TWO-DIMENSIONAL MOTION

by
H. T. Hudson and Ray G. Van Ausdal
MISN-0-8
1. Introduction
a. Why We Study Motion in Two Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
b. The Job at Hand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
c. The Fundamental Relationship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2. Analysis by Components
a. Vector Equations Reduce to Component Equations . . . . . . 2
b. Component Descriptors Relate to Actual Motion . . . . . . . . 2
c. Motion of the x- and y-Component Vectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
d. Describing the Component Motion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
e. Dual Roles of Component Descriptors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

3. Problem-Solving Techniques
TWO-DIMENSIONAL MOTION a. Methods of Specifying Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
b. Analytical Method: General Approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
c. Two Special Cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
d. Graphical Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
4. Examples and Cautions
r0
a. Sample Problem: Analytical Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
b. Sample Problem: Graphical Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
q0 c. The Artificial Nature of the Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
d. Choice of Coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

5. Ballisitic Motion
a. Falling and Free Falling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
b. Ballistic Motion Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
c. The Example in Cartesian Coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
d. Equation of the Path: the Trajectory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
e. The Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
f. Maximum Height of a Projectile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Acknowledgments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Project PHYSNET · Physics Bldg. · Michigan State University · East Lansing, MI

1185
ID Sheet: MISN-0-8

THIS IS A DEVELOPMENTAL-STAGE PUBLICATION

Title: Two-Dimensional Motion OF PROJECT PHYSNET

Author: H. T. Hudson, University of Houston and Ray G. Van Ausdal,

The goal of our project is to assist a network of educators and scientists in
Univ. of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
transferring physics from one person to another. We support manuscript
Version: 2/21/2003 Evaluation: Stage 0 processing and distribution, along with communication and information
systems. We also work with employers to identify basic scientific skills
Length: 1 hr; 32 pages
as well as physics topics that are needed in science and technology. A
Input Skills: number of our publications are aimed at assisting users in acquiring such
skills.
1. Vocabulary: displacement, velocity and acceleration vectors
(MISN-0-7). Our publications are designed: (i) to be updated quickly in response to
2. Differentiate an expression which includes unit vectors x̂ and ŷ. field tests and new scientific developments; (ii) to be used in both class-
(MISN-0-2). room and professional settings; (iii) to show the prerequisite dependen-
3. Find velocity, given the time-dependent position of an object cies existing among the various chunks of physics knowledge and skill,
(MISN-0-7). as a guide both to mental organization and to use of the materials; and
(iv) to be adapted quickly to specific user needs ranging from single-skill
4. Find acceleration, given the time-dependent velocity. (MISN-0-7).
instruction to complete custom textbooks.
5. Find position given initial conditions and either velocity or accel-
eration in one dimension (MISN-0-7). New authors, reviewers and field testers are welcome.
6. Write the specific equations describing motion in one dimension
with constant acceleration (MISN-0-7). PROJECT STAFF
Output Skills (Knowledge):
Andrew Schnepp Webmaster
K1. Write the vector equations relating position, velocity and acceler- Eugene Kales Graphics
ation in component form. Peter Signell Project Director
K2. Explain how the motion of component vectors can be used to de-
scribe the motion of an object. ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Output Skills (Problem Solving):
D. Alan Bromley Yale University
S1. Given (either graphically or analytically) one of the functions ~r(t), E. Leonard Jossem The Ohio State University
~v (t), or ~a(t), plus initial conditions, find the two other functions. A. A. Strassenburg S. U. N. Y., Stony Brook
S2. Given ~r(t), derive the equation of the trajectory for an object.
S3. Given a special case of constant velocity or constant acceleration Views expressed in a module are those of the module author(s) and are
for one component, write the appropriate equations of motion by not necessarily those of other project participants.
using pre-derived one dimensional relationships.
S4. Determine the range, maximum height and equation of the trajec- c 2002, Peter Signell for Project PHYSNET, Physics-Astronomy Bldg.,
°
tory for an object in ballistic motion. Mich. State Univ., E. Lansing, MI 48824; (517) 355-3784. For our liberal
use policies see:
[Link]

1187 1188
MISN-0-8 1 MISN-0-8 2

TWO-DIMENSIONAL MOTION Equation (6) can be inverted, giving:

