Q.Give the magnitude and direction of the net force acting on a stone of mass 0.1 kg,
Neglect air resistance throughout.
Concept understanding — Newton Second Law
Newton's Second Law: The Law That Connects Force and Motion
Imagine you're pushing a shopping cart. If you push gently, it moves slowly. Push harder, and it speeds up faster. Now imagine the cart is full of groceries — even with the same push, it accelerates much more slowly than an empty cart. This everyday experience is exactly what Newton's Second Law captures.
The Intuition First
Two things matter when you push something:
- How hard you push — the force you apply.
- How heavy the object is — its mass.
The harder you push, the more the object speeds up. The heavier the object, the less it speeds up for the same push. So acceleration depends on both force and mass — and in opposite ways.
"Acceleration" here means any change in velocity — speeding up, slowing down, or changing direction. It's not just "going faster."
The Precise Statement
Newton's Second Law says:
The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it, and inversely proportional to its mass. The acceleration is in the same direction as the net force.
In one equation:
a=mFnet
Or more commonly:
Fnet=ma
Where:
- Fnet is the net force (the vector sum of all forces acting on the object) — measured in newtons (N)
- m is the mass of the object — measured in kilograms (kg)
- a is the acceleration — measured in metres per second squared (m/s2)
Fnet=ma
What This Really Means
Force causes acceleration, not velocity. A constant net force produces constant acceleration — meaning the velocity keeps changing at a steady rate. If you stop pushing, the net force becomes zero, and acceleration becomes zero (the object continues at constant velocity — that's Newton's First Law).
Mass is a measure of inertia. The more mass an object has, the harder it is to change its motion. A truck needs a much larger force than a bicycle to achieve the same acceleration.
Direction matters. Force and acceleration are vectors — they point the same way. If you push north, the acceleration is north. If multiple forces act, you must add them as vectors to find the net force.
A Simple Example
A 2 kg block is pushed with a net force of 10 N to the right.
a=mFnet=2 kg10 N=5 m/s2
The block accelerates at 5 m/s2 to the right. Every second, its velocity increases by 5 m/s in that direction.
A common mistake: thinking that a constant force means constant velocity. It doesn't — constant force means constant acceleration, so velocity keeps changing. Only when net force is zero does velocity stay constant.
Why This Law Is So Powerful
Newton's Second Law is the bridge between forces (the causes) and motion (the effects). It lets you:
- Predict how an object will move if you know the forces on it
- Calculate the force needed to produce a desired motion
- Understand why heavier things are harder to accelerate
It applies everywhere — from a ball you throw to a rocket launching into space. The same law governs them all.
For quick revision, remember that Newton Second Law is drawn directly from the Laws of Motion coverage of the NCERT/CBSE Class 11 Physics syllabus and recurs often in JEE Main and NEET papers, which is exactly why "Newton Second Law important questions" shows up so often in Physics question banks. The clearest way to build exam confidence here is to combine this explanation with the NCERT Physics textbook's own solved examples and chapter-end questions.
Concept: Newton’s second law — net force equals mass times acceleration (F=ma). In free fall, the only force is gravity; when the stone is at rest relative to an accelerating train, the net force must provide the same acceleration, and the vertical weight is balanced by the vertical normal reaction (it is NOT part of the net force in that case).
(a) Just after being dropped from a stationary train, the stone is in free fall.
Only gravity acts:
F=mg=0.1×9.8=0.98 N, vertically downward.
(b) The train moves at constant velocity — no horizontal acceleration.
Just after dropping, the stone still has only gravity:
F=0.98 N, vertically downward.
(c) The train accelerates at 1 m/s2 horizontally. Just after dropping, the stone retains the train’s horizontal velocity but no longer experiences the train’s horizontal force — so only gravity acts:
F=0.98 N, vertically downward.
(d) The stone is at rest relative to the accelerating train and lies on its floor, so it does not accelerate vertically — its weight mg is exactly balanced by the floor's normal reaction N, and this balanced pair contributes nothing to the net force. The only unbalanced force is the horizontal one needed to give the stone the train's horizontal acceleration:
Fnet=ma=0.1×1=0.1 N
directed horizontally, in the direction of the train's motion (its acceleration).
