General Physics Problems
Problem 1: Kinematics
A car starts from rest and accelerates uniformly over a time of 5.21 seconds for a distance of 110 m.
Determine the acceleration of the car.
Solution: We can use the kinematic equation that relates distance, initial velocity, time, and accel-
eration:
1
∆x = v0 t + at2
2
Given: ∆x = 110 m v0 = 0 m/s (starts from rest) t = 5.21 s
Substitute the known values into the equation:
1
110 m = (0 m/s)(5.21 s) + a(5.21 s)2
2
1
110 = a(27.144)
2
220 = a(27.144)
220 2
a= ≈ 8.10 m/s
27.144
2
The acceleration of the car is approximately 8.10 m/s .
Problem 2: Dynamics (Atwood Machine)
Two masses are connected by a light string that passes over a frictionless pulley. Mass m1 = 4.0 kg and
mass m2 = 7.0 kg. When released from rest, what is the acceleration of the system and the tension in
2
the string? (Use g = 9.8 m/s .)
Solution: Since m2 > m1 , m2 will accelerate downwards and m1 will accelerate upwards. Let the
acceleration be a and the tension be T . Apply Newton’s second law to each mass.
For mass m1 (moving up):
ΣF1 = T − m1 g = m1 a (1)
For mass m2 (moving down):
ΣF2 = m2 g − T = m2 a (2)
We have a system of two equations. Add equation (1) and (2) to eliminate T:
(T − m1 g) + (m2 g − T ) = m1 a + m2 a
m2 g − m1 g = (m1 + m2 )a
Solve for acceleration a:
2
(m2 − m1 )g (7.0 kg − 4.0 kg)(9.8 m/s )
a= =
m1 + m2 4.0 kg + 7.0 kg
(3.0)(9.8) 29.4 2
a= = ≈ 2.67 m/s
11.0 11.0
Now, substitute the value of a back into equation (1) to find the tension T :
2 2
T = m1 a + m1 g = m1 (a + g) = (4.0 kg)(2.67 m/s + 9.8 m/s )
T = (4.0)(12.47) ≈ 49.9 N
1
Problem 3: Work and Energy with Springs
A 2.0 kg block is placed on a frictionless horizontal surface. A spring with a spring constant of k = 500
N/m is attached to the block. The block is pulled 10 cm to the right from its equilibrium position and
released from rest. What is the speed of the block as it passes through the equilibrium position?
Solution: We use the principle of conservation of mechanical energy. The initial energy is purely
elastic potential energy stored in the spring, and the final energy (at the equilibrium position) is purely
kinetic energy. Initial position (x = 0.10 m, v = 0):
1 2
Ei = Uelastic + Ki = kx + 0
2
Final position (equilibrium, x = 0):
1
Ef = Uelastic + Kf = 0 + mvf2
2
By conservation of energy, Ei = Ef :
1 2 1
kx = mvf2
2 2
We can cancel the 1/2 terms and solve for vf :
kx2
vf2 =
m
r r
kx2 k
vf = =x
m m
Substitute the given values:
s
500 N/m √
vf = (0.10 m) = (0.10) 250 ≈ (0.10)(15.81) ≈ 1.58 m/s
2.0 kg
The speed of the block as it passes through equilibrium is approximately 1.58 m/s.