Vertical Motion Under Gravity: Sunil Kumar Singh

OpenStax-CNX module: m13833
Vertical motion under gravity
Sunil Kumar Singh

This work is produced by OpenStax-CNX and licensed under the
Creative Commons Attribution License 2.0
Abstract
Vertical motion typies motion in which a body is under constant acceleration and only possible
change in direction is by virtue of reversal of the direction of motion
Vertical motion under gravity is a specic case of one dimensional motion with constant acceleration.
Here, acceleration is always directed in vertically downward direction and its magnitude is "g".
As the force due to gravity may be opposite to the direction of motion, there exists the possibility that
the body under force of gravity reverses its direction.
It is, therefore, important to understand that the
quantities involved in the equations of motion may evaluate to positive or negative values with the exception
of time (t). We must appropriately assign sign to various inputs that goes into the equation and correctly
interpret the result with reference to the assumed positive direction. Further, some of them evaluate to two
values one for one direction and another of reversed direction.
As pointed out earlier in the course, we must also realize that a change in reference direction may actually
change the sign of the attributes, but their physical interpretation remains same. What it means that an
attribute such as velocity, for example, can be either 5 m/s or -5 m/s, conveying the same velocity. The
interpretation must be done with respect to the assigned positive reference direction.
1 Velocity
Let us analyze the equation "v = u + at" for the vertical motion under gravity with the help of an example.
We consider a ball thrown upwards from ground with an initial speed of 30 m/s. In the frame of reference
with upward direction as positive,
u = 30 m / s and a = g = 10 m / s2
Version
1.12: Oct 3, 2008 8:12 am +0000
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
http://cnx.org/content/m13833/1.12/
Figure 1: The ball reaches maximum height when its velocity becomes zero
Putting this value in the equation, we have :

v = 30 10 t
The important aspect of this equation is that velocity evaluates to both positive and negative values;
positive for upward motion and negative for downward motion. The nal velocity (v) is positive for t
seconds, zero for t = 3 seconds and negative for t
>
and down journey is 3 (for upward motion) + 3 (for downward motion) = 6 seconds.
The velocities of the ball at successive seconds are :
---------------------------------Time (t) Final velocity (v)

in seconds
in m/s
---------------------------------0.0
30
1.0
20
2.0
10
3.0
0
4.0
-10
5.0
-20
6.0
-30
---------------------------------The corresponding velocity time plot looks like as shown in the gure.
<
3 seconds. The total time taken for the complete up
Velocity time plot
Figure 2
We notice following important characteristics of the motion :

1: The velocity at the maximum height is zero (v=0).
2: The time taken by the ball to reach maximum height is obtained as :
For v = 0 ,
v = u + at = u gt = 0
u = gt
t =
u
g
3: The ball completely regains its speed when it returns to ground, but the motion is directed in the
opposite direction i.e.
v = u
4: The time taken for the complete round trip is :
For v = u ,
v = u + at = u gt
u = u gt
t =
2u
g
The time taken for the complete journey is twice the time taken to reach the maximum height. It means
that the ball takes equal time in upward and downward journey. Thus, the total motion can be considered
to be divided in two parts of equal duration.
5: The velocity of the ball is positive in the rst half of motion; Zero at the maximum height; negative
in the second of the motion.
6: The velocity is decreasing all through the motion from a positive value to less positive value in the
rst half and from a less negative value to more negative value in the second half of the motion. This renders
acceleration to be always negative (directed in -y direction), which is actually the case.
7: The velocity (positive) and acceleration (negative) in the rst part are opposite in direction and the
resulting speed is decreasing. On the other hand, the velocity (negative) and acceleration (negative) in the
second part are in the same direction and the resulting speed is increasing.
2 Displacement and distance

