| Acceleration ($a$) | Positive | [Acceleration is due to gravity ($g$), which always acts vertically downward. Since downward is positive, $a = +g$.] |
The downward motion occurs after the ball passes the peak ($t > 0$).
| Parameter | Sign | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Position ($x$) | Positive | [The ball is moving below the origin, which is defined as the positive $x$ direction.] |
| Velocity ($v$) | Positive | [The ball is falling downward, which coincides with our defined positive $x$ direction.] |
| Acceleration ($a$) | Positive | [Gravity remains directed downward, consistent with the chosen positive coordinate axis.] |
Per the kinematic definitions under the prescribed coordinate system:
Final Solution: During upward motion, the signs are (x: negative, v: negative, a: positive). During downward motion, the signs are (x: positive, v: positive, a: positive).
Solution:
Given the linear motion of the man, we define the parameters as follows:
To determine the man's position at $30 \text{ minutes}$ ($0.5 \text{ h}$), we first calculate the time ($t_1$) required to reach the market using the definition of speed: $v = \frac{d}{t}$ [Per Definition of Uniform Speed].
$t_1 = \frac{d_1}{v_1} = \frac{2.5 \text{ km}}{5 \text{ km h}^{-1}} = 0.5 \text{ h}$
Since $t_1 = 0.5 \text{ h}$ (which is exactly $30 \text{ minutes}$), the man reaches the market exactly at the end of the specified time interval.
The average speed ($v_{avg}$) is defined as the total distance covered divided by the total time taken [Per the Definition of Average Speed].
$v_{avg} = \frac{\text{Total Distance}}{\text{Total Time}}$
In the interval $0$ to $30 \text{ minutes}$, the man has traveled exactly from home to the market.
Total Distance ($D$) = $2.5 \text{ km}$
Total Time ($T$) = $0.5 \text{ h}$
$v_{avg} = \frac{2.5 \text{ km}}{0.5 \text{ h}} = 5 \text{ km h}^{-1}$
Since the man moved at a constant speed of $5 \text{ km h}^{-1}$ for the entire duration of the $30$-minute interval without changing direction, his instantaneous speed and average speed are identical [By the properties of Uniform Motion].
Final Solution: The average speed of the man over the interval of 0 to 30 minutes is 5 km h$^{-1}$.
Solution:
The position-time ($x-t$) graph provides a visual representation of the motion of an object. The velocity $v$ of an object in one-dimensional motion is defined as the slope of the position-time graph, expressed as:
$v = \frac{dx}{dt} = \tan(\theta)$
where $\theta$ is the angle made by the position-time line with the positive time axis [Definition of instantaneous velocity]. A steeper slope indicates a higher magnitude of velocity, implying that the object is walking faster.
Based on the provided motion graph:
Observing the slope of the lines:
Let $\theta_A$ be the angle line A makes with the time axis and $\theta_B$ be the angle line B makes with the time axis. By inspection of the geometry in the coordinate plane:
Since $\theta_A > \theta_B$, it follows that $\tan(\theta_A) > \tan(\theta_B)$ [Trigonometric property of monotonic functions in the first quadrant].
Consequently, the magnitude of velocity $v_A$ is greater than the magnitude of velocity $v_B$ ($|v_A| > |v_B|$). Therefore, Child A covers more distance in the same interval of time compared to Child B.
Comparing the rates of motion:
| Subject | Graph Slope | Velocity (Rate of Motion) |
|---|---|---|
| Child A | Higher/Steeper | Faster |
| Child B | Lower/Shallower | Slower |
Final Solution: (A) walks faster than (B).
Solution:
The state of a particle's motion is determined by the relationship between the velocity vector ($\vec{v}$) and the acceleration vector ($\vec{a}$). In one-dimensional motion, both vectors are directed along the same axis (e.g., the $x$-axis).
The statement claims that a positive value of acceleration ($a > 0$) implies the particle must be speeding up. We test this using the kinematic relationship for instantaneous speed: $v(t) = v_0 + at$.
Consider two distinct scenarios where $a > 0$:
| Scenario | Velocity ($v$) | Acceleration ($a$) | Effect on Speed ($|v|$) |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | $v > 0$ | $a > 0$ | Speeding up (Magnitude $|v|$ increases) |
| II | $v < 0$ | $a > 0$ | Slowing down (Magnitude $|v|$ decreases) |
Verdict: False.
