Two stones are thrown up simultaneously | Class 11 Physics Chapter Motion in a straight Line, Motion in a straight Line NCERT Solutions

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Physics - Chapter Motion in a straight Line. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 1, Question 26: . With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.

Question 26:

Two stones are thrown up simultaneously from the edge of a cliff 200 m high with initial speeds of 15 m s–1 and 30 m s–1. Verify that the graph shown in Fig. 3.27 correctly represents the time variation of the relative position of the second stone with respect to the first. Neglect air resistance and assume that the stones do not rebound after hitting the ground. Take g = 10 m s–2. Give the equations for the linear and curved parts of the plot.

Answer:

For first stone:

Initial velocity, uI = 15 m/s

Acceleration, a = –g = – 10 m/s2

Using the relation,

x1 = x0 + u1t  +  ½ at2

Where, height of the cliff , x0 = 200m

x1 =  200  +  15t  -   5t2             ...... (i)

When this stone hits the ground, x1 = 0

∴– 5t2 + 15t + 200 = 0

t2 – 3t – 40 = 0

t2 – 8t + 5t – 40 = 0

t (t – 8) + 5 (t – 8) = 0

t = 8 s or t = – 5 s

Since the stone was projected at time t = 0, the negative sign before time is meaningless.

∴t = 8 s

 

For second stone:

Initial velocity, uII = 30 m/s

Acceleration, a = –g = – 10 m/s2

Using the relation,

x2 = x0 + ullt  +  ½ at2

= 200 + 30t - 5t2         ..... (ii)

At the moment when this stone hits the ground; x2 = 0

– 5t2 + 30 t + 200 = 0

t2 – 6t – 40 = 0

t2 – 10t + 4t + 40 = 0

t (t – 10) + 4 (t – 10) = 0

t (t – 10) (t + 4) = 0 t

= 10 s or t = – 4 s

Here again, the negative sign is meaningless.

∴t = 10 s

Subtracting equations (i) and (ii), we get

x2 - x1 = (200 + 30t - 5t2)  -  ( 200 + 15t + – 5t2)

x2 - x=  15t              .... (iii)

Equation (iii) represents the linear path of both stones.

Due to this linear relation between (x2 – x1) and t, the path remains a straight line till 8 s.

Maximum separation between the two stones is at t = 8 s.

(x2 – x1)max  = 15× 8 = 120 m

This is in accordance with the given graph.

After 8 s, only second stone is in motion whose variation with time is given by the quadratic equation: x2 – x1 = 200 + 30t – 5t2

Hence, the equation of linear and curved path is given by

x2 – x1 = 15t (Linear path)

x2 – x1 = 200 + 30t – 5t2 (Curved path)


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  • Read the question carefully and focus on the core concept being asked.
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Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Physics - Chapter . This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Excercise 1 , Question 26: Two stones are thrown up simultaneously from the edge of a cliff 200 m high with initial speeds of 1....