- 0.98 N downward.
- 0.98 N downward.
- 0.98 N downward.
- 0.1 N horizontal, in the direction of the train's acceleration (motion).
The net force on the stone is simply its weight (mg) downward in (a), (b), and (c) because only gravity acts after release. In (d), the stone is at rest relative to the accelerating train, so the net force must provide the same acceleration as the train — it is 0.1 N in the train’s direction of motion.
The key is to apply Newton’s second law: net force = mass × acceleration. Once you identify what acceleration the stone actually has, the force follows directly. Air resistance is neglected, so the only real force in free fall is gravity.
Let’s go case by case.
-
Case (a) — dropped from a stationary train
Just after release, the stone is in free fall. The only force acting is its weight, vertically downward.
Weight = mg=0.1×9.8=0.98 N.
So the net force is 0.98 N downward.
-
Case (b) — dropped from a train moving at constant velocity
Constant velocity means zero acceleration. Just after release, the stone still has the same horizontal velocity as the train (inertia), but no horizontal force acts on it. The only force is still gravity.
Net force = 0.98 N downward, exactly as in (a).
Watch outA common mistake is to think the stone “keeps” the train’s force after release. It doesn’t — once released, the train no longer pushes it. The stone’s horizontal motion is due to inertia, not a force.
-
Case (c) — dropped from an accelerating train
The train accelerates at 1 m/s2. Just after release, the stone is no longer in contact with the train, so no horizontal force from the train acts on it. Only gravity acts.
Net force = 0.98 N downward.
TipThe stone’s horizontal velocity at the instant of release equals the train’s velocity at that instant, but since no horizontal force acts, its horizontal acceleration is zero. The net force is purely vertical.
-
Case (d) — stone lying on the floor of an accelerating train, at rest relative to the train
Here the stone is in contact with the train and moves with it. The train accelerates at 1 m/s2, so the stone must also accelerate at 1 m/s2 horizontally.
By Newton’s second law, the net horizontal force on the stone is
Fnet=ma=0.1×1=0.1 N
in the direction of the train’s acceleration.
Vertically, weight and normal reaction cancel (stone doesn’t accelerate vertically), so the net force is purely horizontal.
Fnet=mastone
The stone is at rest relative to the train, so its acceleration equals the train’s acceleration.
- 0.98 N downward.
- 0.98 N downward.
- 0.98 N downward.
- 0.1 N in the direction of the train’s acceleration.
Concept: Distinguishing Free Fall from Motion "At Rest Relative to an Accelerating Frame"
Step 1: Cases (a), (b), (c) — the stone is dropped (loses contact with the train)
The instant it is released, the train can no longer exert any force on it. The only force remaining is gravity, regardless of whether the train was stationary, moving at constant velocity, or accelerating at the moment of release (its own horizontal velocity at release is irrelevant to the force on it afterward — only contact forces matter, and contact is gone):
F=mg=0.1×9.8=0.98 N, downward
Step 2: Case (d) — the stone stays on the train's floor
Now the stone is in contact with the accelerating train and moves with it, so it shares the train's horizontal acceleration a=1 m s−2.
Step 3: Resolve forces on the stone in case (d)
Vertically: weight mg down, normal reaction N up. Since the stone does not accelerate vertically, N=mg — these two cancel and contribute nothing to the net force.
Horizontally: the only unbalanced force is what accelerates the stone with the train, Fx=ma.
Step 4: Compute
Fx=0.1×1=0.1 N, horizontal, in the direction of the train’s acceleration
Final Answer:
(a) 0.98 N downward; (b) 0.98 N downward; (c) 0.98 N downward; (d) 0.1 N horizontal (in the direction of the train's motion) — not a diagonal combination with gravity, since the vertical forces are balanced in case (d).
Showing the 12 most recent of 36 on this concept.
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-12-FN1 markMCQQ.Two blocks of masses m and M are connected by an inextensible light string [figure: block m rests on the ground on the left; a string runs from the top of block m up at an angle θ to the horizontal to the top of block M on the right]. A constant horizontal force f acts on the block of mass M, then tension in the string is (Neglect friction) (A) (M+m)cosθmf (B) mcosθMf (C) (M+m)cosθMf (D) Mcosθmf
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests constrained motion with an inclined connector: since the blocks stay on the ground, only the horizontal component of tension does any accelerating work on m. Treat the system together first, then isolate a block. Answer: (A).
