PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS (Calculus based)

Module 2: Kinematics
Objectives:

• To introduce the concepts of position, displacement, velocity, and acceleration.

• To study particle motion along a straight line and represent this motion graphically.
• To investigate particle motion a long a curved path using different coordinate systems.
• To present an analysis of dependent motion of two particles.
• To examine the principles of relative motion of two particles using translating axes.

Readings:

We will begin our study of dynamics by discussing the kinematics of a particle that moves along a rectilinear
or straight line path. Recall that a particle has a mass but negligible size and shape. Therefore we must limit
application to those objects that have dimensions that are of no consequence in the analysis of the motion. In
most problems, we will be interested in bodies of finite size, such as rockets, projectiles, or vehicles. Each of
these objects can be considered as a particle, as long as the motion is characterized by the motion of its mass
center and any rotation of the body is neglected.

Rectilinear Kinematics. The kinematics of a particle is characterized by specifying, at any given instant, the
particle's position, velocity, and acceleration.

Position. The straight-line path of a particle will be defined using a single coordinate axis s. The origin 0 on the
path is a fixed point, and from this point the position coordinate s is used to specify the location of the particle
at any given instant. The magnitude of s is the distance from 0 to the particle, usually measured in meters (m)
or feet (ft), and the sense of direction is defined by the algebraic sign on s. Although the choice is arbitrary, in
this case s is positive since the coordinate axis is positive to the right of the origin. Likewise, it is negative if the
particle is located to the left of O. Realize that position is a vector quantity since it has both magnitude and
direction. Here, however, it is being represented by the algebraic scalar s since the direction always remains
along the coordinate axis.

Displacement. The displacement of the particle is defined as the change in its position. For example, if the
particle moves from one point to another, Fig. 12-1b, the displacement is
∆𝑠 = 𝑠′ − 𝑠

In this case ∆𝑠 is positive since the particle's final position is to the right of its initial position, i.e., s’ > s.
Likewise, if the final position were to the left of its initial position, ∆𝑠 would be negative.

The displacement of a particle is also a vector quantity, and it should be distinguished from the distance the
particle travels. Specifically, the distance traveled is a positive scalar that represents the total length of path
over which the particle travels.

Velocity. If the particle moves through a displacement ∆𝑠 during the time interval ∆𝑡, the average velocity of
the particle during this time interval is
∆𝑠
𝑣𝑎𝑣𝑔 =
∆𝑡

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 If we take smaller and smaller values of ∆𝑡, the magnitude of ∆𝑠 becomes smaller and smaller. Consequently,
∆𝑠
the instantaneous velocity is a vector defined as 𝑣 = lim ∆𝑡 , or
∆𝑡→0

𝑑𝑠
𝑣=
𝑑𝑡

Since ∆𝑡 or dt is always positive, the sign used to define the sense of the velocity is the same as that of ∆𝑠 or
ds. For example, if the particle is moving to the right, the velocity is positive; whereas if it is moving to the left,
the velocity is negative. The magnitude of the velocity is known as the speed, and it is generally expressed in
units of m/s or ft/s.
Occasionally, the term "average speed" is used. The average speed is always a positive scalar and is defined as the
total distance traveled by a particle, sT, divided by the elapsed time ∆𝑡; i.e.,
𝑠𝑇
(𝑣𝑠𝑝 )𝑎𝑣𝑔 =
∆𝑡

Acceleration. Provided the velocity of the particle is known at two points, the average acceleration of the
particle during the time interval ∆𝑡 is defined as

∆𝑣
𝑎𝑎𝑣𝑔 =
∆𝑡

Here ∆𝑣 represents the difference in the velocity during the time interval ∆𝑡, i.e., ∆𝑣 = v' - v

The instantaneous acceleration at time t is a vector that is found by taking smaller and smaller values of ∆𝑡 and
∆𝑣
corresponding smaller and smaller values of ∆𝑣, so that 𝑎 = lim ∆𝑡 , or
∆𝑡→0

𝑑𝑣 𝑑2 𝑠
𝑎= 𝑑𝑡
or 𝑎= 𝑑𝑡 2

Both the average and instantaneous acceleration can be either positive or negative. In particular, when the
particle is slowing down, or its speed is decreasing, the particle is said to be decelerating. In this case, v' is less
than v, and so ∆𝑣 = v' - v will be negative.

Consequently, a will also be negative, and therefore it will act to the left, in the opposite sense to v. Also, note
that when the velocity is constant, the acceleration is zero since ∆𝑣 = v' - v = O. Units commonly used to
express the magnitude of acceleration are m/s2 or ft/s2.

Finally, an important differential relation involving the displacement, velocity, and acceleration along the path
may be obtained by eliminating the time differential dt between, which gives

𝑎 𝑑𝑠 = 𝑣 𝑑𝑣

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 HIGHER DERIVATIVES
Occasionally one may have a use for higher derivatives of position with respect to time. The time derivative of
acceleration is called jerk, and the time derivative of jerk is called jounce.