by Z t
~v (t) = ~a(t0 ) dt0 + ~v (0). (8)
H. T. Hudson and Ray G. Van Ausdal 0

1. Introduction
2. Analysis by Components
1a. Why We Study Motion in Two Dimensions. The real world
is three-dimensional, so why do we bother with two-dimensional motion? 2a. Vector Equations Reduce to Component Equations. Equa-
First, two-dimensional motion is easier to describe, easier to deal with tionstoref18 are vector equations. Each equation could be rewritten as
mathematically, and easier to sketch on a piece of flat paper. This makes two x and y component equations, so that the two dimensional motion
two-dimensional motion a good place for introducing concepts that are of the object could also be treated as two simultaneous one-dimensional
peculiar to motion in more than one dimension. Second, many objects problems. For instance, Eq. (3) is equivalent to the two one-dimensional
actually do exhibit motion in a plane, motion that needs only two dimen- equations vx,av = ∆x/∆t and vy,av = ∆y/∆t. Equation (4) is equivalent
sions for its complete description. Any motion under constant accelera- to the two one-dimensional equations vx = dx/dt and vy = dy/dt.
tion can always be described in terms of just two dimensions. Even if the
2b. Component Descriptors Relate to Actual Motion. The x
acceleration is not constant, many objects still move in a plane (e.g., a
and y position, in terms of components, displacement, velocity and accel-
tractor on a level field, a rider on a ferris wheel).
eration vectors can be related more graphically to the actual motion of
1b. The Job at Hand. Our basic kinematical problem is to give the object. The component description is more than a mere exercise in
quantitative information about the time-dependent positions, velocities, mathematical symbolism.
and accelerations of objects. This information is to be specified either
2c. Motion of the x- and y-Component Vectors. As a particle
formally (“analytically”), in words, or graphically.
moves along a complicated path, as in Fig. 1, its position vector ~r and the
1c. The Fundamental Relationship. Here are the equations that component vectors ~x and ~y also move. Envision in your mind how each
summarize the fundamental relationships used in this module:1 component vector tip moves as the particle moves from A to B.

position = ~r (1) 2d. Describing the Component Motion. The one-dimensional mo-
tion of the tip of the ~x vector can be described2 by its position x, velocity
displacement = ∆~r = ~r2 − ~r1 (2) vx , and acceleration ax . Similarly, the motion of the ~y vector can be de-
scribed by y, vy and ay . You can thus use two one-dimensional motions
average velocity = ~vav = ∆~r/∆t (3) to completely describe one two-dimensional motion.
inst. vel. = ~v = d~r/dt (4) 2e. Dual Roles of Component Descriptors. The quantities x, y,
av. accel. = ~aav = ∆~v /∆t (5) vx , vy , ax , and ay can be used in two different ways. They can either de-
2 2 scribe the motion of the tips of the ~x and ~y vectors, or they can describe
inst. accel. = ~a = d~v /dt = d ~r/dt (6) the components of the actual displacement, velocity and acceleration vec-
Equation (4) can be inverted, giving: tors of the moving object. Problem-solving techniques can take advantage
of this dual meaning.
Z t
~r(t) = ~v (t0 ) dt0 + ~r(0). (7) 2 See “Kinematics in One Dimension” (MISN-0-7).
0
1 See also “Kinematics in Three Dimensions” (MISN-0-37).

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MISN-0-8 3 MISN-0-8 4

Y ~a, ~v and ~r.

A
4. Examples and Cautions
y `
r 4a. Sample Problem: Analytical Method. A sample problem will
B illustrate the techniques of the analytical method. Suppose that you are
given that the velocity of an object is a constant 2 m/s in the x-direction,
and that it increases linearly with t in the y-direction: vy = (3 m/s2 ) t.
x Then:
X ~v (t) = (2 m/s)x̂ + (3 m/s2 ) tŷ.
Figure 1. A particle moving on a two dimensional path has The acceleration is:
d~v
x and y component vectors that each move in one dimension. ~a = = 0x̂ + 3 m/s2 ŷ.
dt
That is, the object has a constant acceleration in the y-direction. The
3. Problem-Solving Techniques position of the particle is:
Z t
3a. Methods of Specifying Information. Typically, information
about the motion of an object is specified in either analytical or graphical ~r(t) = ~v (t0 ) dt0 + ~r(0)
0
form. The position, velocity or acceleration, or some combination of their Z t
components, might be given. We can detail some differences between the = (2 m/s x̂ + 3 m/s2 t0 ŷ) dt0 + ~r(0)
handling of analytical vs. graphical data. 0
1
3b. Analytical Method: General Approach. Equations (1)-(8) = (2 m/s) t x̂ + (3 m/s2 )t2 ŷ + ~r(0).
2
analytically relate the variables ~a, ~v , and ~r. If an analytical form for ~a(t),
If the problem further stated ~r(0); for example, as “initially the object is
~v (t) or ~r(t) can be found, the derivatives or integrals can be performed
at x = 4 m, y = 5 m,” we could write:
so that ~a, ~v and ~r will all be known. The path or “trajectory” of the µ ¶
object can be found in the form of an equation for y(x) by eliminating 3 2 2
~r(t) = (2 m/s t + 4 m)x̂ + m/s t + 5 m ŷ.
t between the equations for x(t) and y(t). The trajectory could also 2
be found by plotting (x, y) points for appropriate time values and then The path can now be found. The above vector equation gives the com-
drawing a smooth curve through those points. ponent equations: x(t) = (2 m/s) t + 4 m; y(t) = [(3/2) m/s2 ] t2 + 5 m.
3c. Two Special Cases. Often, an object moves in such a way that Solving x(t) for t and substituting that into y(t) gives y(x):
the x- and/or y-component vector tip moves with either constant velocity µ ¶2
3 2 x − 4m
or constant acceleration. In these cases x, vx , ax (and/or y, vy , ay ) are y(x) = m/s + 5 m,
2 2 m/s
related by the previously derived equations for an object with one dimen-
sional constant acceleration. The need for differentiation and integration which is the equation of a parabola: the object moves in a parabolic path.
is bypassed.
Note for those interested. The integration could have been bypassed
3d. Graphical Method. Sometimes the time dependence for the com- by noting that the x-component motion is at constant velocity and the
ponents of one of the quantities ~a(t), ~v (t) or ~r(t) is given in graphical form. y-component motion is at constant acceleration. Thus x(t) and y(t) fit
The interpretation of the derivative as the (physical) slope of a curve and the general form of the one-dimensional constant acceleration equation:
integral as the (physical) area under a curve could then be used to find x = x0 +v0 t+at2 /2. For example, for the y-direction: a = 3 m/s2 , v0 = 0,
x0 ≡ y0 = 5 m, so: y = 5 m + 0 + (3 m/s2 ) t2 /2.

