PHYSICAL SCIENCES JIT DOCUMENT 2021

FORCES AND NEWTON’S LAWS

At the end of the session learners must:

 Define normal force, frictional force, static frictional force and kinetic frictional force
 Solve problems using f = µN
 Draw the force diagram and free-body diagram
 Resolve a two-dimensional force into its parallel (x) and perpendicular (y) components
 Determine the resultant/net force of two or more forces.
 State Newton’s first, second and third law of motion
 State Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation
 Calculate acceleration due to gravity on a planet
 Calculate the weight of an object on other planets with different values of gravitational
acceleration
 Describe weight and mass
 Explain weightlessness
CORE CONCEPTS AND DEFINITIONS NB: (In relation to Examination guidelines)

 Normal force, N, as the force or the component of a force which a surface exerts on an
object with which it is in contact with, and which is always perpendicular to the surface.
 Frictional force, f, as the force that opposes the motion of an object and which acts parallel
to the surface.
 Static frictional force, fs, as the force that opposes the tendency of motion of a stationary
object relative to a surface.
 Kinetic frictional force, fk, as the force that opposes the motion of a moving object relative
to a surface.
 Newton's First Law of Motion, a body will remain in its state of rest or motion at constant
velocity unless a non-zero resultant/net force acts on it.
 Newton's Second Law of Motion, when a resultant/net force acts on an object, the object
will accelerate in the direction of the force at an acceleration directly proportional to the force
and inversely proportional to the mass of the object.
 Newton's Third Law of Motion, when object A exerts a force on object B, object B
Simultaneously exerts an oppositely directed force of equal magnitude on object A
 Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation, each body in the universe attracts every other
body with a force that is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely
proportional to the square of the distance between their centres.
 Weight, as the gravitational force, in newton (N), exerted on an object.
 Mass, as the amount of matter in a body measured in kilogram (kg).
 Weightlessness, as the sensation experienced when all contact forces are removed i.e.
no external objects touch one's body.

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Newton’s first Law of motion

A body will remain in its state of rest or motion at constant velocity unless a non-zero
resultant/net force acts on it.

Newton’s Second Law of Motion

When a resultant/net force acts on an object, the object will accelerate in the direction of the
force at an acceleration directly proportional to the force and inversely proportional to the
mass of the object.
Mathematically expressed as: Fnet = ma
Where: Fnet - net force, measured in Newton’s(N)
a- acceleration, measured in metres per second squared (m.s-2)
m-mass of the object, measured in kilograms (kg)

A net force acts on an object. Fnet ≠ 0 N Forces acting on the object are not balanced
Net force cause the object to accelerate in the direction of the force. Acceleration and
net force go in the same direction. There is a change in velocity (vi ≠ vf). a ≠ 0 m.s-2

𝒂 𝜶 𝑭𝒏𝒆𝒕 When the net force increases, the acceleration also increases. vice
versa
𝟏
𝒂 𝜶 𝒎 When the mass increases, the acceleration decreases.

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FREE BODY DIAGRAMS/FORCE DIAGRAMS VS THE NET FORCE
The learners understanding of how to draw either a force diagram or a free body
diagram indicating forces acting on an object, must go together with an
understanding on how to expressed Fnet in terms of the forces drawn in the diagram.

Plane Diagram Force diagram Free-body Fnet=ma

diagram

Horizontal F N N
F F
f Fnet=ma
f
w F+(-f)=ma
w
(N=w=mg)

Horizontal F N F N F
at an angle
f Fnet=ma
f
F//-f=ma
w w
(N=w-𝑭┴ )

F N N
f f Fnet=ma
F
F F//-f=ma
w w
(N=w+𝑭┴ )

Vertical
T T
Fnet=ma
w-T=ma
w w
N F

Inclined N F
F
Fnet=ma
f f F-f-w//=ma
w w
w//=mgSinθ
w┴=mgCosθ
(N=w┴=mgCosθ)

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Newton’s Third Law of Motion

When object A exerts a force on object B, object B simultaneously exerts an oppositely

directed force of equal magnitude on object A.

 The forces are equal in magnitude

 The forces act in the same straight line but in the opposite directions on different
objects

 The forces do not cancel each other, as they act on different objects
For any two objects A and B: FAonB = -FBonA
Example
The force diagram shows the pair of forces when a brick rests on the table

Force of table on brick

Force of brick on table

Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation

Each body in the universe attracts every other body with a force that is directly
proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of
the distance between their centres.
𝑚1 𝑚2
𝐹=𝐺
𝑟2
Where:
F-force between objects, measured in Newtons(N)
G-Universal Gravitational constant (G = 6.67×10-11 Nm2kg-2)
m1m2-masses of objects in kilograms(kg)
r-distance between the objects in metres(m)

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WORKED EXAMPLES
EXAMPLE 1

A 8 N force pulls horizontally on a block of mass 2 kg. The block slides on a smooth horizontal
surface. The first block is connected by a horizontal weightless inelastic string to a second
block of mass 0,98 kg on the same surface.