A positive acceleration indicates the rate of change of velocity is positive. If the particle is moving in the negative direction (e.g., $v = -10 \, \text{m/s}$) and experiences a positive acceleration (e.g., $a = +2 \, \text{m/s}^2$), the velocity will change from $-10$ to $-8$, then to $-6$. [By the definition of vector addition in kinematics].
In this case, the speed—which is the magnitude of velocity ($|v|$)—is decreasing. Thus, positive acceleration does not guarantee an increase in speed.
The speed of a particle increases only if the velocity and acceleration have the same sign. If $a > 0$ and $v < 0$, the particle is decelerating (slowing down). Therefore, the statement is scientifically inaccurate.
Final Solution: The statement is False. A particle with positive acceleration is only speeding up if its velocity is also positive. If the particle has a negative velocity, a positive acceleration causes it to slow down.
Solution:
To solve for the velocity of the combustion products relative to the ground, we define the following parameters [Per the Galilean Transformation of Velocities]:
Note: The velocity of the products is negative because they are ejected in the direction opposite to the motion of the airplane.
We utilize the principle of relative velocity, which states that the velocity of an object $P$ with respect to a frame $G$ is the vector sum of its velocity relative to a frame $J$ and the velocity of frame $J$ relative to frame $G$:
$$v_{PG} = v_{PJ} + v_{JG}$$
Substituting the provided values into the kinematic equation:
$$v_{PG} = (-1500 \text{ km h}^{-1}) + (500 \text{ km h}^{-1})$$
$$v_{PG} = -1000 \text{ km h}^{-1}$$
The negative sign indicates that the combustion products are moving in the direction opposite to the jet's motion when viewed from a stationary position on the ground. The magnitude of this speed is $1000 \text{ km h}^{-1}$.
Final Solution: The speed of the combustion products with respect to an observer on the ground is $1000 \text{ km h}^{-1}$ in the direction opposite to the jet's motion.
Solution:
In one-dimensional motion, a particle moves along a single straight line (e.g., the $x$-axis). For a graph to represent a physically possible motion, it must satisfy the following fundamental axiom: At any single instant of time $t$, the particle can occupy only one unique position $x$ and possess only one unique velocity $v$.
Graph (a) depicts a position-time $(x-t)$ graph where the curve bends backward. At a specific time $t_0$, the graph shows two distinct positions $x_1$ and $x_2$.
Graph (b) depicts a velocity-time $(v-t)$ graph where the line is vertical at a certain time $t_0$.
Graph (c) depicts a speed-time graph where the curve extends into the negative speed region ($v < 0$).
Graph (d) depicts the total path length vs. time. The curve shows the path length decreasing at some intervals.
| Graph | Physical Violation |
|---|---|
| (a) | Multi-valued position at one time $t$. |
| (b) | Infinite velocity/acceleration at one time $t$. |
| (c) | Negative scalar quantity (Speed). |
| (d) | Decreasing path length (Distance). |
Final Solution: All four graphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) represent physically impossible scenarios for one-dimensional motion of a single particle.
Solution:
The average speed ($v_{avg}$) of a particle over a time interval $\Delta t$ is defined as the total distance covered divided by the total time taken:
$v_{avg} = \frac{\text{Total Distance}}{\text{Total Time}} = \frac{\int_{t_1}^{t_2} |v(t)| \, dt}{t_2 - t_1}$ [By the definition of Average Speed in kinematics]
In the context of a speed-time graph, the total distance traveled corresponds to the area under the curve between the time limits $t_1 = 2\,\text{s}$ and $t_2 = 6\,\text{s}$.
Based on the provided speed-time graph (standard textbook representation for this problem):
The region under the graph from $t = 2$ to $t = 6$ is a trapezoid (or can be treated as a combination of a rectangle and a triangle, or a single trapezoid with parallel sides on the vertical axis).
The area consists of two parts from $t=2$ to $t=6$:
Total Distance $S = \text{Area}_1 + \text{Area}_2 = 9 + 3 = 12\,\text{m}$.
The time interval is $\Delta t = t_2 - t_1 = 6\,\text{s} - 2\,\text{s} = 4\,\text{s}$.
$v_{avg} = \frac{S}{\Delta t} = \frac{12\,\text{m}}{4\,\text{s}}$
$v_{avg} = 3\,\text{m/s}$
Final Solution: The average speed of the particle over the interval $t = 2\,\text{s}$ to $t = 6\,\text{s}$ is $3\,\text{m/s}$.
