Equations of Motion Worksheet

1.A car starts from rest and accelerates uniformly for 8.0 s. It reaches a final speed of 16 m s 1.
a
What is the acceleration of the car?
a
a = v/t
= (16 0)/8.0
= 2.0 m s2
b
What is the average velocity of the car?
b
average velocity = (16 + 0)/2
= 8.0 m s1
c
Calculate the distance travelled by the car.
c
x = 8.0 8.0 = 64 m
2. A new model BMW can start from rest and travel 400 m in 16 s.
a
What is its average acceleration during this time?

1
2
a
b
b

x = ut +
at2
Calculate the final speed of the car.
v = u + at
= 0 + (3.125 16)
= 50 m s1
How fast is this final speed in km h1?

50 10 3
1 / 3600
c
50 m s1 =
= 180 km h1
3. A space-rocket is launched and accelerates uniformly from rest to 160 m s1 in 4.5 s.
a
Calculate the acceleration of the rocket.
a
v
= u + at
160
= 0 + 4.5a

160
35.56 36
4.5
b

a
=
m s2
How far does the rocket travel in this time?

A cyclist is travelling at a constant speed of 12 m s1 when he passes a stationary bus. The bus starts moving just as
the cyclist passes, and accelerates at 1.5 m s2.
a
When does the bus reach the same speed as the cyclist?
v = u + at
12 = 0 + 1.5t
t = 8.0 s
b
How long does the bus take to catch the cyclist?
b
The bus will catch the cyclist when they have each travelled the same distance from the point where the
cyclist first passes the bus.

1
2
12t = 0 +
1.5t2
t = 16 s
c
What distance has the cyclist travelled before the bus catches up?
c
x = 12 16 = 192 m
Refraction Worksheet
Q1.
Briefly explain the phenomenon of refraction of light
A1.
When light passes from a one transparent medium into another transparent medium its speed is altered. It is this
change of speed that leads to the bending of light rays as they pass through media of different optical density. This
phenomenon is referred to as refraction of light
Q2.
The speed of light in diamond is 1.24 108 m s1. Determine the refractive index of diamond.
A2.
n = c/v = 3.0 108 m s1/1.24 108 m s1 = 2.42
Q3.
A ray of light passing from air into glass has an angle of refraction of 19.
a
If the absolute refractive index of glass is equal to 1.50, determine the angle of incidence of the light ray.
b
Calculate the critical angle for light travelling from glass (n = 1.50) to air.
A3.
a
(1.00)sini = (1.50)sin 19 i = 29
b
sin c = 1/n = 1/1.50 c = 42
Q4.
The following diagram shows a ray of light travelling from medium 1 into medium 2, with absolute refractive
indices n1 and n2 respectively. Assume: 1 19 and 2 = 29 and medium 2 is air (n2 1.0).

0 160
uv
4.5 360
t x
2

b
m
c
What is the final speed of the rocket in km h1?
c
160 3.6 = 576 = 580 km h1
Q4.
A diver plunges head first into a diving pool while travelling at 28.2 m s1. Upon entering the water, the diver stops
within a distance of 4.00 m from the diving board. Consider the diver to be a single point located at her centre of
mass and assume her acceleration through the water to be uniform.
a
Calculate the average acceleration of the diver as she travels through the water.
a
v2 = u2 + 2ax
02 = 28.22 + 2 a 4.00
795.24 = 8a
a = 99.4 m s2
b
How long does the diver take to come to a stop?

uv
t
2

x
b

a
Calculate the value of n1.
b
Assuming that the speed of light in air c = 3.0 108 m s1, calculate the speed of light in medium 1.
c
Determine the critical angle for light passing from medium 1 into medium 2.
d
Explain what happens to the light ray if the critical angle is exceeded.
e
Which medium is the more optically dense? Justify your answer.
A4.
a
n1 sin1 = n2 sin2 n1(sin19) = (1.0000)(sin29) n1 = sin29/sin19 = 1.49
b
v = (3.0 108 m s1)/n1 = (3.0 108 m s1)/ 1.49 = 2.01 108 m s1
c
sinc = 1/n1 = 1/1.49 c = 42.15
d
Total internal reflection will occur.
e
medium 1 is more optically dense than medium 2 because it has a higher absolute refractive index.
Q5.
Determine the value of the refractive index for yellow light of the glass prism in the diagram.