8N
0,98kg 2kg

1.1 Draw a free-body diagram for each block. (7)

1.2 Determine the acceleration of the blocks (7)
1.3 Determine the tension in the string. (3)
1.4 The mass of the first block is increased. State whether the tension in the string will
INCREASE, DECREASE OR STAY THE SAME. (1)
[18]
SOLUTIONS:
1.1.

m=0.98kg m=2kg
N 
N

  F 
T T


w w 
(7)
1.2. Fnet=ma Fnet=ma
For 0.98kg block Fnet=(m1+m2) a
T=ma 8 = (0.98+2) a
T=(0.98)a---------(1)  8 = 2.98a
For 2kg block a = 2.68 m.s-2
F-T=ma

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 8-T=(2)a-----------(2) 
(1) To (2)
(8-0,98a  = 2a 
a = 2.68 m.s-2  (7)
1.3. m=0,98kg block m = 2kg block
T = ma  Fnet = ma
T = (0,98)(2,68)  F-T = ma
T = 2,63N  8-T = (2) (2,68)
-T = -2,63N
T = 2,63N (3)
1.4. Stays the same.  (1)
EXAMPLE 2

A 5 kg block, resting on a rough horizontal table, is connected to a 12 kg block by a light

inextensible string that passes over a light frictionless pulley. A 5 N force is applied to the 5
kg block at 30° to the horizontal as shown in the diagram below.

2.1. Draw a labelled free-body diagram showing ALL the forces acting on the 5kg. The
coefficient of kinetic friction (μk) between the 5 kg block and the surface is 0,2. Use
Newton’s Laws to calculate the magnitude of the: (5)
2.2. Normal force acting on the 5 kg block. (3)
2.3. Kinetic frictional force acting on the 5 kg block. (3)
2.4. Acceleration of the 5 kg block. (4)
[15]

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SOLUTIONS
2.1.


 N
FA



f T

(5)
w 

2.2. FN + FAY = w
FN + (5×sin300)  = (5)(9,8) 
FN = 46,5 N  (3)
2.3. fk = µN 
fk = 0,2×46,5 
fk = 9,3 N  (3)

2.4. At 5 kg block B: At 12 kg block A

Fnet = ma W + (-T) = ma
T + (-f) + (-FAX) = ma mg – T = 12 × a

T=5×a✓ 12 × 9,8 – T = 12 × a

T = 5a + 9,3 + 5 cos30°✓..(1) T = 117,6 – 12a✓.. (2)

103,96987 = 17a (1) = (2):

117,6 –12a = 5a + 4,9 + 5cos30°
117,6 – (9,3+ 5cos30°)=5a + 12a
a = 6,12 m•s-2 

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EXAMPLE 3

Two blocks, A and B, are placed on an inclined rough surface that makes an angle of 35°
with the horizontal. A force, F, is applied on block A to push the system up the incline. Block
B experiences a frictional force of 15 N.

3.1. State Newton’s Third law of motion in words. (2)

3.2. If the system accelerates at 1,5 m.s-2 up the force exerted by block B on block A. (6)
3.3. Draw a labelled free-body diagram of all the forces acting on block B. (4)
3.4. If block A experiences a frictional force of 4,5 N when the system was accelerating (4)
at 1,5 m.s-2, calculate magnitude of the applied force, F.
[16]
SOLUTIONS
3.1. When object A exerts a force on object B, object B simultaneously exerts an (2)
oppositely directed force of equal magnitude on object A.
3.2. OPTION 1 OPTION 2

 FAonB
N  N
FA 


onB

w//
f  𝑤┴
f
W

Fnet = ma  (4)
3.3. FAonB + fB + w// = ma
FAonB + (-15) + (-25×9.8×0,574) = 25×1,5 

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 FAonB – 155,63 = 37,50
FAonB = 193,13 N
FAonB = -FBonA
FBonA = -193,13 N (6)
FBonA = 193,13 N down the slope 
3.4. Fnet = ma 
FNceba + FBonA + fA + w// =ma 
FNceba + (-193,13) + (-4,5) + (-10×9,8×0,574) = 10×1,5 
FNceba – 253,88 = 15
F = 268,88 N  (4)
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
1.1 A constant net force, F, is applied to a crate which moves along a frictionless horizontal
surface. Which ONE the following quantities remains constant while force F acts on
the crate?
A The rate of change of velocity
B The change in momentum
C The work done on the crate
D The change in kinetic energy (2)
1.2 A spaceship experiences a weight of X on earth. It is sent into space and lands on a
planet which has a mass twice that of the earth and a radius ½ that of the earth. The
weight of the spaceship will be...
A 8X
B ½X
C X
D ¼X (2)
1.3 A car is moving at a constant speed. Which ONE of the following statements about
the forces acting on the car is CORRECT?
A The net force acting on the car is zero.
B There are no forces acting on the car.
C The weight of the car is equal to the normal force acting on the car.
D There is a non-zero net force acting on the car. (2)

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1.4. A block, being pulled by a force F, and moving to the left on a rough horizontal surface,
is slowing down.