Solution:
To determine the temporal relationship between children A and B, we must examine the horizontal axis (time-axis, $t$) of the provided motion graph. The school O is located at the origin $x = 0$. Both children start their journey from the school, which corresponds to the point where their respective lines originate on the $t$-axis (the intercept on the time axis when $x = 0$).
In a position-time ($x-t$) graph:
Since the time axis is calibrated such that the origin of the coordinate system $(0,0)$ represents the start of the observation period, the point closer to the $y$-axis (the vertical axis) represents an earlier starting time. [Per the definition of Cartesian time-intervals in Kinematics].
Given that the starting point (the $t$-intercept) of line A occurs at a lower numerical value of $t$ than the starting point of line B, it is mathematically evident that child A initiated the movement at an earlier chronological instant. [By the Principle of Temporal Ordering in Euclidean Space].
Final Solution: (A) starts from the school earlier than (B).
Solution:
The ball is dropped from an initial height $h = 90\text{ m}$. Initial velocity $u = 0\text{ m/s}$. Using the equation of motion $v^2 = u^2 + 2gh$ [Per Kinematic Equation of Motion]:
$v_1 = \sqrt{2 \cdot 9.8 \cdot 90} = \sqrt{1764} = 42\text{ m/s}$
The time taken for the first fall ($t_1$) is given by $v = u + gt$:
$42 = 0 + 9.8 \cdot t_1 \implies t_1 = \frac{42}{9.8} \approx 4.29\text{ s}$
Upon collision, the ball loses $1/10$ of its speed. The new upward velocity $u_2$ is:
$u_2 = v_1 - \frac{1}{10}v_1 = 0.9 \cdot 42 = 37.8\text{ m/s}$
The time taken to reach the maximum height after the first collision is $t_{up} = \frac{u_2}{g} = \frac{37.8}{9.8} \approx 3.86\text{ s}$. The time to fall back down is equal to the time to go up ($t_{down} = 3.86\text{ s}$).
Total time for first bounce cycle $T_2 = 3.86 + 3.86 = 7.72\text{ s}$.
Cumulative time for end of first bounce: $t_{total} = t_1 + T_2 = 4.29 + 7.72 = 12.01\text{ s}$.
| Time Interval (s) | Velocity Range (m/s) | Phase |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 4.29 | 0 to 42 | Downward (Acceleration) |
| 4.29 to 8.15 | 37.8 to 0 | Upward (Deceleration) |
| 8.15 to 12.01 | 0 to 37.8 | Downward (Acceleration) |
The graph shows a sawtooth pattern. The slope of the line is defined by $\frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t} = g = 9.8\text{ m/s}^2$ [Per Newton's Second Law]. The discontinuities in the graph represent the instantaneous change in velocity direction and magnitude due to the inelastic collision with the floor, where energy is lost as thermal and acoustic energy.
Final Solution: The speed-time graph exhibits a linear increase from $0$ to $42\text{ m/s}$ at $t \approx 4.29\text{ s}$, followed by a sharp drop in speed to $37.8\text{ m/s}$, subsequent linear deceleration to $0\text{ m/s}$ at $t \approx 8.15\text{ s}$, and re-acceleration to $37.8\text{ m/s}$ by $t = 12\text{ s}$.
Solution:
Let the speed of the buses be $v_b$ in $km/h$. Let the speed of the cyclist be $v_c = 20\ km/h$. The bus service interval is $T$ minutes, meaning buses are spaced by a distance $d = v_b \cdot (\frac{T}{60})$ km on the road [Per the definition of uniform motion, $d = v \cdot t$].
When the cyclist moves in the direction of the bus (from A to B), the relative speed of the bus with respect to the cyclist is $(v_b - v_c)$. The time interval between successive bus passes is given as $t_1 = 18$ minutes ($18/60$ hours).
The distance between two consecutive buses must be covered by the bus at its relative speed to the cyclist in time $t_1$:
$d = (v_b - v_c) \cdot t_1$
$v_b \cdot (\frac{T}{60}) = (v_b - 20) \cdot (\frac{18}{60})$ --- [Equation 1]
When the cyclist moves opposite to the direction of the bus (from B to A), the relative speed of the bus with respect to the cyclist is $(v_b + v_c)$. The time interval between successive bus passes is given as $t_2 = 6$ minutes ($6/60$ hours).
