PROF.

ARDAMAN SIDHU
HKSIS

PRESENTS

LECTURES IN PHYSICS
In collaboration with

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 How to solve

PHYSICS NUMERICALS
QUICK AND EASY SOLUTIONS
The technique
Prof. Ardaman Sidhu

For all your physics problem

Call me at….
Email me….. hksidhuinstitute@gmail.com
Learn at… HKS Institute of Science, Ludhiana
 SKETCHING
Read the whole problem and make sure you
understand it.
Then read it again and then sketch
Draw a diagram and choose coordinate axes.
The step–1

It is the visual simplification of the problem.

This helps a student in, in-depth understanding

of the problem.

Note
60% of the problem gets solved, during the sketching
of the problem.
 DIVIDE & RULE
It is a well known fact, that ‘divide & rule’
though bitter, helps in better and successful
ruling.
The step–2

Similarly, a student should be aware of the

principle of ‘how to divide & rule’ the problem.
During the application of this step, we
split the problem into segments or cases.

The division shall happen in such a way,

that one case contains given data and
other/s contain/s the required terms.
 DATA NOTING
This step is also called ‘Heart of the problem’ .

Let us see, how a data has to be noted systematically.

The step–3

(a) Direct data:

Noting of direct data includes, the terms
given in the problem.
During data noting, you shall ensure that
data in both the cases is synchronized.
This method, balances and sets the
clarity in data.
(b) Indirect data:
This data can be noted from the conditions
derived from the problem or known
conditions, like constants.
 Note: During data noting ensure……

(i) Required term is identified by using a question mark

(?)
(ii) New terms selected, shall minimize the number of
variables.

(iii) The answer is always expressed in terms of the

given data or known constants.
 FORMULA SELECTION
What physics applies here?
Plan an approach to a solution.
The step–4

Formula selection can be considered as the

‘Problem solving Strategic plan’.

Select an appropriate formula

That helps us reach the final goal – the answer.

Formula can be selected, by checking the terms

present in the data noted.

Ensure…..
Formula contains the known terms and required term.
 GENERATION OF EQUATIONS

How to generate the equations ?

The step–5

If it is a simple case
Then generally we have to substitute terms in
the formula.
Rule for substitution
Make sure that all the terms are present in a
same system of unit.

If more than one case ….

Apply the formula and generate the equations.
 ANALYSIS OF EQUATIONS

Let us see, how to analyze the equations..

Observe (or) make note of the number of

The step–6

terms present in the equations.

1) Identify the concerned terms:
These are the terms that are given and are
needed.
The ‘direct data’ contains the concerned terms.

2) Unconcerned terms:

These are the terms which are assumed or introduced.

The ‘indirect data’ contains the unconcerned terms.

 ELIMINATIONS OF UNCONCERNED TERMS

We know,
That the answer should be expressed only in terms
of given data.
The step–7

Hence…
There is a need to eliminate the unconcerned terms.

Can be removed by various mathematical manipulations.

The common method to eliminating the unconcerned terms

Divide one equation with the other.
 CROSS CHECK
• Calculate the solution
• Round it to the appropriate number of
significant figures.
Look at the result – is it reasonable?
Does it agree with a rough estimate?
Check the units again.
 Problem Solving technique – A Summary

NO EXPECTATIONS BUT ACTION:

Do not expect any idea (or) plan. If you get an idea or plan, it is a Bonus.
When nothing is expected in life…

Then every thing we get is a bonus and gift.

Step – I: Sketching
Step – 2 : Divide and Rule

Step – 3: Data noting

Step – 4: Selection of formula

Step – 5 : Generation of equations

Step – 6: Analysis of equations

Step – 7:Elimination of unconcerned terms

 A body moving with a uniform acceleration has a velocity ‘U’ at point A and
velocity ‘V’ at point C. Find the velocity at B, the midpoint of AC.

Sol. Let a and v′ be the uniform acceleration and velocity at B,

Let us, use the following scientific steps of problem
solving, to solve the above problem.
U v′ V
(i) Sketching • • • v′ =?
A B C
(ii) Divide and Rule Case –1(AC) Case –2 (AB)

(a) direct data u1 = U u2 = U

v1 v2 = v′=?
(iii) (b) Indirect data a1 = a
Data noting
a2 = a
Now, we can s2 = x
introduce two terms s1= 2x
either ‘s’ or ‘t’ so .. t1x= t t2=xt′
1. A body moving with a uniform acceleration has a velocity ‘U’ at point A and
velocity ‘V’ at point C. Find the velocity at B, the midpoint of AC.