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MISN-0-8 5 MISN-0-8 6

V x (ms -1) V y (ms -1) r0

4
q0
3 3
Area = _3 m. Figure 3. A cannon fires a projectile at an angle θ above
2 2 2
the horizontal.
1 1
4d. Choice of Coordinates. If the coordinate system is unspecified
0 1 2 3 t(s) 0 1 2 3 4 t(s) in a problem, you may choose to use any system you desire. The mo-
Figure 2. The relations vx (t) and vy (t) specified graphi- tion of the object will not depend on the coordinate system that you
cally. use to describe the motion. Be prepared to try different coordinate sys-
tems; the “best” choice will ease the mathematical manipulation in the
problem.
4b. Sample Problem: Graphical Method. The previous problem
could have specified the velocity components graphically, as in Fig. 2. Now
ax is the slope of the tangent line to the vx (t) curve: in this case, Fig. 2, 5. Ballisitic Motion
the slope is always zero. Similarly, ay is the slope of the vy (t) curve, which
in this case is always 3 m/s2 . 5a. Falling and Free Falling. The acceleration of an object falling
above the Earth depends upon its distance from the Earth’s surface and
The x and y coordinates can be found using the area under the curve. upon air resistance. You are familiar with this motion, for example, when
For example, to calculate y(1 sec), Eq. (7) gives: you observe a baseball in flight. If the speed of the object is sufficiently
Z 1s
low, the effects of the air resistance are negligible.5 If the object’s path
y(1 s) = vy (t0 ) dt0 + y(0). does not vary significantly in altitude, the effects of gravity are constant.
0 Under these special conditions, called ballistic motion, the object is “free
falling” and will have a constant acceleration of g = 9.8 m/s2 vertically
The integral is given by the shaded area3 in Fig. 2, so that: downward, and will therefore move in a plane.
3 13 5b. Ballistic Motion Example. A projectile is fired with initial
y(1 s) = m + 5m = m,
2 2 velocity ~v0 making an angle θ with the horizontal (see Fig. 3). Ignore the
which can be verified from the previous analytical solution for y(t). height of the end of the barrel.

4c. The Artificial Nature of the Examples. The real world does We choose a coordinate system such that the horizontal coordinate is
not usually present motion problems so neatly specified as the previous x, the origin is at the cannon (so ~r0 ≡ ~r0 = 0), and the vertical coordinate
examples. These examples have presented information as given that in y is positive upward (with result ~a = −g ŷ). We choose time zero to be
actuality must have been derived from other information. For example, when the cannon was fired. Then at time zero we have:
knowledge of applied forces gives information about the acceleration.4
~a(0) = −g ŷ; ~v (0) = ~v0 ; ~r(0) = 0 . (9)
Also, coordinate systems and initial times have been implicitly chosen.
5 How low is “sufficiently low”? The answer depends upon how precisely you wish
3 This area must be calculated as the “physical” area, not the geometric area. See to describe the motion, and the relative magnitudes of the force of gravity and the
“The Counting Squares Technique for Numerical Integration” (MISN-0-250, Appendix force of the air.
A).
4 See “Particle Dynamics” (MISN-0-14).