$v_b \cdot (\frac{T}{60}) = (v_b + 20) \cdot (\frac{6}{60})$ --- [Equation 2]
Equating the expressions for $d$ from Equation 1 and Equation 2:
$(v_b - 20) \cdot 18 = (v_b + 20) \cdot 6
Divide both sides by 6:
$3(v_b - 20) = v_b + 20$
$3v_b - 60 = v_b + 20$
$2v_b = 80 \implies v_b = 40\ km/h$
Substitute $v_b = 40$ into Equation 2:
$40 \cdot (\frac{T}{60}) = (40 + 20) \cdot (\frac{6}{60})$
$40 \cdot T = 60 \cdot 6$
$40 \cdot T = 360$
$T = 9\ minutes$
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bus Speed ($v_b$) | $40\ km/h$ |
| Bus Interval ($T$) | $9\ minutes$ |
Final Solution: The buses ply at a speed of $40\ km/h$ and the period of the bus service is $9\ minutes$.
Solution:
The motion of a particle in one dimension is defined by the instantaneous velocity $v(t)$, which is the derivative of position $x(t)$ with respect to time $t$: $v(t) = \frac{dx}{dt}$ [Per the definition of instantaneous velocity].
To determine the change in position (displacement) over a time interval $[t_1, t_2]$, we rearrange the differential equation: $dx = v(t) dt$.
Integrating both sides with respect to the limits $t_1$ and $t_2$: $\int_{x(t_1)}^{x(t_2)} dx = \int_{t_1}^{t_2} v(t) dt$.
This yields: $x(t_2) - x(t_1) = \int_{t_1}^{t_2} v(t) dt$. [By the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus].
In a Cartesian coordinate system where the ordinate is $v$ and the abscissa is $t$, the definite integral $\int_{t_1}^{t_2} v(t) dt$ represents the net signed area enclosed between the curve $v(t)$, the horizontal axis ($t$-axis), and the vertical lines $t = t_1$ and $t = t_2$.
The expression $x(t_2) - x(t_1)$ represents the displacement of the particle between $t_1$ and $t_2$. Since the area under the velocity-time graph is mathematically equivalent to the integral of velocity over time, the statement provided is an exact representation of the kinematic definition of displacement.
| Physical Quantity | Mathematical Representation |
|---|---|
| Displacement | $\Delta x = x(t_2) - x(t_1)$ |
| Area under $v-t$ curve | $\int_{t_1}^{t_2} v(t) dt$ |
Final Solution: The formula $x(t_2) - x(t_1) = \int_{t_1}^{t_2} v(t) dt$ is correct, as the displacement of a particle is identically defined by the area bounded by the velocity-time graph, the time axis, and the time interval boundaries.
Solution:
The provided graph displays two distinct curves, representing the displacement of children A and B over time $t$ as they travel from their school $O$ (position $x=0$) to their respective homes $P$ and $Q$. The vertical axis represents position $x$ and the horizontal axis represents time $t$.
To determine when each child reaches their home, we must locate the point on each curve where the position $x$ corresponds to the house location. The home for child A is at point $P$, and the home for child B is at point $Q$. In this graphical representation, the "home" location is characterized by the end of the motion trajectory on the graph.
By observing the graph, we note that the terminal point for the motion of child B lies further to the right on the time axis compared to the terminal point for child A. Mathematically, $t_B > t_A$. Since the time coordinates of these points are not coincident, the children do not arrive at their respective destinations at the same instant.
| Parameter | Result |
|---|---|
| Arrival Time of A | $t_A$ |
| Arrival Time of B | $t_B$ |
| Comparison | $t_A \neq t_B$ |
Final Solution: A and B reach home at the (different) time.
Solution:
In one-dimensional kinematics, the relationship between velocity ($v$) and acceleration ($a$) dictates the change in the speed of an object. Speed is defined as the magnitude of the velocity vector ($|v|$). Whether an object is speeding up or slowing down is determined by the signs of $v$ and $a$.
An object is speeding up if the velocity and acceleration vectors point in the same direction. Mathematically, this occurs when the product of velocity and acceleration is positive ($v \cdot a > 0$).
The statement asserts that a positive acceleration ($a > 0$) must result in speeding up. This ignores the initial state of the particle. If a particle has a negative velocity ($v < 0$) and a positive acceleration ($a > 0$), the acceleration acts in the opposite direction to the velocity, causing the particle to slow down until it momentarily comes to rest.
Consider a coordinate system where the upward direction is positive. If a particle is moving downward (velocity $v = -10 \, \text{m/s}$) and is subject to an upward force (like air resistance or a net positive acceleration $a = +2 \, \text{m/s}^2$), the velocity becomes less negative over time: $-10, -8, -6 \dots$. The speed ($|v|$) decreases. Thus, $a > 0$ does not imply speeding up [Per the definition of instantaneous acceleration $a = \frac{dv}{dt}$].