DIRECTION OF DIRECTION OF
RESULTANT FORCE ACCELERATION
A to the right to the left
B to the right to the right
C to the left to the left
D to the left to the right
(2)
ACTIVITIES
1. Two wooden blocks of masses 2 kg and 3 kg respectively are placed on a rough horizontal
surface. They are connected by a string. A constant horizontal force of 10 N is applied to
the second string attached to 3 kg mass as shown in the diagram below. Assume that
both strings are inextensible.

The system moves towards the right with a CONSTANT VELOCITY.

1.1. Define the term kinetic frictional force. (2)
1.2. What is the magnitude of the net force acting on the system? (1)
1.3. Draw a labelled free-body diagram showing ALL the forces acting on the 3 kg block
as it moves towards the right.
(5)
1.4. Calculate the coefficient of kinetic friction between the surface and the two wooden
blocks.
(4)
1.5. The 10N force is increased to 30 N so that the system now accelerates. (5)
Calculate the acceleration of the system. [17]

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2. A block A of mass 5 kg, at rest on a rough horizontal table, is connected to another block
B of mass 10 kg by means of a light inextensible string which passes over a light
frictionless pulley. A force of 120 N is applied vertically upwards on block B as shown in
the diagram below.

The coefficient of kinetic friction between the surface and block A is 0,3. Ignore the effects of
air friction.
2.1. State Newton's Second Law in words (2)
2.2. Draw a labelled free-body diagram of ALL forces acting on block B (3)
2.3 Calculate the magnitude of the:
2.3.1 Friction force acting on block A (3)
2.3.2. Tension force acting on block B (6)
2.4 A man on the surface of planet Y weighs HALF his weight compared to his weight
on the surface of the Earth. The mass of planet Y is TWICE that of the Earth.
2.4.1. State Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation in words (2)
2.4.2. Calculate the radius of planet Y in terms of the radius of the Earth (4)
[20]
3. Two boxes, P and Q, resting on a rough horizontal surface, are connected by a light
inextensible string. The boxes have masses 5 kg and 2 kg respectively. A constant force
F, acting at an angle of 30o to the horizontal, is applied to the 5 kg box, as shown below.
The two boxes now move to the right at a constant speed of 2 m∙s-1.

3.1. State Newton's First Law of Motion in words (2)

3.2. Draw a labeled free-body diagram for box Q (4)

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 3.3. Box P experiences a constant frictional force of 5 N and box Q a constant (6)
frictional force of 3 N. Calculate the magnitude of force F.
[12]
4. An 8 kg block, P, is being pulled by constant force F up a rough inclined plane at an angle
of 30o to the horizontal, at CONSTANT SPEED. Force F is parallel to the inclined plane,
as shown in the diagram below.

4.1. Draw a labelled free-body for block P. (4)

4.2. The kinetic frictional force between the block and the surface of the inclined plane
is 20,37N. Calculate the magnitude of force F. (5)
4.3. Force F is now removed and the block ACCELERATES down the plane. The kinetic
(4)
frictional force remains 20, 37N. Calculate the magnitude of the acceleration of the
block. [13]
5. Ball X of mass 3 kg is attached to trolley Y of mass 4 kg by a light string which passes
over a frictionless pulley as shown in the diagram. Initially the trolley is at rest on a slope
AB, which makes an angle of 30o with the horizontal. When the ball is released it falls to
the ground and the trolley moves 2 m up the slope accelerating at 0,43 m .s-2.

5.1. Draw a labelled free body diagram to show ALL the forces acting on the trolley as
it moves up the slope. (4)
5.2. Show that a friction force of 6,79 N acts on the trolley as it moves up the slope (3)
5.3. State Newton’s Second Law of motion in words. (2)
5.4. Calculate the tension T in the string (5)
5.5. Calculate the speed with which the 3 kg ball strikes the ground. (4)

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VERTICAL PROJECTILE MOTION
Definitions and Key Concepts
 A projectile is an object which has been given an initial velocity and then it moves under the
influence of the gravitational force only.
 Free fall is motion in which an object is moving under the influence of gravitational force only
where there is no air resistance.