Concept and Intuition
Both blocks slide on the same horizontal floor, so both must have the same horizontal acceleration a (the string is inextensible and stays taut). The string leaves the top of m at angle θ to reach the top of M, so tension acts along this slanted direction at each end. But block m cannot move vertically — the floor's normal force silently absorbs the vertical component Tsinθ of the pull on m. Only the horizontal component Tcosθ actually accelerates m along the floor. This is the key simplification: the incline of the string matters only for splitting T into components, not for the kinematics, because both blocks still move purely horizontally together.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Whole system: the only external horizontal force is f (friction is neglected, and the vertical forces — weights, normal reactions, vertical component of T on each block — cancel out with the floor). So
f=(M+m)a⇒a=M+mf.
- Isolate block m: the only horizontal force on m is the horizontal component of the tension, Tcosθ (there is no friction, and the vertical component Tsinθ is balanced by the floor's normal reaction, which adjusts to keep m on the ground). Newton's second law horizontally:
Tcosθ=ma.
- Substitute a:
T=cosθma=cosθm⋅M+mf=(M+m)cosθmf.
Common Mistakes
- Writing the equation for M using T instead of Tcosθ (forgetting the string is inclined for M too — but since we solved via the system + block m, this never needs to be done separately; if you check it as a consistency test, f−Tcosθ=Ma must also hold).
- Including Tsinθ in m's horizontal equation — it's a vertical component and plays no role in horizontal acceleration.
- Forgetting that both blocks must share the same acceleration only because both remain on the (same) floor — this is what lets you add the equations for the whole system cleanly.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A) — (M+m)cosθmf.
ANSWER: A
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-12-AN1 markMCQQ.A block of mass 2 kg placed on a rough horizontal surface is pulled with a force of 30 N which makes an angle of sin−1(0.6) with the horizontal. If the coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the surface is 0.4, then the acceleration of the block is (Acceleration due to gravity = 10 ms−2) (A) 8.8 ms−2 (B) 11.6 ms−2 (C) 5.8 ms−2 (D) 10.6 ms−2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Since the pull has an upward component, it reduces the normal force (and hence friction) below mg. Careful force resolution gives a=11.6 ms−2.
Concept and Intuition
When a force is applied at an angle above the horizontal to drag a block, its vertical component partially lifts the block, reducing the normal reaction from the surface (compared to a purely horizontal pull). Since kinetic friction is μN, a smaller N means less friction opposing the motion — this must be accounted for before computing net horizontal force.
Step-by-Step Solution
- θ=sin−1(0.6)⇒sinθ=0.6, cosθ=0.8 (3-4-5 triangle).
- Horizontal component of applied force: Fx=30cosθ=30(0.8)=24 N.
- Vertical (upward) component: Fy=30sinθ=30(0.6)=18 N.
- Vertical equilibrium (block stays on surface): N+Fy=mg⇒N=mg−Fy=(2)(10)−18=20−18=2 N.
- Kinetic friction: f=μN=0.4(2)=0.8 N.
- Newton's second law horizontally: Fx−f=ma⇒24−0.8=2a⇒a=223.2=11.6 ms−2.
Common Mistakes
- Using N=mg (ignoring the vertical component of the applied force) — this is the classic trap that this question is built to catch.
- Adding rather than subtracting Fy from mg when the pull is above the horizontal (lifting, not pressing down).
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — 11.6 ms−2.
ANSWER: B
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-12-AN1 markMCQQ.A body of mass 5 kg at rest is acted upon by two forces 30 N and F. If the angle between the forces is 600 and the distance travelled by the body in a time of 2s under the action of these forces is 28m, then F = (A) 60N (B) 40N (C) 50N (D) 30N
›Reveal solutionSolution
The kinematics gives the net (resultant) force from the distance-time data; the law of vector addition (parallelogram law / law of cosines) then lets us solve for the unknown force F. The answer is 50 N.