1 2
2 at for the vertical motion under gravity with the
help of earlier example. If we choose initial position as the origin, then x1 = 0 , x = x2 = x ( say )
1 2
and x = ut +
2 at , where x denotes position and displacement as well. In the frame of reference with
upward direction as positive,
Let us analyze the equation
x = x2 x1 = ut +
u = 30 m / s and a = g = 10 m / s2
Putting these values in the equation, we have :
x = 30t 5t2
The important aspect of this equation is that it is a quadratic equation in time t. This equation yields
two values of time t for every position and displacement.
This outcome is in complete agreement with
the actual motion as the ball reaches a given position twice (during upward and downward motion). Only
exception is point at the maximum height, which is reached only once. We have seen earlier that ball reaches
maximum height at t = 3 s. Therefore, maximum height,H, is given as :
H = 30 X 3 5 X 9 = 45 m
The displacement values for the motion at successive seconds are :
------------------------------------------------------------Time (t)
ut 5txt Displacement
in seconds
or position (x)
in meters
------------------------------------------------------------0.0 0 0 0
1.0 30 5 25
2.0 60 20 40
3.0 90 45 45
4.0 120 80 40
5.0 150 125 25
6.0 180 180 0
------------------------------------------------------------The corresponding displacement time plot looks like as shown in the gure.
Displacement time plot
Figure 3
We notice following important characteristics of the motion :

1: The ball retraces every position during motion except the point at maximum height.
2: The net displacement when ball return to initial position is zero. Thus, the total time of journey (T)
is obtained using displacement, x = 0,
For x = 0 ,
x = ut +
1 2
2 at
2
2uT gT
T =
= uT
1 2
2 gt
= 0
= 0
2u
g
Here, we neglect T = 0, which corresponds to initial position.
1 2
2 at denotes displacement and not distance. Hence, it is not possible
to use this equation directly to obtain distance, when motion is not unidirectional.
3: The x in equation
x = ut +
Let us answer the question with respect to the motion of the ball under consideration : what is the
distance traveled in rst 4 seconds?
Obviously, the ball travels 30 m in the upward direction to reach
maximum height in 3 seconds and then it travels 5 m in the
4th
second in downward direction. Hence, the
total distance traveled is 45 + 5 = 50 m in 4 s. This means that we need to apply the equation of motion in
two parts : one for the upward motion and the second for the downward motion. Thus, we nd displacement
for each segment of the motion and then we can add their magnitude to obtain distance.
The distance values for the motion at successive seconds are :
-----------------------------------------------------------http://cnx.org/content/m13833/1.12/
Time (t)
in seconds
ut 5t*t Displacement
Distance
or position
in meters
(x) in meters
-----------------------------------------------------------0.0
0 0
0
0
1.0
30 5
25
25
2.0
60 20
40
40
3.0
90 45
45
45
4.0
120 80
40
50
5.0
150 125
25
65
6.0
180 180
0
90
------------------------------------------------------------
Distance time plot
Figure 4
Example 1: Constant acceleration

Problem : A balloon starts rising from
the ground with an acceleration of 1.25 m/s. After 8
second, a stone is released from the balloon. Starting from the release of stone, nd the displacement
and distance traveled by the stone on reaching the ground. Also, nd the time taken to reach the
ground (take g = 10
Solution :
m / s2
).
This question raises few important issues. First the rise of balloon is at a constant
acceleration of 1.25
m / s2
. This acceleration is the measured acceleration, which is net of the
downward acceleration due to gravity.

acceleration of 1.25
m / s2
This means that the balloon rises with this net vertical
in the upward direction.
Motion under gravity
Figure 5
Here, u = 0; a = 1.25
m / s2
; t = 8 s. Let the balloon rises to a height h during this time, then
(considering origin on ground and upward direction as positive) the displacement of the balloon
after 8 seconds is :
y = ut +
1 2
2 at
= 0 x 8 + 0.5 x 1.25 x 82 = 40 m
Now, we know that, the body released from moving body acquires the velocity but not the
acceleration of the container body under motion.
The velocity of the balloon at the instant of
separation is equal to the velocity of the balloon at that instant.
v = u + at = 0 + 1.25 x 8 = 10 m / s
Thus, this is the initial velocity of the stone and is directed upward as that of the velocity of
balloon.
Once released, the stone is acted upon by the force of gravity alone.
The role of the
acceleration of the balloon is over. Now, the acceleration for the motion of stone is equal to the
acceleration due to gravity, g.
The path of motion of the stone is depicted in the gure. Stone rises due to its initial upward
velocity to a certain height above 40 m where it was released till its velocity is zero.
From this
highest vertical point, the stone falls freely under gravity and hits the ground.
1: In order to describe motion of the stone once it is released, we realize that it would be easier
for us if we shift the origin to the point where stone is released. Considering origin at the point of
release and upward direction as positive as shown in the gure, the displacement during the motion
of stone is :
y = OB = - 40 m
Motion under gravity
Figure 6
2: Distance, on the other hand, is equal to :