EQUATIONS OF MOTIONS
𝑣𝑓 = 𝑣𝑖 +𝑎∆𝑡

𝑣𝑓2 =𝑣𝑖2 + 2𝑎∆𝑦

1
∆𝑦 = 𝑣𝑖 ∆𝑡 + 𝑎∆𝑡 2 REMEMBER:
2
1. Draw a sketch diagram
𝑣𝑖 + 𝑣𝑓 2. Write down given variables
∆𝑦 = ( )∆𝑡
2 3. Choose one direction of
motion as positive
4. Solve
Where:

∆𝑦= displacement in meters (m)

∆𝑡 = time in seconds (s)

𝑣𝑖 = initial velocity in meters per seconds (m·s−1)

𝑣𝑓 = final velocity in meters per seconds (m·s−1)

𝑎 = acceleration in meters per seconds squared (m·s−2)

(NB: 𝑎 = 9,8 m·s−2 downwards)

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 Describe the motion
 Free falling objects dropped or released objects, has vi = 0 m.s-1 ;depending on the velocity of
the host
OBJECT DROPPED /RELEASED FROM A CERTAIN HEIGHT

𝑣𝑖 = 0 m·s−1

𝑣𝑖 = 𝑚𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚

UP AS POSITIVE

EXAMPLE 1
1. A ball is dropped from a building which is 50 m high as shown in Figure 2.6. Calculate the ball’s
velocity just before it hits the ground. Ignore the effects of air resistance.

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Solution
Given data: 𝑣𝑖 = 0 m∙s-1
a = + 9,8 m∙s-2
∆𝑦 = 50 m
𝑣𝑓 =?

𝑣𝑓2 = 𝑣𝑖2 + 2𝑎∆𝑦

= (02) + 2 (9,8)(50)
= 980
𝑣𝑓 = 31,30 m∙s-1 downward

OBJECT THROUWN VERTICALLY UPWARD AND RETURNS TO THE SAME POSITION

 The object slows down as it

is moving up in the air.
 The final velocity of the
object when it reaches the
throwers hand is the same
in magnitude but opposite
in direction as when it left
the throwers hand.

 The time taken from the

point of projection to
maximum height is equal to
the time taken from the
maximum height back to
the point of projection.
 The object momentarily
stops at the maximum
height; v = 0 m.s-1

EXAMPLE 2:

An object is projected vertically upwards. 4 seconds later, it is caught at the same height (point of
release) on its way downwards. Ignore all effect of friction
2.1 Calculate the velocity with which the object was projected upwards.
2.2 What is the magnitude and direction of the acceleration at the maximum height reached by the
object?

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SOLUTIONS
2.1 𝑣𝑓 = 𝑣𝑖 +𝑎∆𝑡

0 =𝑣𝑖 + (9,8)(2)

𝑣𝑖 = - 19,6

∴ 𝑣𝑖 = 19,6 m∙s-1 upwards

2.2 9,8 m∙s-2 downwards

OBJECT THROWN VERTICALLY UPWARD AND PASSES THE POINT OF PROJECTION

 If the object goes beyond

throwers hand, then 𝑣𝑓 > 𝑣𝑖 .

 If the object goes beyond

throwers hand, time taken as it
moves up is not equal to time
taken as it moves down.

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EXAMPLE 3

A child throws a coin vertically upwards from the window of a high building with an initial velocity
of 15 m.s-1. It strikes the ground travelling at 35 m.s-1. Ignore the effects of air resistance.

3.1 Describe the motion of the coin.

3.2 Calculate the time taken for the coin to reach its maximum height above the ground.
3.3 Calculate the time taken for the coin to reach the ground.
3.4 Calculate the height of the building.
3.5 Calculate the distance that the coin has travelled when it hits the ground.
3.6 The position of the coin relative to the top of the building at 4 s.
SOLUTIONS
3.1 Constant (uniform) acceleration downwards.
3.2 Take up as positive

𝑣𝑓 = 𝑣𝑖 +𝑎∆𝑡

0 = +15 + (-9,8) ∆𝑡

0-15=(-9,8) ∆𝑡

∆𝑡 = 1,53 𝑠

3.3 𝑣𝑓 = 𝑣𝑖 +𝑎∆𝑡

-35=+15 + (-9,8) ∆𝑡

-50=-9,8 ∆𝑡

∆𝑡= 5,10 s

3.4 𝑣𝑓2 =𝑣𝑖2 + 2𝑎∆𝑦

(-352) = (+15) 2+ 2(-9,8)y

1225 = 225 - 19,6y

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 y = -51

∴ Height = 51 m
3.5 𝑣𝑓2 =𝑣𝑖2 + 2𝑎∆𝑦

0 = 15 2 + 2(-9,8)y

0 = 225-19,6 y
0 - 225= -19,6 y
y= 11,48 m
∴ distance travelled = 11,48 + 11,48 + 51 = 73,96 m
3.6 Reference point is the top of the building:
1
∆𝑦 = 𝑣𝑖 ∆𝑡 + 𝑎∆𝑡 2
2
1
= (15)(5,10) + 2 (9,8)(5,10)2

= 60 - 78,4
∆𝑦= -18,4
∆𝑦= 18,4 m below the top of the building
OBJECT THROWN VERTICALLY UPWARD AND PASSES THE POINT OF PROJECTION AND
BOUNCES
 Bouncing object
changes direction
after the first bounce.