Concept and Intuition
A body starting from rest under a constant net force undergoes uniform acceleration, so s=21at2 gives us the acceleration directly from the motion data — no need to know the individual forces to find the resultant force (R=ma). Once we know R, the two individual forces (30 N and F) at a known angle combine via the standard R2=F12+F22+2F1F2cosθ relation (same as the law of cosines for the resultant of two vectors).
Step-by-Step Solution
- Body starts from rest (u=0); distance s=28 m in t=2 s. Using s=ut+21at2: 28=0+21a(4)=2a⇒a=14 ms−2.
- Resultant force: R=ma=5(14)=70 N.
- Law of cosines for two forces at angle 60∘: R2=302+F2+2(30)(F)cos60∘=900+F2+30F (since cos60∘=0.5).
- Substitute R=70: 4900=900+F2+30F⇒F2+30F−4000=0.
- Solve the quadratic: F=2−30±900+16000=2−30±16900=2−30±130. Taking the positive root: F=2100=50 N.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting the initial-rest condition and using a wrong kinematic equation.
- Sign/arithmetic slip solving the quadratic, or taking the negative (unphysical) root.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C) — 50N.
ANSWER: C
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-14-AN1 markMCQQ.3 kg block on rough incline 37∘ is connected to a hanging mass of 4 kg. If the coefficient of friction between the 3 kg block and the rough incline μ=0.25, then acceleration of the system is [FIGURE: a 3 kg block resting on a frictional incline of angle 37∘, connected by a string over a pulley at the top of the incline to a hanging 4 kg mass] [g=10 ms−2, sin37∘=0.6, cos37∘=0.8] (A) 2.28 ms−2 (B) 1.08 ms−2 (C) 3.2 ms−2 (D) Zero
›Reveal solutionSolution
A connected system (block on rough incline + hanging mass over a pulley) is solved with Newton's second law for the system as a whole; the hanging mass wins the tug-of-war and the acceleration comes out to ≈2.28 ms−2.
Concept and Intuition
The string constrains both masses to have the same magnitude of acceleration. To find the direction of motion, we first compare the 'driving' force (weight of the hanging mass) against the 'resisting' forces on the incline (gravity component + friction). Since 40 N>18 N+6 N, the hanging mass falls and the block is dragged up the incline, so friction acts down the incline (opposing relative motion).
Step-by-Step Solution
- Forces on hanging 4 kg mass (taking its falling direction as positive): weight =4×10=40 N downward, tension T upward.
- Forces on the 3 kg block along the incline (block accelerates up the incline): gravity component =3×10×sin37°=3×10×0.6=18 N down the incline; friction f=μN=μmgcos37°=0.25×3×10×0.8=6 N, acting down the incline (opposing the block's upward motion); tension T up the incline.
- Newton's second law for the hanging mass: 40−T=4a.
- Newton's second law for the block: T−18−6=3a.
- Add the two equations to eliminate T: 40−18−6=7a⇒16=7a⇒a=16/7≈2.286 ms−2.
- This rounds to the given option 2.28 ms−2.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting friction acts opposing relative sliding (i.e., down the incline here, not up).
- Not checking which way the system actually moves before assigning friction's direction.
- Using sin37°=0.6,cos37°=0.8 swapped.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A) — 2.28 ms−2.
ANSWER: A
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-18-FN1 markMCQQ.A solid sphere of mass 2 kg is at rest inside a cube as shown in the figure. [FIGURE] (a cube resting on a horizontal surface, with a solid sphere positioned at its bottom-left inside corner; the cube moves to the right along the x-axis with velocity vector v shown by an arrow) Now the cube moves with a velocity, v=(5ti^+2tj^) ms−1. Here t is time in seconds. If the sphere is at rest with respect to cube, the force exerted by the sphere on the cube is (All surfaces are smooth and take g=10ms−2) (A) 29 N (B) 29 N (C) 26 N (D) 89 N
›Reveal solutionSolution
The sphere accelerates with the cube; applying Newton's second law along both the horizontal (wall-contact) and vertical (floor-contact) directions gives reaction forces of 10 N and 24 N, whose resultant on the cube is 26 N.