We will seldom, if ever, have need of these higher-order derivatives of x for this course, but for reference, they
are summarized in the Table below.
Time derivatives of position.

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 KINEMATICS EQUATION OF MOTION
*Uniform motion (Constant acceleration)
𝑠 = 𝑣𝑡

*Variable acceleration
𝑑𝑠
𝑣=
𝑑𝑡
Where acceleration “a” may be a function of
2 velocity “v”, time “t” or distance “s” and “v” may
𝑑𝑣 𝑑 𝑠 be a function of time “t” or distance “S”
𝑎= =
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 2

𝑎 𝑑𝑠 = 𝑣 𝑑𝑣

*Constant Acceleration
v = v0 + at Note:
Accelerating, acceleration = (+) a
s = v0 t + ½ at2 Decelerating, deceleration = (-) a
v2 = v02 + 2as

*Vertical motion
v = v0 + gt Note:
s = v0 t + ½ gt2 Upward motion = (-) g
v2 = v02 + 2gs Downward motion = (+) g

Where:
s = position (m, mi, ft)
v = Velocity (m/s , mi/hr, ft/s)
v0 = Initial velocity
t = Time (sec, min, hr)
a = Acceleration/ deceleration
g = acceleration due to gravity = 9.81 m/s2 or 32.2 ft/s2

SAMPLE PROBLEMS (Variable acceleration)

Example #1:
The car shown moves in a straight line such that for a short time its velocity is defined by s = (t3 – 2t2)
m. where t is in seconds. Determine the position, velocity and acceleration when t = 3 sec.

Solution:

Position: The car’s position can Velocity: The car’s velocity can Acceleration: The car’s
be determined by direct be determined by 𝑣 = 𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑠
acceleration can be determined
substitution. 𝑑𝑣
by 𝑎 = 𝑑𝑡
s = t3 – 2t2
s = t3 – 2t2 ;t=3 Differentiate function “s” v = 3t2 – 4t
s = (3)3 – 2(3)2 v = 3t2 – 4t Differentiate function “v”
s = 9 m. Substitute t = 3 sec a = 6t - 4
v = 3(3)2 – 4(3) Substitute t = 3 sec
v = 15 m/s a = 6(3) – 4
a = 14 m/s2

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 Example #2:
A particle travels along a straight line with a velocity of v = (5t3 – 14t2) ft/s, where s is in feet.
Determine the acceleration of the particle at t = 2 sec.

Solution:

Acceleration: The position of

the particle can be determined
𝑑𝑣
by 𝑎 =
𝑑𝑡

v = 5t3 – 14t2
Differentiate function “v”
a = 15 t2 – 28t
Substitute t = 2 sec
a = 15(2)2 – 28(2)
a = 4 ft/s2

Example #3:
The position of the particle is given by S = ( 3t2 + 2t - 10 ) m, where t is in seconds. Determine the
acceleration of the particle when t = 0.5 sec

Solution:

Acceleration: The position of

the particle can be determined
𝑑𝑣 𝑑2 𝑠
by 𝑎 = 𝑑𝑡
or 𝑑𝑡 2

s = t3 + 5t - 10
Differentiate function “s”
v = 3t2 + 5
Differentiate function “v”
a = 6t
Substitute t = 0.5 sec
a = 6(0.5)
a=3

(Constant acceleration)

Example #4:
A train starts from rest at a station and travels with a constant acceleration of 2 m/s2. Determine the
velocity of the train when t = 20 sec and the distance traveled during this time.

Solution:

Given: Velocity: Distance travelled by the train

Initial velocity, v0 = 0 at t = 30 sec:
Time, t = 20 sec v = v0 + at
Acceleration, a = 2m/s2 v = 0 + (2m/s2)(20s) s = v0 t + 12 at2
v = 60 m/s s = (0)(20s) + 12(2m/s2)(202)
s = 400 m

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 Example #5:
Initially, the car travels along a straight road with a speed of 35 m/s. If the brakes are applied and the
speed of the car is reduced to 10 m/s in 15 s, determine the constant deceleration and distance travelled by
the car?

Solution:

Given: Deceleration of the car: Distance travelled by the car:

v = 10 m/s
v0 = 35 m/s v = v0 + at s = v0 t + 12 at2
t = 15 s 10m/s = 35m/s + (a)(15s) s = (35m/s)(14s) + 12 (-1.67m/s2)(15s)2
a = -1.67 m/s2 s = 337.50 m

Example #6:
A car starts from rest and with constant acceleration achieves a velocity of 15 m/s when it travels a
distance of 200 m. Determine the acceleration of the car and the time required.