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OBJECT DROPPED FROM A CERTAIN HEIGHT AND BOUNCES
 During the contact B2
At point:
v (m.s-1)
time velocity of an
 B1 ,the ball is in contact with the
object changes in
ground.
magnitude and A
direction
C  B2 , the bal leaves the ground with a
0 t (s) positive velocity.
 Between B2-C, the ball is moving
upwards, velocities are positive and
B1 decreasing.
 C, the ball has reached its
maximum height after the bounce.

 Due to the change in At point:

velocity of an object, C  Between B-C:
the maximum height
o velocities are positive
reached after the first
(UPWARDS); therefore, the
bounce is different.
gradient must be positive.
o Velocities are decreasing;
therefore, the gradient must
decrease.
 C, the ball has reached its
maximum height after the bounce

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 Acceleration remains At point:
B
constant (in magnitude  A , constant negative acceleration
and direction) BEFORE the bounce.
throughout motion of  B , UPWARD acceleration During the
an object. bounce (for 0,1s).
 C , constant negative acceleration
AFTER the bounce.

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EXAMPLE 4

The velocity-time graph below represents the bouncing movement of a 0,1 kg ball. Use the graph to
answer the questions that follow:

4.1 Which direction of movement is positive?

4.2 How many times did the ball bounce?
4.3 What does the gradient of the graph represent?
4.4 Are the collisions between the ball and ground elastic or inelastic?
4.5 If the ball is in contact with the ground for a duration of 0,08 s, determine the impulse on the
ball
4.6 Predict why the ball stopped moving.
4.7 Calculate the time taken for the ball to reach the ground for the first time.
4.8 Hence, without using the equations of motion, calculate the height from which the ball was
initially dropped.
SOLUTIONS
4.1 Downwards
4.2 3 times
4.3 Acceleration of the ball
4.4 After each bounce there is a change is the velocity of the ball, and therefore a change in
kinetic energy. The collisions are inelastic as kinetic energy is not conserved
4.5 𝐹𝑛𝑒𝑡 ∆𝑡 = ∆𝑝
= 𝑚(𝑣𝑓 − 𝑣𝑖 )

= (0,1)(−8 − 10)

= −1,80

∴ Impulse = 1,80 N⋅s upwards

4.6 It stops on the apex, ∴ it was most likely caught.

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4.7 𝑣𝑓 = 𝑣𝑖 +𝑎∆𝑡

10 = 0 +(9,8) ∆𝑡
∆𝑡 = 1,02 𝑠
∴time taken= 1.02s
4.8 1
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 = 𝑏×ℎ
2
1
= (1,02)(10)
2
= 5,1

∴ height = 5,1 m above the ground

IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER
 At the starting point its displacement is ZERO, ∆y = 0 m.
o All displacements for upward motion or downward motion stay positive above starting
point.
o The magnitude of upward displacement from starting position to its highest point is equal
to the magnitude of downward displacement from the height point back to the starting
point.
 At all times the object accelerates downwards due to the force of gravity.
 At any point during the journey the acceleration of the object is equal to the gravitational
acceleration, g.
o a = 9,8 m.s-2 downwards. The velocity of the object changes by 9.8m.s -2 in one second
throughout the motion.
o g is independent of the mass of the object.
o g is dependent upon the distance from the centre of the earth.

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ACTIVITIES: VERTICAL PROJECTILE MOTION
QUESTION 1
USE THE INFORMATION BELOW TO ANSWER QUESTION 1.1 AND QUESTION 1.2

An object is thrown upwards with a velocity of 5 m.s-1

1.1 Which ONE of the following gives the magnitude of the velocity of the object at its
maximum height?
A 0
B 5
C 4,9
D 9,8 (2)
1.2 The height reached by the object when its velocity is 2 m.s-1 can be determined in ONE
single step. The equation below that can be used to find this is ….
A 𝑣𝑓 = 𝑣𝑖 +𝑎∆𝑡

B 𝑣𝑓2 =𝑣𝑖2 + 2𝑎∆𝑦

C 1
∆𝑦 = 𝑣𝑖 ∆𝑡 + 𝑎∆𝑡 2
2
D 𝑉𝑓 + 𝑉𝑖
∆𝑦 = ( ) ∆𝑡
2
(2)
1.3 The velocity versus time graph below represents the movement of an object under the
influence of gravitational force.

3t
0
t

-2v

The displacement of the object in time 3t is …

A vt. C -vt.

B Zero. D 3
 v t.
2

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1.5 An object is free falling towards the surface of the earth.
Which ONE of the following best describes the direction of acceleration of the object?