Concept and Intuition
Since the sphere is at rest relative to the cube, it must be accelerating with the cube's acceleration in the ground frame. Two contact forces act on the sphere — the normal reaction from the floor (vertical) and from the left wall (horizontal) — and together with gravity they must produce exactly this acceleration. By Newton's third law, the sphere pushes back on the cube's wall and floor with equal and opposite forces; since these two reaction forces are mutually perpendicular (one horizontal, one vertical), their resultant magnitude on the cube is found via Pythagoras.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Cube's velocity: v=(5ti^+2tj^) m/s, so its acceleration a=dtdv=(5i^+2j^) m/s² — constant.
- The sphere (mass m=2 kg) sits in the bottom-left interior corner, touching the floor (vertical normal force N1, upward) and the left wall (horizontal normal force N2, pushing the sphere in +x, away from the wall).
- Since the sphere shares the cube's acceleration, apply Newton's second law componentwise:
- Horizontal (x): N2=max=2×5=10 N.
- Vertical (y): N1−mg=may⇒N1=m(g+ay)=2×(10+2)=24 N.
- By Newton's third law, the sphere exerts a force of magnitude N2=10 N on the wall (directed into the wall, i.e. −x) and a force of magnitude N1=24 N on the floor (directed into the floor, i.e. −y).
- These two reaction forces (on two different, perpendicular surfaces of the cube) combine as a net force on the cube of magnitude N12+N22=242+102=576+100=676=26 N.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting to add the cube's own acceleration to gravity when computing the vertical normal force (using N1=mg alone).
- Not realizing that "force exerted by the sphere on the cube" is the vector sum (Pythagorean resultant) of the two separate contact reactions, not just one of them.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C) — 26 N.
ANSWER: C
- AP EAPCET 2026Set ap-2026-05-19-AN1 markMCQQ.A body of mass 5 kg is acted upon by a force Fˉ=(−3i+4j)N. If its initial velocity at t=0 is, uˉ=(6i−12j)ms−1, the time at which it will just have a velocity along the y-axis is (A) Never (B) 10 sec (C) 2 sec (D) 15 sec
›Reveal solutionSolution
The velocity becomes purely along the y-axis when its x-component vanishes; solving vx(t)=0 gives t=10 s.
Concept and Intuition
"Velocity along the y-axis" means the velocity vector has zero x-component (and a non-zero y-component). Since the force is constant, the acceleration is constant, so each velocity component varies linearly with time — we just need to find when the x-component crosses zero.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Acceleration components: a=F/m=5(−3i^+4j^)=(−0.6i^+0.8j^) ms−2.
- Velocity as a function of time: vx(t)=ux+axt=6−0.6t; vy(t)=uy+ayt=−12+0.8t.
- Set vx(t)=0: 6−0.6t=0⟹t=0.66=10 s.
- Check vy(10)=−12+0.8(10)=−4 ms−1=0, confirming the velocity vector is genuinely along the y-axis (not the zero vector) at t=10 s.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting to check that vy=0 at that instant (otherwise the velocity would be zero, not "along the y-axis").
- Sign errors when dividing the force components by the mass.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — 10 sec.
ANSWER: B
- AP EAPCET 2026Set ap-2026-05-19-AN1 markMCQQ.A body of mass 2kg is at rest. When two forces 3N and 4N act on the body in perpendicular directions simultaneously, magnitude and direction of the resultant acceleration are respectively (A) 2 ms−2, Tan−1(3/4) with 4 N Force (B) 2.5 ms−2, Tan−1(3/4) with 3 N Force (C) 2.5 ms−2, Tan−1(3/4) with 4 N Force (D) 2 ms−2, Tan−1(4/3) with 3 N Force
›Reveal solutionSolution
Two perpendicular forces (3 N, 4 N) combine to a 5 N resultant, giving acceleration 2.5 ms−2 directed at tan−1(3/4) from the 4 N force.
Concept and Intuition
When two forces act perpendicular to each other, they form the two legs of a right triangle, and the resultant is the hypotenuse — a direct application of vector addition (and Newton's second law to get acceleration).
Step-by-Step Solution
- Magnitude of resultant force: F=32+42=9+16=25=5 N.
- Acceleration: a=F/m=5/2=2.5 ms−2.
