Problem 1: Kinematics
2
A particle starts from rest and moves in a straight line with a constant acceleration of a = 2 m/s . What
is the velocity of the particle after it has traveled a distance of s = 25 m?
Solution
We can use the following kinematic equation which relates final velocity (v), initial velocity (v0 ), accel-
eration (a), and displacement (s):
v 2 = v02 + 2as
The particle starts from rest, so v0 = 0. Plugging in the given values:
2
v 2 = 02 + 2(2 m/s )(25 m)
v 2 = 100 m2 /s2
p
v = 100 m2 /s2
v = 10 m/s
Answer
The velocity of the particle is 10 m/s.
Problem 2: Dynamics
A block of mass m = 5 kg is pulled along a horizontal surface by a constant force of F = 20 N applied at
an angle of θ = 30◦ above the horizontal. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the
2
surface is µk = 0.2. Calculate the acceleration of the block. (Assume g = 9.8 m/s )
Solution
First, we analyze the forces in the vertical (y) and horizontal (x) directions.
1. Vertical forces (y-direction): The net force is zero because there is no vertical acceleration.
The forces are the normal force (N ), the vertical component of the applied force (F sin θ), and gravity
(mg). X
Fy = N + F sin θ − mg = 0
Solving for the normal force, N :
N = mg − F sin θ
2
N = (5 kg)(9.8 m/s ) − (20 N) sin(30◦ )
N = 49 N − (20 N)(0.5) = 39 N
2. Horizontal
P forces (x-direction): The net force causes acceleration according to Newton’s
Second Law ( Fx = ma). The forces are the horizontal component of the applied force (F cos θ) and
the kinetic friction force (fk = µk N ).
X
Fx = F cos θ − fk = ma
Substituting the values:
(20 N) cos(30◦ ) − (0.2)(39 N) = (5 kg)a
17.32 N − 7.8 N = 5a
9.52 N = 5a
9.52 2
a= m/s
5
2
a ≈ 1.90 m/s
1
Answer
The acceleration of the block is approximately 1.90 m/s2 .
Problem 3: Work and Energy
A pendulum bob of mass m = 0.5 kg is released from rest at a height h = 0.4 m above its lowest point.
2
What is the speed of the bob as it passes through the lowest point of its swing? (Assume g = 9.8 m/s
and neglect air resistance)
Solution
This problem is solved using the principle of conservation of mechanical energy. The initial potential
energy (P Ei ) is converted into kinetic energy (KEf ) at the lowest point.
• Initial State (at height h): P Ei = mgh, KEi = 0 (from rest)
• Final State (at lowest point, h = 0): P Ef = 0, KEf = 21 mv 2
According to the conservation of energy, Einitial = Efinal :
P Ei + KEi = P Ef + KEf
1
mgh + 0 = 0 + mv 2
2
The mass (m) cancels out from both sides:
1 2
gh = v
2
Solving for velocity, v:
p
v= 2gh
q
2
v= 2(9.8 m/s )(0.4 m)
p
v= 7.84 m2 /s2
v = 2.8 m/s
Answer
The speed of the bob at its lowest point is 2.8 m/s.