A The acceleration is 9,8 m.s-2 downward.

B The acceleration is 9,8 m.s-2 upward.
C The acceleration is less than 9,8 m.s-2 downward.
D The acceleration is less than 9,8 m․s-2 upward. (2)
QUESTION 2
Lerato throws a stone vertically into the air from the top of a cliff. The stone strikes the ground
below after 3 s. The velocity vs. time graph below shows the motion of the stone. Ignore the
effect of air resistance.

2.1 How long does the stone take to fall from the height of the cliff to the ground below? (2)
2.2 What is the maximum height that the stone reaches above the ground? (Hint: calculate
the height the stone reaches above the cliff, then calculate the height of the cliff, and add
these two numbers). (4)
2.3 Draw a graph of position versus time. Use upwards as negative. (6)

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QUESTION 3

A ball of mass 0,5 kg is projected vertically downwards towards the ground from a height of 1,8 m
at a velocity of 2 m.s-1 The position-time graph for the motion of the ball is shown below.

3.1 What is the maximum vertical height reached by the ball after the second bounce? (1)
3.2 Calculate the magnitude of the time t1 indicated on the graph. (5)

3.3 Velocity with which the ball rebounds from the ground during the first bounce. (4)
The ball is in contact with the ground for 0,2 s during the first bounce.
3.4 Calculate the magnitude of the force exerted by the ground on the ball during the first
bounce if the ball strikes the ground at 6,27 m∙s-1. (4)
3.5 Draw a velocity-time graph for the motion of the ball from the time that it is projected to the
time when it rebounds to a height of 0,9 m.
Clearly show the following on your graph:

 The time when the ball hits the ground

 The velocity of the ball when it hits the ground

 The velocity of the ball when it rebounds from the ground (7)

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QUESTION 4
A helicopter is rising vertically at constant velocity. When the helicopter is at a height of 100 m
above the ground, a girl accidentally drops her camera out of the window of the [Link]
velocity-time graph below represents the motion of the camera from the moment it is released
from the helicopter until it strikes the ground. Ignore air-Resistance.

6
v (m.s-1)

4.1 What is the value of the slope (gradient) of the graph? (2)
4.2 Use the gradient to calculate the time a on the time axis (5)
4.3 Which point on the path of the camera corresponds to time a? (1)
4.4 Use an equation of motion to calculate the magnitude of the velocity of the camera
as it reaches the ground at 4 s. (4)
4.5 Use the graph to calculate the maximum height reached by the camera. (5)
4.6 Draw a rough displacement-time graph and an acceleration-time graph to represent
the motion of the camera from the moment it was released until it hit the [Link]
values must be shown but y-axis values need not be shown. (8)

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QUESTION 5
5.1 A hot-air balloon is rising upwards at a constant velocity of 5 m·s-1. When the balloon is
100 m above the ground, a sandbag is thrown upward from it at 15m.s-1. Ignore air resistance.

What is the acceleration of:

5.1.1 The hot-air balloon while the sandbag is in it? (1)
5.1.2 The sandbag the moment it is thrown from the hot-air balloon? (2)
5.2 Determine the maximum height P, above the ground, reached by the sandbag after it is
thrown from the hot-air balloon. (3)
5.3 Calculate the time taken for the sandbag to reach this maximum height after it has been
released. (3)
5.4 Calculate the total time taken for the sandbag to reach the ground after it has been released. (4)
5.5 Will the velocity of the hot-air balloon INCREASE, DECREASE or REMAIN THE SAME
immediately after the sandbag has been released? Explain fully.
(4)
5.6 Draw the position time graph for the motion of the sandbag from the moment it was thrown
to the time it
Was got to the ground. Take height it was thrown as reference.
Show the following on the graph:

 Time taken to reach maximum height

 Time taken to return to the ground

 Maximum height reached (5)

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QUESTION 6

The velocity-time sketch graph for a ball of mass 160 g, thrown vertically upwards with a velocity
of 6 m⋅s-1 from a certain height above the ground ,is shown below.

On the way down the ball crashes through a thin horizontal glass pane and then continues
downward, eventually bouncing on the ground.
Ignore all effects of air friction and assume none of the broken pieces of glass sticks to the ball.

6.1 Write down the magnitude and direction of the acceleration of the ball when it reaches
position B as indicated on the graph. (2)
6.2 How many times did the ball bounce on the ground? (1)
6.3 According to the graph, which direction, DOWNWARDS or UPWARDS is taken as the
positive direction? (1)
6.4 Calculate the distance between the pane of glass and the initial position from which the ball
was thrown. (4)
6.5 Draw a rough position-time graph for the motion of the ball. Show the points A to E on the
graph. Do not show any displacement or time values on the graph.
(5)
Take the initial position of the ball as zero.
QUESTION 7

Ball B is projected vertically upwards at a velocity of 30 m.s-1 from the ground. Ignore the effects
of air friction. Use the ground as ZERO POSITION.
7.1 Calculate the time taken by the ball B to return to the ground. (5)
7.2 Sketch a velocity-time graph for ball B.
Show the following on the graph:

 Initial velocity of ball B.