- Direction: placing the 4 N force along a reference axis, the 3 N force is perpendicular to it. The angle ϕ the resultant makes with the 4 N force satisfies
tanϕ=adjacent (4 N)opposite (3 N)=43⟹ϕ=tan−1(3/4)
(Measuring the angle relative to the 3 N force instead would give tan−1(4/3), a different value — so the reference force matters.)
Common Mistakes
- Swapping which force is used as the reference axis, mixing up tan−1(3/4) with tan−1(4/3).
- Forgetting to divide the resultant force by mass to get acceleration.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C) — 2.5 ms−2, Tan−1(3/4) with 4 N Force.
ANSWER: C
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-21-AN1 markMCQQ.A body of mass 5 kg starts from the origin with an initial velocity (30i^+40j^) ms−1. If a constant force −(i^+5j^) N acts on the body, then the time in which the y-component of its velocity becomes zero is (A) 5 s (B) 20 s (C) 40 s (D) 80 s
›Reveal solutionSolution
With constant force −(i^+5j^) N on a 5 kg body, the y-acceleration is −1 ms−2; starting from vy=40 ms−1, it takes (C) 40 s to reach zero.
Concept and Intuition
Since force, mass, and initial velocity are all given in component form, we can treat the x- and y-motions completely independently (Newton's second law applies component-wise). We only need the y-component of the force and initial velocity to find when vy becomes zero — the x-motion is irrelevant to this question.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Given: m=5 kg, u=(30i^+40j^) ms−1, F=−(i^+5j^) N.
- Acceleration: a=F/m=5−(1,5)=(−0.2,−1) ms−2.
- So ay=−1 ms−2, constant.
- y-velocity as a function of time: vy(t)=uy+ayt=40−t.
- Set vy(t)=0: 40−t=0 ⇒ t=40 s.
Common Mistakes
- Using the x-component of force/velocity by mistake instead of the y-component.
- Forgetting to divide the force by mass to get acceleration before using v=u+at.
- Sign errors on the force direction (the force is −j^ direction in the y-component, which correctly decelerates the positive uy=40).
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C) — 40 s.
ANSWER: C
- AP EAPCET 2025Set ap-2025-05-19-AN1 markMCQQ.Two blocks of masses 8 kg and 12 kg kept on smooth horizontal table are connected to the ends of a light string as shown in the figure. If a horizontal force of 500 N is applied to the block of mass 12 kg, then the tension in the string connecting the blocks is [FIGURE] (two blocks, 8 kg and 12 kg, resting on a horizontal table and joined by a string; a horizontal force of 500 N is applied to the 12 kg block, pulling it away from the 8 kg block) (A) 200 N (B) 300 N (C) 500 N (D) 250 N
›Reveal solutionSolution
The two blocks accelerate together under the 500 N force; applying Newton’s second law to the whole system gives the acceleration, and then isolating the 8 kg block yields the tension. The tension is 200 N, so option (A) is correct.
Why this approach works
When two objects are connected by a light, inextensible string on a smooth (frictionless) table, they must move with the same acceleration. The string is “light” — its mass is negligible — so the tension is the same at both ends.
Newton’s second law, Fnet=ma, can be applied in two powerful ways:
- To the whole system – this gives the common acceleration directly, because the tension is an internal force and cancels out.
- To just one block – this lets us solve for the tension, since we already know the acceleration.
The key insight: the tension is not the applied force; it is only the force needed to accelerate the 8 kg block at the same rate as the whole system.
Step‑by‑step solution
1. Find the acceleration of the whole system
The total mass being pulled is
mtotal=8 kg+12 kg=20 kg.
The only external horizontal force on the system is the 500 N pull (the string tension is internal, so it does not appear in the system‑level equation).
Applying Newton’s second law to the whole system:
Fnet=mtotala⇒500 N=20 kg×a.
Thus
a=20500=25 m/s2.
TipBecause the table is smooth, there is no friction to subtract. If friction were present, we would need to subtract the total friction from 500 N first.
2. Isolate the 8 kg block to find tension
Now look only at the 8 kg block. The only horizontal force acting on it is the tension T in the string, pulling it to the right.