The statement is False. Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity. If the acceleration is directed opposite to the velocity, the speed of the particle will decrease, regardless of whether the acceleration value itself is positive or negative.
Final Solution: The statement is False. An object with a positive acceleration will only speed up if its velocity is also positive. If the velocity is negative, a positive acceleration will result in the object slowing down.
Solution:
In one-dimensional motion (rectilinear motion), a particle occupies a unique position $x$ at any specific instant of time $t$. Mathematically, this implies that the position-time function $x(t)$ must be a single-valued function. If a vertical line (a line of constant $t$) intersects a position-time graph at more than one point, it indicates that the particle is at multiple positions simultaneously, which is physically impossible for a single point particle [Per the definition of a function in kinematics].
Graph (a) depicts a position-time plot where, at a specific time $t_0$, the curve shows a vertical rise or the graph bends such that multiple $x$-values correspond to a single $t$. More critically, it shows the particle existing at different positions at the same time. Additionally, as $t$ increases, the graph suggests an infinite velocity at the vertical segment. Conclusion: Graph (a) is physically impossible.
Graph (b) represents a velocity-time plot where the velocity becomes negative at a certain instant and remains negative thereafter. This indicates the particle reversed its direction. However, at a specific time $t$, there are two values of velocity shown (one positive, one negative). Since a particle cannot possess two distinct velocities simultaneously at the same instant, this graph is invalid. Conclusion: Graph (b) is physically impossible.
Graph (c) is a speed-time plot. The graph shows the speed becomes negative. By definition, speed is the magnitude of velocity ($|v|$) and is a scalar quantity, which must always be non-negative ($\text{speed} \ge 0$). As the graph drops below the time axis ($v < 0$), it violates the definition of speed. Conclusion: Graph (c) is physically impossible.
Graph (d) plots total path length against time. For a moving particle, the total path length is a monotonically increasing function (or constant if the particle is at rest). The graph shows the total path length decreasing at certain intervals, which implies the total distance traveled is reducing over time. Since distance is the accumulation of path segments, it cannot decrease. Conclusion: Graph (d) is physically impossible.
| Graph | Type | Reason for Impossibility |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | Position-Time | Particle is at multiple positions at the same time. |
| (b) | Velocity-Time | Particle has two different velocities at the same time. |
| (c) | Speed-Time | Speed is a scalar and cannot be negative. |
| (d) | Total Path-Time | Total path length cannot decrease with time. |
Final Solution: Graphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) all fail the physical requirements for one-dimensional motion because they violate the single-valued nature of kinematic functions or the fundamental definitions of scalar quantities like speed and distance.
Solution:
Let the top of the cliff be the origin ($y = 0$) and the upward direction be positive. The position $y(t)$ of an object under gravity is given by: $y(t) = u_i t - \frac{1}{2}gt^2$ [Per the Second Equation of Motion].
For Stone 1 ($u_1 = 15 \text{ m/s}$): $y_1(t) = 15t - 5t^2$
For Stone 2 ($u_2 = 30 \text{ m/s}$): $y_2(t) = 30t - 5t^2$
The relative position of the second stone with respect to the first is defined as: $x_{rel} = y_2(t) - y_1(t)$
$x_{rel} = (30t - 5t^2) - (15t - 5t^2) = 15t$
This linear relationship holds as long as both stones are in the air [Algebraic simplification].
Stones hit the ground at $y = -200 \text{ m}$. For Stone 1: $-200 = 15t_1 - 5t_1^2 \implies t_1^2 - 3t_1 - 40 = 0$. Using the quadratic formula $t = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}$: $t_1 = \frac{3 + \sqrt{9 + 160}}{2} \approx 7.9 \text{ s}$ (Taking positive root).
For Stone 2: $-200 = 30t_2 - 5t_2^2 \implies t_2^2 - 6t_2 - 40 = 0$. $t_2 = \frac{6 + \sqrt{36 + 160}}{2} \approx 10.2 \text{ s}$.
| Time Interval | Relative Position ($x_{rel}$) | Justification |
|---|---|---|
| $0 \leq t \leq 7.9 \text{ s}$ | $15t$ | Both stones in flight. |
| $7.9 < t \leq 10.2 \text{ s}$ | $y_2(t) - (-200) = 30t - 5t^2 + 200$ | Stone 1 stationary at base. |
| $t > 10.2 \text{ s}$ | $0$ | Both stones stationary at base. |
The graph consists of two distinct segments:
1. Linear Segment ($0 \leq t \leq 7.9 \text{ s}$): $x_{rel} = 15t$. This is a straight line passing through the origin with a slope of $15 \text{ m/s}$.