Solution:

Given: Acceleration of the car: Time required:

v = 15 m/s
v0 = 0 v2 = v02 + 2as v = v0 + at
s = 200 m (15m/s)2 = 0 + 2a (200m) 15m/s = 0 + (0.5625m/s2)(t)
a=
(15 𝑚/𝑠)2 t = 26.67 sec.
2(200𝑚)
a = 0.5625 m/s2

(Vertical motion)

Example #7:
A ball is thrown vertically upward with a speed of 40 ft/s. Determine the time of flight when it returns to its
original position.

Solution:

Note: Time required for the ball to Maximum height the ball reached.
Due to gravity, an reach its maximum height.
object thrown upward (v = 0) s = v0 t + 12 gt2
will definitely come *Upward motion = (-)g s = 40ft/s (1.24s) + 12 (-32.2ft/s2)(1.24s)2
down s = 24.84 ft
v = v0 + gt
For ES units, use 0 = 40ft/s + (-32.2 ft/s)(t)
g = 32.2 ft/s2 t1 = 1.24 sec

Time required for the ball to Overall time for the ball to
reach its original position. (v0 reach its original position
= 0)
*Downward motion = (+)g Total time = t1 + t2
Total time = 2.48 sec
s = v0 t + 12 gt2
24.84 ft = 0 + 12 (32.2ft/s2)(t2)
t2 = 1.24 sec

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 Example #8:
A stoneis dropped from a 15m high building. How long will it take the ball to reach the ground?

Solution:

Note: Time required for the ball to reach the

The word ‘dropped’ ground:
means, the initial
velocity of the ball is s = v0 t + 12 gt2
zero, v0 = 0 15m = 0 + 12 (9.81 m/s2) t2
t =1.75 sec
For SI units, use,
g =9.81 m/s2

Example #9:
A ball is thrown vertically upward with a speed of 15 m/s. Determine the time required for the ball to reach its
maximum height. Determine the maximum height the ball can reach.

Solution:

Note: Time required for the ball to Maximum height the ball can reach.
Due to gravity, an reach its maximum height.
object thrown upward (v = 0) s = v0 t + 12 gt2
will definitely come *Upward motion = (-)g s = 15m/s (1.53s) + 12 (-9.81m/s2)(1.53s)2
down. s = 11.47 m
v = v0 + gt
For SI units, use, 0 = 15m/s + (-9.81m/s)(t)
g =9.81 m/s2 t = 1.53 s

Reference:
PDFs:
R.C HIBBELER (2010), “Dynamics “, 12th Edition, Pearson Prentice Hall
David G. Simpson & Larry L. Simpson, “General Physics I”, 2020

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 PHYSICS
Problem set #2 (Kinematics- rectilinear motion)

Name: ___________________________________
Course & year: ____________ Score: _________

Answer the following problem Set: Show your solution in a long bond paper or in a yellow pad paper. (No back
to back solution)

Problem #1 A particle travels along a straight line with a velocity of v = (2t2 – t3) m/s, where t is in seconds.
Determine the position of the particle when t = 4 s. (2 points)

Problem #2 A particle travels along a straight line with a speed v = (0.5t3 – 8t) m/s, where t is in seconds.
Determine the acceleration of the particle when t = 2 s. (2 points)

Problem #3 The position of a particle along a straight line is given by s = (1.5t3 - 13.5t2 + 22.5t) ft, where t is in
seconds. Determine the position of the particle when t = 6 s and the total distance it travels. (4 points)

Problem #4 The position of the particle is given by s = (2t2 – 8t + 6) m, where t is in seconds. Determine the
time when the velocity of the particle is zero, and the total distance travelled by the particle when t = 3 s.
(4 points)

Problem #5 A train starts from rest at a station and travels with a constant acceleration of 1 m/s2 . Determine
the velocity of the train when t = 30 s and the distance travelled during this time. (4 points)

Problem #6 A car is traveling at 15 m/s, when the traffic light 50 m ahead turns yellow. Determine the required
constant deceleration of the car and the time needed to stop the car at the light. (4 points)

Problem #7 A car starts from rest and with constant acceleration achieves a velocity of 15 m/s when it travels a
distance of 200 m. Determine the acceleration of the car and the time required. (4 points)

Problem #8 A ball is thrown vertically upward with a speed of 20 m/s. Determine the time of flight when it
returns to its original position. (2 points)

Problem #9 An elevator descends from rest with an acceleration of 5 ft/s2 until it achieves a velocity of 15
ft/s. Determine the time required and the distance travelled. (4 points)

Problem #10 A stone is dropped from a tower, if it reaches the ground in 3 seconds determine how high is the
tower. (2 points)

Problem #11 Ball A is thrown vertically upward from the top of a 30-m-high-building with an initial velocity
of 5 m/s. At the same instant another ball B is thrown upward from the ground with an initial velocity of 20
m/s. Determine the height from the ground and the time at which they pass.

Problem #12 Two car is travelling in the same direction. Car A is running at a speed of 60KPH and
accelerating at 3 m/s2 while the other car is running at a speed of 20KPH and accelerating at 2m/s2 . When will
car A overtakes car B if they are 400 m apart? And what will be their speed during this time?

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