s = OA + AO + OB = 2 OA + OB
In order to obtain, OA, we consider this part of rectilinear motion (origin at the point of release
and upward direction as positive as shown in the gure).
Here, u = 10 m/s; a = -10
m / s2
and v = 0. Applying equation of motion, we have :
v 2 = u2 + 2ay
y =
v 2 u2
2a
02 102
2 x 10
= 5m
Hence, OA = 5 m, and distance is :

s = 2 OA + OB = 2 x 5 + 40 = 50 m
3: The time of the journey of stone after its release from the balloon is obtained using equation
of motion (origin at the point of release and upward direction as positive as shown in the gure).
Here, u = 12 m/s; a = -10
m / s2
and y = - 40 m.
y = ut +
1 2
2 at
40 = 10t 0.5 x 10t2

5t2 10t 40 = 0
This is a quadratic equation in t. Its solution is :
5t2 + 10t 20t 40 = 0

5t ( t + 2 ) 20 ( t + 2 ) = 0
( 5t 20 ) ( t + 2 ) = 0
4 , 2s
As negative value of time is not acceptable, time to reach the ground is 4s.
note:
It is important to realize that we are at liberty to switch origin or direction of reference
after making suitable change in the sign of attributes.
3 Position
1 2
2 at normally in the context of displacement, even though
the equation is also designed to determine initial ( x1 ) or nal position ( x2 ). In certain situations, however,
We use the equation
x = x2 x1 = ut +
using this equation to determine position rather than displacement provides more elegant adaptability to
the situation.
Let us consider a typical problem highlighting this aspect of the equation of motion.
Example 2
Problem :
A ball is thrown vertically from the ground at a velocity 30 m/s, when another ball
is dropped along the same line, simultaneously from the top of tower 120 m in height. Find the
time (i) when the two balls meet and (ii) where do they meet.
Solution :
This question puts the position as the central concept. In addition to equal time of
travel for each of the balls, rhe coordinate positions of the two balls are also same at the time they
meet. Let this position be y. Considering upward direction as the positive reference direction, we
have :
10
Figure 7: The balls have same coordinate value when they meet.
For ball thrown from the ground :
u = 30 m / s , a = 10 m / s2 , y1 = 0 , y1 = y
y2 y1 = ut +
y 0 = 30t
1 2
2 at
12 10
x t2
y = 30t 5 x t2
(1)
For ball dropped from the top of the tower :
u = 0 m / s , a = 10 m / s2 , y1 = 120 , y2 = y
y2 y1 = ut +
1 2
2 at
y 120 = 5xt2
Now, deducting equation (2) from (1), we have :
(2)
11
30t = 120
t = 4s
Putting this value in equation 1, we have :
y = 30x4 5x42 = 120 80 = 40 m

One interesting aspect of this simultaneous motion of two balls is that the ball dropped from
the tower meets the ball thrown from the ground, when the ball thrown from the ground is actually
returning from after attaining the maximum height in 3 seconds. For maximum height of the ball
thrown from the ground,
Figure 8: When returning from the maximum height, the ball thrown up from the ground is hit by
the ball dropped from towers.
u = 30 m / s , a = 10 m / s2 and v = 0
v = u + at
= 30 10t
t = 3s
12
This means that this ball has actually traveled for 1 second (4 3 = 1 s) in the downward
direction, when it is hit by the ball dropped from the tower!
4 Exercises
Exercise 1
(Solution on p. 13.)
A ball is thrown up in vertical direction with an initial speed of 40 m/s. Find acceleration of the
ball at the highest point.
Exercise 2
A ball is released from a height of 45 m. Find the magnitude of average velocity during its motion
till it reaches the ground.
Exercise 3
A ball is released from an elevator moving upward with an acceleration
3 m/s2
. What is the
acceleration of the ball after it is released from the elevator ?
Exercise 4
A ball is released from an elevator moving upward with an acceleration
5 m/s2
. What is the
acceleration of the ball with respect to elevator after it is released from the elevator ?
Exercise 5
A balloon ascends vertically with a constant speed for 5 second, when a pebble falls from it reaching
the ground in 5 s. Find the speed of balloon.
Exercise 6
A balloon ascends vertically with a constant speed of 10 m/s. At a certain height, a pebble falls
from it reaching the ground in 5 s.
Find the height of ballon when pebble is released from the
balloon.
Exercise 7
A ball is released from a top. Another ball is dropped from a point 15 m below the top, when the
rst ball reaches a point 5 m below the top. Both balls reach the ground simultaneously. Determine
the height of the top.
Exercise 8
One ball is dropped from the top at a height 60 m, when another ball is projected up in the same
line of motion. Two balls hit each other 20 m below the top. Compare the speeds of the ball when
they strike.
note:
See module titled Vertical motion under gravity (application)
for more questions.
1 "Vertical motion under gravity (application)" <http://cnx.org/content/m14550/latest/>
13
Solutions to Exercises in this Module