(ii) Divide and Rule: Case –1(AC) Case –2 (AB)

(a) direct data u1 = U u2 = U
v1 = V v2 = v′=?
(iii) Data Noting: (b) Indirect data
a1 = a a2 = a
Now, we can s2 = x
introduce two terms s1= 2x
either ‘s’ or ‘t’ so .. t1x= t t2=xt′

(iv) Selection of the formula: v2 – u2 = 2as

(v) Generation of equations:
v2 – u2 = 2× a× 2x= 4ax …(1) v′2 -u2 = 2 × × x = 2ax …
a (2)
 (v) Generation of equations:
v2 – u2 = 2× a× 2x= 4ax …(1) v′2 – u2 = 2 × × x = 2ax …
a (2)
(vi) Analysis of equations:
The two equations connect 5 terms v, u,a,x and v’ out of
u v
which ___,____ and v’
(vii) Elimination of unconcerned terms:
____ are concerned and _____a and ___ x are unconcerned.
minate the unconcerned terms by dividing equation (2) with (1)
( )
2 2
( 2 ) = v' − u =
2 2 2ax
⇒
v ' −u
=
1
⇒ 2 ( v ' 2
− u 2
=
) 1 v 2
− u 2

(1) v − u 2 2 2 4ax 2
v −u
2 2

⇒ 2 v'2 − 2u 2 = v 2 − u 2 2 2 2 2
2 v +u v +u
⇒ v' = ⇒ v' =
⇒ 2 v' 2
= v − u 2 + 2u 2
2
2 2
⇒ 2 v'2 = v 2 + u 2
2) A freely falling body took t second to come down from top of a tower. Time taken to
cover half the height of the tower is _________________

Sol:
Case (i) Case (ii)
A AB AC
•

tAB = t
h/2
t1 = t t2 = t’ = ?

C [mid point] a1 = g a2 = g
•

h tAC = t’ = ? u1 = 0 u2 = 0

S1 = h S2 = h/2
B Formula: S = ut + ½ at2
•

Applying for both the cases we get,

1 x 1
x= g t2 = g t '2
2 2 2
x 1 2
gt ' 2 t
(2) 2 2 1 t ' 2
t
(1)
=
x
=
1 ⇒ = 2 ⇒ t' = ⇒ t' =
2 s
gt 2
2 t 2 2
2
Let’s solve the next problem…
 3) A body is moving such that it covers a distance of K m during which its velocity
gets halved. Then, what is the further distance it travels before coming to rest?
A C
Sol: S1=K m B S2=? BC =?
• •

u u/2 v=0

CASE I CASE II
AB BC

S1 = K S2 = BC = K’=?
u1 = u u2 = u/2
v1 = u/2 v2 = 0
a1 = – a Formula: v2 – u 2 = 2aS a2 = – a
Applying for both the cases we get,
(u/2) – u =
2 2
2× – a × K 02 – (u/2)2 = 2 × – a × K’
u2
⇒ 3 u2 = 2aK –––––––––– (1) = 2 a K’ ––––––– (2)
4 4
2
u
( )
2
= 4 = 2 aK ' ∴ K ' =
K
m
( )
1 3 2
u 2 aK 3
4
Let’s solve the next problem…
 4) A body falling from rest has acquired a velocity v after it falls through a distance h.
The distance it has to fall down further for its velocity to double is _________ times h.
Sol:
CASE I (AB)
A • u=0
S1 = h
CASE II (BC)
S2 = BC =h’=?

h v1 = v v2 = 2v

• u1 =0 u2 = v
B v
a1 = g a2 = g
Formula: v2 – u2 = 2aS
?
BC =h’=__h Applying for both the cases we get,

v2 – 02 = 2gh ⇒ v2 = 2gh 1

• 2v ⇒ 3v = 2gh’
2
C (2v)2 – v2 = 2gh’ 2
Dividing eq. 2 with 1 we get,
3v 2 2gh '
= ⇒ h' = 3h
v 2
2gh
Let’s solve the next problem…
 5) A body moving with uniform acceleration has its velocity doubled in t second.
The velocity quadruples in ___________second.
Sol:
A tAB = t B tAC =? C We know that
• • •
Formula: v = u + at
u 2u 4u
Applying for both the cases we get,
Case (i) Case (ii)
2u = u + at ⇒ u = at ––––(1)
AB AC
4u = u + at’ ⇒ 3u = at’ –––(2)
t1 = tAB = t t2 = tAC =t’ = ?
Dividing equation (2) with (1) we get,
v1 = 2u v2 = 4u
u1 = u u2 = u ( 2) 3u at′ t′
= = ⇒ 3=
a1 = a a2 = a
(1) u at t
t ′ = 3t ∴ t AC = 3t