 Time taken to reach the highest point of the motion.

 Time taken to return to the ground.

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One second after ball B is projected upwards, a second ball, A, is thrown vertically downwards at
a velocity of 12m.s-1 from a balcony 80m above the ground. Refer to the diagram below.

12ms-1

80 m

30 m.s-1

7.3 Calculate how high above the ground ball B will be the instant the two balls pass each other (6)
QUESTION 8

A ball, X, is thrown vertically downwards, with an initial speed of 2,5 m.s-1, from a point P located
above the ground. At the same instant a second identical ball, Y, is dropped from a point Q which
is located 4,9 m below point P.

Both balls hit the ground at the same time.

In answering the following questions ignore the effects of air friction. Take downward motion as
positive.
8.1 Once in motion both balls are said to be in free fall. Give a reason to support this statement. (1)

29 | P a g e
8.2 Calculate the time taken by ball Y to hit the ground. (5)
8.3 Calculate the velocity with which ball, X, strikes the ground. (4)
8.4 Use the answer obtained in question 2.3 to calculate the height of point Q above the ground. (4)
8.5 Will ball Y strike the ground with a velocity GREATER THAN, LESS THAN or EQUAL TO, (1)
the velocity with which ball X strikes the ground?
8.6 On the same system of axes, sketch the relevant velocity-time graph for the entire motion of
both balls X and Y. Indicate on your graph the corresponding velocity and time values. Label
(4)
your graphs.

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 VERTICAL PROJECTILE MOTION: SOLUTIONS

QUESTION 1

1.1. A

1.2. B

1.3. C

1.4. A

1.5. A

QUESTION 2

2.1. 3 – 2,04 = 0,96s (2)

2.2. Option 1

(4)

Option 2

(4)
Option 3

(4)

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2.3.

QUESTION 3

3.1. 0.5m (1)

3.2. Upwards positive
2 2
vf = vi + 2aΔy

2 2
vf = (-2) + 2(-9,8)(-1,8)

-1
vf = -6,27 m∙s 

vf = vi +aΔt

-6,27 = -2 + (-9,8)Δt 

Δt = 0,44 s  (5)
3.3. Upwards positive
2 2
vf = vi + 2aΔy 
2 2
0 = vi + 2(-9,8)(0,9) 
-1
vi = 4,2 m∙s  upwards (4)
3.4. FnetΔt = mΔv 
Fnet (0,2) = (0,5)[(4,2 – (-6,27)] 
Fnet = 26,175 N (4)

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3.5. Upwards positive
Criteria for graph Marks
First part of the graph
starts at v = 2 m∙s–1 at t =
0 s and extends until v =
6,27 m∙s–1 at t = 0,44 s 
Graph is discontinuous
and object changes
direction at 0,64 s. 
Second part of graph
starts at v = 4,2 m∙s–1 at t
= 0,64 s until v = 0 m∙s–1

QUESTION 4
4.1. 9.8 m·s-2 down (2)
4.2. g = gradient = change in velocity /change in time

Therefore a = 0,61 s (5)

4.3. At the point of maximum height reached where v = 0 i.e. point at the top of the motion. (1)
4.4.
vf = vi + aΔt2 

= 0 + (-9,8)(4) 

= 33,20 m·s-1 down (4)

4.5.
x = area under graph

= ½ b h = ½ (0,61)(6)

= 1,8 m 

Maximum height reached = 100 + 1,8 = 101,8 m

4.6.

33 | P a g e
QUESTION 5
5.1.
5.1.1. Zero (1)
5.1.2. 9.8 m.s-2 downwards (2)
5.2. 𝑣𝑓 2 = 𝑣𝑖 2 + 2𝑎∆𝑦
(0)2 = (20)2 + 2(−9.8)(∆𝑦)
∆𝑦 = 20.41𝑚 + 100𝑚 = 120.41𝑚.  (3)
5.3. 𝑣𝑓 = 𝑣𝑖 + 𝑎∆𝑡
0 = 20 + (−9.8)∆𝑡
∆𝑡 = 2.41𝑠 (3)
5.4. 1
∆𝑦 = 𝑣𝑖 ∆𝑡 + 𝑎∆𝑡 2 
2
1
−120.41 = (0)∆𝑡 + (−9.8)∆𝑡 2 
2
∆𝑡 = 4.96𝑠
∆𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 4.96 + 2.41 = 7.37𝑠 (4)
5.5. Increase, according to Newton’s law, the net force is inversely proportional to the
mass of an object, so since there is a decrease in mass, the acceleration will
increase.
(4)
Position vs time graph