1193 1194
MISN-0-8 7 MISN-0-8 8

We can get these quantities as a function of time by integrating the ac- `

y v1
celeration to get the velocity and by integrating the velocity to get the `
position (see Eq. (8)). The result for the velocity is: v0 `
g
Z t Z t
~v = ~v0 + ~ 0
a(t ) dt = ~v0 −
0 g dt0 ŷ = ~v0 − gtŷ . (10) x
0 0 ` ` `
g g v2
In the following three exercises, illustrate by using or changing Fig. 4.
¤ Suppose gravity is turned off. Show that the object would follow a
Figure 4. An object in ballistic motion follows a parabolic
straight-line trajectory at constant speed and that its distance from the
trajectory. The acceleration and velocity are indicated at
origin would increase linearly with time.
three different places. Noticer how the object “falls” as it
¤ suppose that gravity is increased until it is so large that its terms in moves from left to right.
Eqs. (10) overwhelm the ~v0 terms. Show that under those circumstances
the object would appear to simply fall to the ground. 5e. The Range. The trajectory equation, y(x), is useful in answering
¤ Describe a real projectile’s path as being between the trajectories that questions that relate to position coordinates only. Will the object clear
would result from zero gravity and from very large gravity. a wall? How far will it go? How high will it go? For example, the range
R of a ballistic missile is the distance travelled in x before the projectile
5c. The Example in Cartesian Coordinates. Equations (9) and strikes the ground. In Fig. 4, x is R when y(x) = 0. Thus you can set
(10) for ballistic motion can be written in terms of the projectile’s non- y(R) = 0 in the quadratic expression,
accelerated x-components and constantly-accelerated y-components:
y(x) = −g/(2v02 cos2 θ) x2 + [tan θ] x ,
£ ¤
~a(t) = −g ŷ ,
~v (t) = (v0 cos θ0 ) x̂ + (−gt + v0 sin θ0 ) ŷ , and, using the identity sin 2θ = 2 sin θ cos θ, find:

~r(t) = v0 t cos θ0 x̂ + (−gt2 /2 + v0 t sin θ0 ) ŷ. 2v02 sin θ cos θ v 2 sin 2θ

R= = 0 .
g g
Notice that each component can be integrated separately because the
Cartesian unit vectors are independent of time (they stay fixed as time - This equation gives R(v0 , θ). Show that for any fixed v0 the maximum
progresses). range occurs for θ = 45◦ .
5d. Equation of the Path: the Trajectory. The Cartesian trajec- 5f. Maximum Height of a Projectile. The equation of the path
tory equation, y(x), can be found by eliminating t in the two equations can also be used to develop an equation relating the maximum height to
x(t) and y(t). From the above we get: the initial velocity of the projectile. At the point of maximum height,
dy/dx = 0. Differentiating the equation for the trajectory y(x) gives
x(t) = v0 t cos θ0 , dy/dx = 0 at x = (v02 /g)(sin θ cos θ).
and - Show that substituting this into the equation for y gives the maximum
y(t) = −gt2 /2 + v0 t sin θ0 . height as ymax = (v02 sin2 θ)/(2g).
Solving the first for t and substituting that into the second, gives
y = −g/(2v02 cos2 θ0 ) x2 + [tan θ0 ] x .
£ ¤
Acknowledgments
This is the equation of a parabola, which is indeed the path of a projectile We wish to thank Kristen Schalm and Prof. James Linnemann for
undergoing idealized ballistic motion (see Fig. 4). pointing out typos. Preparation of this module was supported in part

1195 1196
MISN-0-8 9 MISN-0-8 PS-1

by the National Science Foundation, Division of Science Education Devel-

opment and Research, through Grant #SED 74-20088 to Michigan State
University.
PROBLEM SUPPLEMENT
- If you get really stuck on a problem, turn to the appropriate hint in
this module’s Special Assistance Supplement and then try to continue
with the solution. For example, problem 1a, below, has a hint in the
box labeled [S-1] in the Special Assistance Supplement. If you still can’t
solve problem 1a after using the hint, the [S-1] box contains a reference
to another box containing a further hint.
- Problems 11, 13-15 also occur in this module’s Model Exam.
- Look out! Units and variables are set in different typefaces.
Help: [S-14]

1. The position of a particle is given by the expression:

~r = (2 m/s2 )t2 x̂ + (3 m/s)tŷ .

a. What is the shape of the path? Help: [S-1]

b. What is the velocity at the point x = 2 m, y = 3 m? Help: [S-2]
2. Which of the following time-dependent positions are consistent with
a constant but non-zero acceleration? Help: [S-3]
a. (3 m/s3 )t3 x̂ + (1 m/s2 )t2 ŷ
b. (2 m/s)tx̂ + (1 m)ŷ
c. (2 m/s2 )t2 x̂ + (1 m)ŷ
d. (5 m/s2 )t2 ŷ
e. (4 m)x̂ + (3 m)ŷ
3. Which of the above (a - e, Prob. 2) correspond to constant but non-
zero velocity? Help: [S-4]
4. Which of the above (a - e, Prob. 2) correspond to an object at rest?
Help: [S-5]
5. A particle has the following information given about its motion:
x-dir.: A constant velocity of 5 m/s, with initial condition x0 = 0 m.
y-dir.: A constant acceleration of −2 m/s2 , with initial conditions y0 =
10 m, v0y = −3 m/s.