Since it accelerates at a=25 m/s2 (same as the whole system), Newton’s second law gives:
T=m1a=8 kg×25 m/s2=200 N.
Watch outA common mistake is to think the tension equals the applied force (500 N). That would only happen if the 8 kg block were fixed or if the string were not accelerating the 12 kg block. Here, part of the 500 N is used to accelerate the 12 kg block itself, so the tension is smaller.
3. (Optional) Check with the 12 kg block
For completeness, apply Newton’s second law to the 12 kg block. The forces on it are:
- 500 N to the right (applied),
- Tension T to the left (from the string).
Net force:
500−T=m2a=12×25=300 N.
So 500−T=300 gives T=200 N, confirming our result.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A).
ANSWER: A
- AP EAPCET 2025Set ap-2025-05-19-AN1 markMCQQ.A force of 18 N is acting in the direction of motion of a body of mass 3 kg moving with a velocity of 2 m s−1. The velocity of the body when it displaces by 5 m is (A) 4 m s−1 (B) 6 m s−1 (C) 10 m s−1 (D) 8 m s−1
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests the work-energy/kinematics relation for a body under constant force over a given displacement. The answer is (D) 8 m s−1.
Concept and Intuition
A constant force acting in the direction of motion produces constant acceleration (Newton's second law), and once we know that acceleration, the standard kinematic relation connecting velocity and displacement (which doesn't require knowing time) directly gives the final speed after a given displacement.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Acceleration from the applied force: a=F/m=18/3=6 m/s2.
- Initial velocity: u=2 m/s; displacement: s=5 m.
- Apply v2=u2+2as=(2)2+2(6)(5)=4+60=64.
- So v=64=8 m/s.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting to square the initial velocity or mis-applying the kinematic equation (e.g., using v=u+at without first finding t, which is unnecessary extra work but should still give the same answer if done correctly).
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D) — 8 m s−1.
ANSWER: D
- AP EAPCET 2025Set ap-2025-05-20-AN1 markMCQQ.A force of 10 N acts on a body of mass 2 kg in the direction of motion of the body. If the velocity of the body at a time t = 0 is 13 m s−1, then the velocity of the body at time t = 3s is (A) 20 m s−1 (B) 24 m s−1 (C) 28 m s−1 (D) 32 m s−1
›Reveal solutionSolution
A constant force along the direction of motion produces a constant acceleration; applying v=v0+at with a=5m/s2 gives 28m/s at t=3s.
Concept and Intuition
Since the applied force acts in the same direction as the body's motion, it simply produces a constant acceleration in that same direction (no need to worry about direction reversal or components). This is a direct application of Newton's second law followed by the first equation of motion.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Compute acceleration: a=mF=2kg10N=5 ms−2.
- Apply the kinematic equation: v=v0+at.
- Substitute: v=13+5×3=13+15=28 ms−1.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting that the force is along the direction of motion (so it simply adds to speed, no vector decomposition needed) and making an arithmetic slip in 5×3.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C) — 28 ms−1.
ANSWER: C
- AP EAPCET 2025Set ap-2025-05-20-FN1 markMCQQ.The minimum force required to stop a body of mass 4 kg moving along a straight line with a velocity of 54 kmph in a distance of 9 m is (A) 75 N (B) 100 N (C) 50 N (D) 25 N
›Reveal solutionSolution
Using v2=u2−2as to find the deceleration and then F=ma gives the stopping force as 50 N.
Concept and Intuition
A force applied opposite to motion decelerates a body uniformly (constant force ⇒ constant deceleration). Kinematics gives the deceleration needed to stop the body over the given distance, and Newton's second law converts that deceleration into the required force.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Convert the initial speed: u=54 kmph=54×185=15 ms−1.
- Final speed v=0 (body stops), distance s=9 m.
- Use v2=u2−2as:
0=152−2a(9)⟹2a(9)=225⟹a=18225=12.5 ms−2
- Apply Newton's second law: F=ma=4×12.5=50 N.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting to convert kmph to m/s before using the kinematic equation.
- Sign errors: since the body decelerates, a in v2=u2−2as should be treated as a deceleration (subtracted), which is exactly what was done above.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C) — 50 N.
ANSWER: C
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