Solution to Exercise (p. 12)
The velocity of the ball at the highest point is zero.
The only force on the ball is due to gravity.
The
accleration of ball all through out its motion is acceleration due to gravity g, which is directed downwards.
The acceleration of the ball is constant and is not dependent on the state of motion - whether it is moving
or is stationary.

The average velocity is ratio of displacement and time. Here, displacement is given. We need to nd the
time of travel. For the motion of ball, we consider the point of release as origin and upward direction as
positive.
1
y = ut + at2
2
1
45 = 0Xt + X 10Xt2
2
t2 =
45
=9
5
t = 3 s
Neglecting negative time, t = 3 s. Magnitude of average velocity is :
vavg =
45
= 15 m/s
3

On separation, ball acquires the velocity of elevator not its acceleration. Once it is released, the only force
acting on it is that due to gravity. Hence, acceleration of the ball is same as that due to gravity.
a = 10
m
s2
downward

On separation, ball acquires the velocity of elevator not its acceleration.
Once it is released, the only
force acting on it is that due to gravity. Hence, acceleration of the ball is same as that due to gravity. The
relative acceleration of the ball (considering downward direction as positive) :
arel = aball aelevator

arel = 10 (5) = 15
m
s2

The velocity of balloon is constant and is a measured value. Let the ball moves up with a velocity u. At
the time of release, the pebble acquires velocity of balloon. For the motion of pebble, we consider the point
of release as origin and upward direction as positive. Here,
y = vt = uX5 = 5u;
u = u;
Using equation for displacement :
1
y = ut + at2
2
a = g;
t=5 s
14
1
5u = uX5 + X gX52
2
10u = 5X25u = 5
m
s

The velocity of balloon is constant. Let the ball moves up with a velocity u. At the time of release, the
pebble acquires velocity of balloon. For the motion of pebble, we consider the point of release as origin and
upward direction as positive. Here,
y =?;
u = 10 m/s;
a = g;
t=5 s
Using equation for displacement :
1
y = ut + at2
2
1
y = 10X5 + X gX52
2
y = 50 5X25
y = 75 m
Height of ballon when pebble is released from it,
H = 75 m

We compare motion of two balls under gravity, when second ball is dropped. At that moment, two balls
are 10 m apart. The rst ball moves with certain velocity, whereas rst ball starts with zero velocity.
Let us consider downward direction as positive. The velocity of the rst ball when it reaches 10 m below
the top is :
v 2 = u2 + 2ax
v 2 = 0 + 2X10X5
v = 10 m/s
Let the balls take time t to reach the gorund. First ball travels 10 m more than second ball. Let 1 and
2 denote rst and second ball, then,
1
1
10 + 10t + X10t2 = X10t2
2
2
10t = 10
t=1 s
In this time, second ball travels a distance given by :
15
y=
1
X10t2 = 5X12 = 5 m
2
But, second ball is 15 m below the top. Hence, height of the top is 15 + 5 = 20 m.
For the motion of rst ball dropped from the top, let downward direction be positive :
v1 = u + at
v1 = at = 10t
For the ball dropped from the top,
1
x = ut + at2
2
1
20 = 0Xt + X 10Xt2
2
20 = 5t2
t = 2 s
Neglecting negative value, t = 2s. Hence, velocity of the ball dropped from the top is :
v1 = 10t = 10X2 = 30 m/s

For the motion of second ball projected from the bottom, let upward direction be positive :
v2 = u + at
v2 = u 10X2 = u 20
Clearly, we need to know u. For upward motion,
1
x = ut + at2
2
1
40 = uX2 + X 10X22
2
40 = 2u 20 = 30m/s
v2 = 30 20 = 10 m/s
Thus,
v1
20
2
=
=
v2
10
1

Vertical Motion Under Gravity: Sunil Kumar Singh

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Vertical Motion Under Gravity: Sunil Kumar Singh

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

OpenStax-CNX module: m13833