1197 1198
MISN-0-8 PS-2 MISN-0-8 PS-3

a. Recognizing that these motions fit the special cases of constant b. What is the acceleration at t = 20 s? Help: [S-10]
velocity and constant acceleration, write the equations x(t), vx (t), c. What is the average acceleration over the interval 20 s ≤ t ≤ 60 s?
ax (t), y(t), vy (t) and ay (t). Help: [S-6] Help: [S-11]
b. Write the vector equations for ~r(t), ~v (t) and ~a(t). Help: [S-7]
8. A parachutist jumps from an airplane at a height of 300 m. The
6. A particle is at rest at t = 0. After t = 0, the acceleration of the parachute immediately opens and she descends at a constant rate of
particle is given by ~a = (3 m/s2 )x̂ − (2 m/s2 )ŷ. What is the shape of 8 m/s. As she descends, a steady wind of 3 m/s is blowing toward the
the trajectory? Help: [S-8] south. How far south of the point where she left the airplane will the
7. The x and y components of velocity of a particle are given below. parachutist strike the earth? Help: [S-12]

9. A particle starts from rest and moves with constant acceleration ~a =

V x (ms -1)
Ax̂+B ŷ, where A and B are constants. Show that the average velocity
50 over the time interval 0 to t is half the instantaneous velocity at t.
Help: [S-13]
40
10. A boy stands on an inclined surface which makes an angle of 30◦
30 with the horizontal (see sketch). He throws a ball so that it leaves
his hand horizontally, down near the surface of the incline, with a
20 speed of 10 m/s. At what distance down the incline (measured from
10 the boy) will the ball strike the incline? (Assume he releases the ball
from a point at the surface and assume that the only acceleration is
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 that of gravity.)
time (s)
`
v
-1
V y (ms )

30 30°
20

10 11. The velocity of a particle is given by the expression:

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 ~v = [2(t/ s)x̂ + ŷ] m/s .

-10 a. At t = 0 the particle is at x = 0, y = 0. What is the position of

the particle at a later time t?
-20
b. What is the average velocity over the interval t = 2 s to t = 3 s?
-30
12. A particle moves with position vector
time (s)
·µ ¶ µ 3 ¶ ¸
t 4t t
~r = x̂ + −4 ŷ m .
a. What is the average velocity over the time interval 0 ≤ t ≤ 40 s? s 3 s3 s
Help: [S-9]

1199 1200
MISN-0-8 PS-4 MISN-0-8 PS-5

a. Plot the path on the graph below. Hint: First, fill in the b. On the same curve, plot the velocity at t = 1 s. The scale for
table. Help: [S-15] plotting the velocity can be any you choose. A convenient scale for
t(s) x(m) y(m) velocity is 1 unit of velocity = 1/2 unit of length. Help: [S-16]
−2.1 −2.1 −3.9 c. On the same curve, plot the velocity at t = −2 s. Help: [S-17]
−2.0 d. On the same curve, plot the acceleration at t = −1 s. Help: [S-18]
−1.0
13. A block is projected up an in-
0.0
clined surface which makes an an-
1.0 gle θ with the horizontal. The ini- `
2.0 tial speed is v0 and the inclined v0 y
2.1 surface is frictionless. Use a co-
ordinate system defined by x pos- q
y(m) x
4 itive to the right in a horizontal
direction, y positive up (as illus-
trated).
3 a. What is the initial velocity?
b. The acceleration of the block is observed to be:

2 ~a = −g sin θ cos θ x̂ − g sin2 θ ŷ.

Develop expressions for x(t) and y(t). Divide one by the other
to check that they (properly) predict that y(x) is a straight-line
1 function with slope tan θ.
x(m)
14. A particle moves with acceleration:
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
~a = −6 (t/ s)2 x̂ + (t/ s)ŷ m/s2 .
£ ¤

At t = 0 the particle is at rest at the origin. What is the equation of

-1 the path (i.e., the trajectory)?

15. A football is thrown by a quarterback at a speed of 20 m/s at

an angle of 45◦ with the horizontal. A receiver is running such
-2 that he will pass under the ball downfield from the point where
it was released. Assuming the quarterback and the receiver are
the same height, and the receiver can jump or reach one meter
-3 higher than the point of release by the quarterback, what is the
minimum distance from the quarterback the ball can be caught?

-4

1201 1202
MISN-0-8 PS-6 MISN-0-8 PS-7

Brief Answers:
If you do not understand an answer, refer to the last comment (after the
“Hints”) in the Special Assistance Supplement for that problem.

1. a. x = (2 m/s2 )t2 ; y = (3 m/s)t;

t = y/(3 m/s);
d x = (2 m/s2 ) · [y/(3 m/s)]2 = [2/(9 m)] y 2 , which is a parabola.
b. From x = (2 m/s2 )t2 , y = (3 m/s)t, the particle will pass through
the point x = 2 m, y = 3 m at t = 1 s. From part (a), ~v (1 s) =
(4x̂ + 3ŷ) m/s.
2. In order to have a constant acceleration, d2~r/dt2 = constant.
d~r t2 t
a. = ~v = [9 2 x̂ + 2 ŷ] m/s
dt s s
d2~r d~v t
= = ~a = [18 x̂ + 2ŷ] m/s2 : This is not constant in time.
dt2 dt s
b. ~v = 2x̂ m/s; ~a = 0. This is constant, but zero.
c. ~v = 4tx̂ m/s2 ; ~a = 4x̂ m/s2 . This is constant, and 6= zero.
d. ~v = 10tŷ m/s2 ; ~a = 10ŷ m/s2 . This is constant and 6= zero.
e. ~v = 0; ~a = 0. This is a zero acceleration and a zero velocity.
3. Answer: b.
4. Answer: e.
5. a. ax = 0; vx = 5 m/s; x = 5 m/s t;
ay = −2 m/s2 ; vy = −3 m/s − (2 m/s2 )t;
y = 10 m − (3 m/s)t − (2 m/s2 )t2 /2
b. ~r(t) = x̂x(t) + ŷy(t) with x(t) and y(t) given in part a. ~v (t) =
x̂vx (t) + ŷvy (t), etc.
6. Given: ~v0 = 0. Choose the origin so ~r0 = 0. Then:
~v = £(3tx̂ − 2tŷ) m/s¤2 ; y
~r = (3/2)t2 x̂ − t2 ŷ m/s2 .
From this,
x = (3/2)t2 m/s2 ;
y = −t2 m/s2 ;
x = −(3/2)y. X
Straight line slope = −2/3.