Let’s solve the next problem…

 6) From a tower of height 300m, a body is allowed to fall freely and simultaneously, a
body from the bottom of the tower is projected up with a velocity 75 m/sec. What is
the height from the ground level, where the two bodies meet? ( Take g = 9.8m/s2)
A ↓ u1 = 0
Sol:
Let they meet at a distance x from the ground level
300 – x Case (i) AC↓ Case (ii) BC↑
S1 = 300 – x S2 = x
C BC = x =?
u1 = 0 u2 = 75 m/s
300 m
a1 = g a2 = – g
x
v1 =v v2 = `
v1
t1 =t t2 = t
Formula: S= ut + 1/2 at2
B ↑ u2=75m/s
Applying for both the cases we get,
1 2 1 2 1 2
300 – x = 0 + gt = gt ______(1) x= 75t − gt →( 2 )
2 2 2
Adding (1) and (2) we get, 300 = 75t ⇒ t = 4s
Substitute t = 4 in eq(2)
x = (75× 4) – 1/2 × (9.8) × 42 = 221.6m
Let’s solve the next problem…
7) A police man sitting on his motor cycle observes a thief moving uniformly in a car at
30 m/s and starts from rest simultaneously chasing him, with an acceleration of 3m/s2.
When and where he is going to catch the thief?
Sol: Thief CASE I CASE II
A B
AB PQ
u=30m/sec
Thief Police
P Police Q u1 = 30m/s u2 = 0
a=3 m/sec2 a1 = 0 a2 = 3m/s2

t1 = t = ? t2 = t =?
AB = PQ = ?
S1 = x =? S2= x =?
t =? Formula: S = ut + 1/2 a t2
Applying for both the cases we get,
x = 30 t   → ( 1) x=
1
( 3 )t 2   → (2)
2
By equating (1) and (2) we get
1
30t =
2
×3t 2
⇒ 6 0 t = 3 t 2 ⇒2 0 t = t 2 ⇒ t 2 − 20 t = 0
⇒ t ( t − 20 ) = 0 ⇒ t = 20s x = 30 × 20 = 600 ft
t = 0
 8) Two cars are travelling towards a junction along two different intersecting roads.
One of them is 200m away and is moving uniformly at 10m/s, the other is located
100m away starts from rest and accelerates uniformly at 2 m/s2 towards the junction.
The interval between the moments when the cars pass the intersection is ______
Sol: CAR–1 CAR–2
u = 10m/s
CA BA
C
S1 = 200m S2 = 100m
S1 = 200m
u1 = 10m/s u2 = 0
a1 = 0 a2 = 2m/s2
B
A a= 2m/s2 u= 0 t1 = t t2 = t’
J t −t' =?
S2 = 100m 1 2
Formula: S = ut + at Apply for both cases we get,
2
t −t' =? 1 2   → ( 2 )
S = ut   → ( 1) S = at'
2
S 200 2S 2× 100
t= = = 20s t' =
2
= ⇒ t ' = 10s
u 10 a 2
∴ t − t' = 20 − 10 = 10s
Let’s solve the next problem…
 9) A stone projected so as to reach a height h passes P and Q with velocities v/2 and
v/3. The distance between the points is _______ h , where v is the initial velocity with
which the body is thrown .
Sol:
B •
CASE–1(AB) CASE–2 (PQ)
v/3 • Q S1 = h S2 = X =?
X=?
u1= v u 2 = v/2
h
v1 = 0 v2 = v/3
Formula:
v/2 • P a1 = –g
v 2 − u 2 = 2aS a2 = – g

Applying for both the cases we get,

A • 2 2
v v
u=v o − v = 2 × −g × h
2 2
  −   = 2 × −g × x
3 2
⇒ v 2 = 2gh (1) 5v 2
⇒ = 2gx
36 (2)
( 2)
2
5v
= 36 = 2gx
5 x 5
⇒ = ⇒x= h
( 1) v2 2gh 36 h 36
Let’s solve the next problem…
10) Find the displacement by a body which covers an arc of a circle which subtends
an angle of 120° at the centre of the circle if radius is r.

Sol: Displacement =AB =?

AB = AC + BC = 2AC or 2BC
How to get BC = ? O
•
In ∆ COB
BC BC ⇒ BC = r sin 600 1200
Sin 60 =
0
= • • B
OB r A
3
= r
2
Now, AB = 2BC
O
∴ AB = 2× rsin 60 •

3 600 600
= 2r × = 3r A
• • B
2 C
WONDERFUL WORLD OF
PHYSICS
L2/AS 3rd ,June,Wed
For all your Physics Problems
Call me at……………9814123832

Email ………………. hksidhuinstitute@gmail.com