(5)
QUESTION 6
6.1. 9,8 m⋅s-2  downward/to the centre of the earth  (2)
6.2. Once/one time (1)
6.3. Upward (1)
6.4. Upward positive:
𝑣𝑓 2 = 𝑣𝑖 2 + 2𝑎∆𝑦√
(−3.2)2  = (6)2 + 2(−9.8)(∆𝑦)√
y = 1.31m (5)

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6.5. Upward positive

QUESTION 7
7.1. 𝑣𝑓 = 𝑣𝑖 + 𝑎∆𝑡
0 = 30 + (−9.8)∆𝑡
∆𝑡 = 3.06𝑠
∆𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 3.06 × 2 = 6.12𝑠 (5)
7.2. Velocity vs time graph

(3)
7.3. Ball A
1
∆𝑦 = 𝑣𝑖 ∆𝑡 + 2 𝑔∆𝑡 2 
1
∆𝑦 = −12∆𝑡 + 2 (−9.8)∆𝑡 2 
∆𝑦 = −12∆𝑡 − 4.9∆𝑡 2 … … … … … … … … … 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 1.

Ball B
1
80 − ∆𝑦 = 𝑣𝑖 (∆𝑡 + 1) + 2 𝑔(∆𝑡 + 1)2 
80 − ∆𝑦 = (30)(∆𝑡 + 1) + (0.5)(−9.8)(∆𝑡 + 1)2
∆𝑦 = −20.2∆𝑡 − 25.1 + 4.9∆𝑡 2 … … … … … … … 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 2.

Note: Equate equation 1 and equation 2.

−20.2∆𝑡 − 25.1 + 4.9∆𝑡 2 = −12∆𝑡 − 4.9∆𝑡 2 

9.8∆𝑡 2 − 8.2∆𝑡 − 25.1 = 0
−𝑏 ± √𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑐
∆𝑡 =
2𝑎
−(−8.2) ± √(−8.2)2 − 4(9.8)(−25.1)
∆𝑡 =
2(9.8)
∆𝑡 = 2.07𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 ∆𝑦 = −4.9(2.07)2 − 12(2.07) = −45.84𝑚. (6)

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QUESTION 8
8.1 Only the force of gravity acts on the balls.  (1)
8.2 X: Δy = viΔt + ½aΔt2
= (2,5) Δt  + ½(9,8) Δt2
Y: Δy = viΔt + ½aΔt2
= 0 + ½(9,8) Δt2

Y must be increased by 4,9 m to equal X

(2,5) Δt + ½(9,8) Δt2 = 4,9 + ½(9,8) Δt2
Δt = 1,96 s (5)
8.3 vf = vi + aΔt
= 2,5  + (9,8)(1,96) 
= 21,71
vf = 21,71 m.s-1downwards 
(4)
8.4 X: v 2f = v i2 + 2ay
21,712 = 2,52 + 2(9,8)( y) 
y = 23,73 m
Height Q = 23,73 - 4,9 = 18,83 m  (4)
8.5 less than (1)
8.6

Label both axes

Both parallel lines
Y starts on (0,0) 
X (0, -2,5) and (1,96, -21,71) 
(4)

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MOMENTUM AND IMPULSE

MOMENTUM

 Is the product of mass and velocity

 Is a vector quantity
 Any object that is moving has momentum
 The symbol is p
 Unit of measurement is kg.m.s-1
 Can be calculated using : p = mv
Where: p - momentum in kg.m.s-1
M -mass in kg
v - velocity in m.s-1

Linear momentum is a vector quantity with the same direction as the velocity of the object
Class activity
1. A dancer of mass 50kg leaps into the air and lands feet first on the ground with a velocity
of 3 m.s-1 . Calculate the momentum of which the dancer reaches the ground.

2. Clay with a mass of 0,06 kg, is dropped straight down and hit the roof of a car with a
velocity of 15 m.s-1 . Calculate the momentum of the clay.

3. A skater with a mass of 54kg moves with a velocity of 3 m.s-1 . What is its momentum?

VECTOR NATURE OF MOMENTUM

Momentum is a vector quantity and has both magnitude and direction. It is therefore
important to always include direction in all momentum calculations.
EXAMPLE 1:
A golf ball of mass 0,02 kg leaves a golf club at a velocity of 100 m·s-1 in an easterly
direction. Calculate the momentum of the golf ball.
SOLUTION:
p = mv
= (0, 02) (100)
= 2,00 kg.m.s−1 east
EXAMPLE 2:
A toy car of mass 150 g has a momentum of 0,45 kg· m·s-1 left. Calculate the
velocity of the toy car.
SOLUTION:

P = mv

0,45 = (0, 015) (v)

V = 3,00 m.s−1 to the left

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