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MISN-0-8 PS-8 MISN-0-8 PS-9

7. a. ~vav = (∆x/∆t)x̂ + (∆y/∆t)ŷ. = Atx̂ + Btŷ = (Ax̂ + B ŷ)t

Rt 0 0
The quantities ∆x and ∆y are the respective areas under the v(t) ~v (t ) dt
~vav = 0
curves for each component. The area is just the area of a triangle. t−0
µ ¶ µ ¶
x̂ 1 2 ŷ 1 2
∆x: = At + Bt
t 2 t 2
Area = ∆x
= (40 s)(20 m/s)/2 V x (ms -1) 1 1
= (Ax̂ + B ŷ)t = ~v (t)
= 400 m. 2 2
20 This is a very special result that holds true only for constant acceler-
∆y:
ation from rest. Any other set of conditions must be treated by the
Area 1 = displacement
above method to find any special relation between ~vav and ~v (t).
(0 to 20 s) t(s)
= (20 s)(20 m/s)/2 40 10. Choose a coordinate system with axes parallel and perpendicular to
V y (ms -1)
= 200 m. the inclined surface. Choose this coordinate system because then
Area 2 = displacement 20
it is easy to state the mathematical condition corresponding to the
(20 s to 40 s) ball hitting the incline: it is when (again) y = 0. In such a system
= (20 s)(−20 m/s)/2 1
40 the acceleration of the ball, the acceleration of gravity, is: ~a = ~g =
= −200 m. t(s)
20 2 −g sin 30◦ x̂ − g cos 30◦ ŷ. Help: [S-41]
Using the equations for constant acceleration (the origin is at the
-20 boy):
Total Area = Area 1 + Area 2 = 0.
ax = −g sin 30◦
~vav = (400 m/40 s)x̂ + (0 m/40 s)ŷ = 10x̂ m/s.
vx = −g sin 30◦ t − v0 cos 30◦
b. ~a(20 s) = (dvx /dt)x̂ + (dvy /dt)ŷ.
x = −(g/2) sin 30◦ t2 − v0 cos 30◦ t
Using the fact that the derivative of a straight line is the slope of
the line, ~a(20 s) = [−(1/2)x̂ − ŷ] m/s2 ay = −g cos 30◦
c. ~aav = ∆v/∆t = [~v (60 s) − ~v (20 s)] / [60 s − 20 s] vy = −g cos 30◦ t + v0 sin 30◦
~v at t = 60units is (from the graph) (10x̂ − 20ŷ) m/s. y = −(g/2) cos 30◦ t2 + v0 sin 30◦ t
~v at t = 20 s is (10x̂ + 0ŷ) m/s.
~aav = −(1/2)ŷ m/s2 . Putting y = 0 and solving for t gives two solutions: either t = 0 or
t = 1.18 s. There are two times when the ball is at y = 0: when it
8. Let y be positive down, x be positive south. is released and when it strikes the surface. The time in question is
ax = 0 ay = 0 t = 1.18 s. At this time, x = −13.62 m.
vx = 3 m/s vy = 8 m/s
x = 3 m/st y = 8 m/st 11. a. ~r(t) = [(t/ s)2 x̂ + (t/ s)ŷ] m
The time of descent is given by putting y = 300 m, and solving for t: b. ~vav = (5x̂ + ŷ) m/s
t = 37.5 s. The displacement is obtained by putting t = 37.5 s into
the equation for x: x = 112.5 m south. 12. a. x = t m/s
Rt ·µ ¶ 3 ¸
9. ~v (t) = 0 ~a(t0 ) dt0 + ~v0 4 t
y= − 4t m/s .
Rt Rt 3 s2
= x̂ 0 A dt0 + ŷ 0 B dt0 + 0

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MISN-0-8 PS-10 MISN-0-8 PS-11