2. Parabolic Segment ($7.9 < t \leq 10.2 \text{ s}$): $x_{rel} = -5t^2 + 30t + 200$. This represents the position of the second stone relative to the grounded first stone.
Final Solution: The relative position is defined by $x_{rel} = 15t$ for $0 \leq t \leq 7.9$ s and $x_{rel} = -5t^2 + 30t + 200$ for $7.9 < t \leq 10.2$ s.
Solution:
To evaluate the statement, we must define the relationship between speed, velocity, and acceleration in the context of one-dimensional motion.
In one-dimensional motion, a particle can only move along a straight line. The direction of the velocity vector is restricted to either $+\hat{i}$ or $-\hat{i}$.
If speed ($|v|$) is constant, then:
$|v| = \text{constant} \implies \frac{d|v|}{dt} = 0$
Since the motion is one-dimensional, the velocity $\vec{v}$ can only be expressed as $v(t) \hat{n}$, where $\hat{n}$ is a constant unit vector representing the path of motion. Thus:
$\vec{a} = \frac{d}{dt}(v(t) \hat{n}) = \hat{n} \frac{dv}{dt}$
If the speed $v$ is constant, $\frac{dv}{dt} = 0$. Therefore, $\vec{a} = 0$.
Contrast this with multi-dimensional motion (e.g., uniform circular motion):
In one-dimensional motion, the particle cannot change its direction without coming to an instantaneous rest (where speed is zero, thus not constant). Therefore, the direction is fixed.
Since the direction of the velocity vector in one-dimensional motion is constant, and the magnitude (speed) is also constant, the velocity vector itself must be constant.
$\vec{v} = \text{constant} \implies \vec{a} = \frac{d\vec{v}}{dt} = 0$.
| Condition | Implication for Velocity | Resulting Acceleration |
|---|---|---|
| Constant Speed (1D) | Magnitude and Direction are fixed | $\vec{a} = 0$ |
Final Solution: The statement is True. In one-dimensional motion, if the speed is constant, the velocity cannot change in magnitude (by definition of constant speed) nor in direction (as the path is restricted to a straight line), resulting in an acceleration of zero.
Solution:
In a speed-time graph, the distance $s$ traversed by a particle in a given time interval $[t_1, t_2]$ is numerically equal to the area under the speed-time curve with respect to the time axis. This is derived from the definition of speed $v = \frac{ds}{dt}$, which implies $ds = v \, dt$, and integrating both sides yields $s = \int_{t_1}^{t_2} v(t) \, dt$. [Per the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus in Kinematics].
The speed-time graph for the interval $t = 0 \text{ s}$ to $t = 10 \text{ s}$ forms a right-angled triangle.
The area $A$ of a right-angled triangle is given by the formula $A = \frac{1}{2} \times \text{base} \times \text{height}$.
Substituting the values derived in Step 2:
$s = \frac{1}{2} \times (10 \text{ s}) \times (12 \text{ m/s})$
$s = 5 \text{ s} \times 12 \text{ m/s}$
$s = 60 \text{ m}$
Final Solution: The distance traversed by the particle between $t = 0 \text{ s}$ and $t = 10 \text{ s}$ is $60 \text{ m}$.
Solution:
The position-time ($x-t$) graph plots the displacement of an object against time. The slope of this graph ($dx/dt$) represents the instantaneous velocity of the object [Per the definition of velocity in kinematics]. An intersection point between two graphs $x_A(t)$ and $x_B(t)$ implies that at a specific time $t_i$, the positions of both objects are identical: $x_A(t_i) = x_B(t_i)$. This indicates one child has caught up to or passed the other.
Based on the standard provided diagram for this specific physics problem:
Since the graph of child A has a steeper slope compared to the graph of child B, child A maintains a higher average velocity. Given that child A begins the journey later but terminates the journey earlier, the path of A must necessarily intersect the path of B at one unique coordinate $(t, x)$ [By the Mean Value Theorem and geometric intersection properties]. Because there is only one point of intersection, child A overtakes child B exactly once.
Comparing the motion profiles:
| Criteria | Observation |
|---|---|
| Number of intersections | 1 |
| Identity of Faster Object | Child A |
| Identity of Slower Object | Child B |
Final Solution: (A) overtakes (B) on the road (once).