Completing the table:

t(s) x(m) y(m)
y(m)
−2.1 −2.1 −3.9
−2.0 −2.0 −2.7 3

−1.0 −1.0 2.7

0.0 0.0 0.0 2
1.0 1.0 −2.7
` `
2.0 2.0 2.7 v(-2s) a(1s) 1
2.1 2.1 3.9
See the graph in part (d). -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3
· µ 2
t
¶ ¸ x(m)
b. ~v = x̂ + 4 2 − 4 ŷ m/s. ~v (1 s) = x̂ m/s. At t = 1 s, the
s
particle is at x = 1 m, y = −2.7 m. The velocity at this time is
-1
indicated on the graph. The point x = 1 m, y = −2.7 m is the turn
around point and the slope dy/dx = 0. The velocity is tangent to
the curve.
c. ~v (−2 s) = (x̂ + 12ŷ) m/s. The particle is at x = −2 m, y = −2.7 m -2
`
and the velocity is as indicated. The velocity is tangent to the v(1s)
curve.
d. ~a = 8tŷ m/s3 . At t = −1 s, ~a = −8ŷ m/s2 , ~v = x̂ m/s -3
and ~r = (−x̂ + 2.7ŷ) m. The velocity is horizontal at this
point, and the acceleration is vertical. Have you noted
13. a. ~v0 = v0 cos θx̂ + v0 sin θŷ
that vx = constant in this problem? See sketch below.
b. v = −gt sin θ cos θx̂ − gt sin2 θŷ + v0 cos θx̂ + v0 sin θŷ
With the origin chosen so that ~r0 = 0:
1
x = − gt2 sin θ cos θ + v0 t cos θ,
2
1 2 2
y = − gt sin θ + v0 t sin θ,
2
1
x/ cos θ = − gt2 sin θ + v0 t, and
2
1 2
y/ sin θ = − gt sin θ + v0 t.
2
x y
Therefore, = , y = x tan θ, a straight line.
cos θ sin θ

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MISN-0-8 PS-12 MISN-0-8 AS-1

(t/ s)2
14. ~r0 = 0; ~v0 = 0; v = [−2(t/ s)3 x̂ + ŷ] m/s;
2
(t/ s)4
SPECIAL ASSISTANCE SUPPLEMENT
x=− m;
2
(t/ s)3 S-1 (from PS-1a)
y= m;
6 Find x(t), y(t) for the given ~r(t). Help: [S-19]
(6y/ m)4/3
x=− m
2 S-2 (from PS-1b)
or: (x/ m)3 = −162(y/ m)4 Find the time when x = 2 m. This is the same time as when y = 3 m.
15. Choose the origin at the point of release, choose ŷ upward.
S-3 (from PS-2)
ax = 0; vx = v0,x = 20 ( m/s) cos 45◦ ;
~a = d ~r/dt2 . Help: [S-20]
2

x = 20(cos 45◦ ) m(t/ s); ay = −g; vy = v0,y − gt

= [20 sin 45◦ − 9.8(t/ s)] m/s; S-4 (from PS-3)
~v = d~r/dt.
£ ¤
y = −4.9(t/ s)2 + 20 sin 45◦ (t/ s) m.
The range for the ball to be caught is y ≤ 1 m.
S-5 (from PS-4)
Putting y = 1 m into the equation gives these two solutions: t = 2.81 s
and t = 0.072 s. Help: [S-42] The object is at rest if the coordinates describing its position do not
change in time. Help: [S-21]
At t = 2.81 s, x = 39.7 m, but at t = 0.072 s, x = 1.02 m. Picture each
of these in your mind’s eye!
S-6 (from PS-5a)
Partial information about each component is given. Solve for the motion
of each component vector separately. Help: [S-22]

S-7 (from PS-5b)

Using vector rotation, add the components of part (a).

S-8 (from PS-6)

The trajectory is determined by the curve of y(x) or (equivalently) x(y).
Help: [S-23]

S-9 (from PS-7a)

R t2
Average velocity is defined as: t1
~v (t0 ) dt0 /(t2 − t1 ) = ∆~r/∆t.
Help: [S-24]

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MISN-0-8 AS-2 MISN-0-8 AS-3

S-10 (from PS-7b) S-21 (from [S-5])

See problem 1(b). Help: [S-25] To meet the above requirement, ~v = 0 and ~a = 0 for all times.

S-11 (from PS-7c) S-22 (from [S-6])

See problem 1(b). Help: [S-26] The motion of each vector is one dimensional. Help: [S-30]

S-12 (from PS-8) S-23 (from [S-8])

ax = 0 and ay = 0. Help: [S-27] x and y are components of ~r. Help: [S-31]

S-13 (from PS-9) S-24 (from [S-9])

R t2
This is a constant acceleration with x- and y-components. Help: [S-28] t1 x
0
v dt = area under the vx (t) vs. t curve from t1 to t2 . Help: [S-32]

S-14 (from PS-head) S-25 (from [S-10])

For example, in (t/ s) the “t” is the variable “time” and the “s” is the ~a = d~v /dt. Help: [S-33]
unit “seconds.” For example: if t = 3 s, then (t/ s) = (3 s)/( s) = 3.
S-26 (from [S-11])
S-15 (from PS-11a)
~aav = [~v (60 s) − ~v (20 s)] /(60 s − 20 s),
The path has zero slope at t = ±1 s. ~aav 6= [~a(60 s) + ~a(20 s)] /2. Help: [S-34]

S-16 (from PS-11b) S-27 (from [S-12])

· µ 2 ¶ ¸
t Both vx and vy are constant. Help: [S-35]
~v = x̂ + 4 2 − 4 ŷ m/s. Help: [S-29]
s
S-28 (from [S-13])
S-17 (from PS-11c)
vx = At. Help: [S-36]
See method of part (b).
S-29 (from [S-16])
S-18 (from PS-11d)
~v (1 s) = x̂ m/s.
~a = 8tŷ m/s3 .
S-30 (from [S-22])
S-19 (from [S-1])
Some equations for motion in one dimension with constant acceleration
Solve for t(y) and substitute into x(t). are: x = x0 + v0 t + at2 /2, v = v0 + at, v 2 = v02 + 2a(x − x0 ).

S-20 (from [S-3]) S-31 (from [S-23])

~a = d~v /dt = (d/dt)(d~r/dt). If these give trouble, review how to differ- Rt R t0
~r(t) = dt0 0 ~a(t00 ) dt00 + ~r0 . Help: [S-37]
entiate a vector. 0

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MISN-0-8 AS-4 MISN-0-8 AS-5

S-32 (from [S-24]) S-41 (from PS-10)

The area of a triangle is (1/2)bh. Help: [S-38] Draw a graph with a single vector extending out from the origin at an
angle of 240◦ CCW from the positive x-axis. Label this vector ~g . Then:
S-33 (from [S-25]) ~g = g cos 240◦ x̂ + g sin 240◦ ŷ. Alternatively, simply look at the diagram
and write: ~g = −g sin 30◦ x̂ − g cos 30◦ ŷ.
At t = 20 s, dvx /dt = −(20/40) m/s2 = −(1/2) m/s2 . This problem
requires a derivative to be taken from a curve, which is the slope of the
line at the time given. S-42 (from PS-15)
We let b ≡ t/ s so the y-equation above becomes:
S-34 (from [S-26])
4.9b2 − 14.4b + 1.0 = 0 .
~v (60 s) = (10x̂ − 20ŷ) m/s. In this problem, ~v (t) must be found from the
graphical representations of the components. If you had trouble with Then solving this quadratic equation (see any high school or college
parts (b) and (c), review problem 1(b). algebra book):
p
S-35 (from [S-27]) 14.4 ± (−14.4)2 − 4(4.9)(1.0)
b= .
The parachutist will reach the ground in 37.5 s. (2)(4.9)

S-36 (from [S-28])

1 t 0 0
R
vx,av = A t dt .
t 0

S-37 (from [S-31])

For the particle to be at rest at t = 0, ~v = 0. Help: [S-39]

S-38 (from [S-32])

If vy < 0, area has a negative sign, indicating a displacement in the
negative direction.

S-39 (from [S-37])

For simplicity, put ~r0 = 0. Help: [S-40]

S-40 (from [S-39])

Rt
~v = (3 m/s )tx̂ − (2 m/s2 )tŷ and ~r(t) = 0 v(t0 ) dt0 . If this problem gives
2

trouble, work on how to make transformations of the type x(t) ↔ t(x).

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MISN-0-8 ME-1 MISN-0-8 ME-2

higher than the point of release by the quarterback, what is the

minimum distance from the quarterback the ball can be caught?
MODEL EXAM

1. See Output Skills K1-K2 on this module’s ID Sheet.

2. The velocity of a particle is given by the expression:

~v = [2(t/ s)x̂ + ŷ] m/s.

a. At t = 0 the particle is at x = 0, y = 0. What is the position of the d

particle at a later time t?
b. What is the average velocity over the interval t = 2 s to t = 3 s?
3. A block is projected up an inclined Brief Answers:
surface which makes an angle θ
with the horizontal. The initial `
v0 y 1. See this module’s text.
speed is v0 and the inclined sur-
face is frictionless. Use a coordi- q 2. See this module’s Problem Supplement, problem 11.
nate system defined by x positive x 3. See this module’s Problem Supplement, problem 13.
to the right in a horizontal direc-
tion, y positive up (as illustrated). 4. See this module’s Problem Supplement, problem 14.
a. What is the initial velocity? 5. See this module’s Problem Supplement, problem 15.
b. The acceleration of the block is observed to be:

~a = −(g sin θ cos θ) x̂ − (g sin2 θ) ŷ.

Develop expressions for x(t) and y(t). Divide one by the other
to check that they (properly) predict that y(x) is a straight-line
function with slope tan θ.
4. A particle moves with acceleration:

~a = [−6 (t/ s)2 x̂ + (t/ s)ŷ] m/s2 .

At t = 0 the particle is at rest at the origin. What is the equation of

the path (i.e., the trajectory)?
5. A football is thrown by a quarterback at a speed of 20 m/s at
an angle of 45◦ with the horizontal. A receiver is running such
that he will pass under the ball downfield from the point where
it was released. Assuming the quarterback and the receiver are
the same height, and the receiver can jump or reach one meter

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