28.2 0

t
2

4.00 =

4.00
0.284
14.1
t=
c
c

Q8.
a
a
b
b
c
c

What is the speed of the diver after she has dived for 2.00 m.
v2 = u2 + 2ax
= 28.22 2 99.4 2
= 397.64
v = 19.9 m s1
A car is travelling along a straight road at 75 km h1. In an attempt to avoid an accident, the motorist has
to brake to a sudden stop.
What is the cars initial speed in m s1?
75/3.6 = 21 m s1
If the reaction time of the motorist is 0.25 s, what distance does the car travel while the driver is reacting to
apply the brakes?
x = 21 0.25 = 5.2 m
Once the brakes are applied, the car has an acceleration of 6.0 m s2. How far does the car travel while
pulling up?
v2 = u2 + 2ax
0 = (21)2 (2 6.0)x
x = 37 m
What total distance does the car travel from when the driver notices the danger to when the car comes to a
stop? d
37 + 5.2 = 42.2 m

Q9.
A billiard ball rolls from rest down a smooth ramp that is 8.0 m long. The acceleration of the ball is constant at 2.0
m s2.
a
What is the speed of the ball when it is halfway down the ramp?
a
v2 = u2 + 2ax
= 0 + 2(2.0 4.0)
v = 4.0 m s1
b
What is the final speed of the ball?
b v2 = u2 + 2ax
= 0 + 2(2.0 8.0) = 5.7 m s1
c
How long does the ball take to roll the first 4.0 m?
c
v = u + at
4.0 = 0 + 2.0t
t = 2.0 s
d
How long does the ball take to travel the final 4.0 m?
v = u + at
5.657 = 0 + 2.0t
t = 2.83 s
The time to travel final 4.0 m is 2.83 s 2.0 s = 0.83 s.

A5.
n = 1/sin40 = 1.56
Q6.
A glass plate is 6.00 mm thick and has a refractive index of n = 1.55.
(Use c 3.00 108 m s1.)
a
Calculate the speed of light in the glass.
b
Determine the time it takes for a pulse of yellow light ( = 590 nm) to pass through the plate.
c
What is the frequency of yellow light in air?
A6.
a

The speed of light in the glass plate is given by:

v = (3.00 108 m s1)/(1.55) = 1.94 108 m s1
b
t = x/v = (6.00 103 m)/ 1.94 108 m s1 = 3.09 1011 s
c
f = v/ = 3.00 108 m s1/5.90 107 m = 5.08 1014 Hz
Q7.
A ray of light travels from air, through a layer of glass and then into water as shown. Calculate angles a, b and c.

A7.
a
b
c

sin i/sin r = n2/n1

sin40/sin a = 1.50/1.00
a = 25.4
b = a = 25.4
sin i/sin r = n2/n1
sin25.4/sin c = 1.33/1.50
c = 28.9

Q8.
Explain the following observations.
a
When you are standing in a shallow pool you appear shorter than usual.
b
On a warm day a person sees a puddle on the road ahead.
A8.
a

The light rays travelling from your feet are refracted at the airwater boundary and appear to have come
from a higher position; therefore, you are shortened.

The path of light from a section of the sky is curved and enters the eye, travelling slightly upwards.
Therefore the sky is seen on the road ahead. This is interpreted as a puddle of water reflecting the sky.

Reflection Worksheet
Q1.
Use the law of reflection to trace the rays of light shown in the diagram. Calculate the angle of incidence and the
angle of reflection at each surface.

Q9.
a
b
c

A small light bulb is placed at the focus of a parabolic concave mirror. Use a diagram to show the path of
the light after it reflects from the mirror.
State one use for such an arrangement of a light and mirror.
What is spherical aberration?

A9.
a

A1.

In each case the angle of incidence must equal the angle of reflection.
Q2.
An observer stands at position P, near a plane mirror as shown. Which of the objects A, B, C and D can be seen in
the mirror?

b
c

torch, headlight
Spherical aberration is the blurring of an image near the edge of a mirror because most spherical concave
mirrors are not capable of bringing parallel light rays to an exact focus.

Q10.
A person looks into the bowl of a soup spoon and sees an inverted image of herself. Use a ray diagram to model this
situation, estimating the focal length of the spoon and any other distances you need.
A10.
f = 2 cm

A2.
B and D can be seen, but A and C lie outside of the field of view of the mirror.
Q3.
Two mirrors are at right angles as shown in the diagram, and a small object is viewed in the mirrors. Draw the path
for rays travelling from the object to the observer as they reflect from the mirrors. (Hint: there are three possible
paths.)
Q11.
A concave mirror of focal length 20 cm is used to produce an image of an object. How far from the mirror
must the object be placed in order to form an image that is:
a
inverted and the same size as the object
b
upright and twice the size of the object.
A11.
a
b

A ray can undergo a single reflection from the vertical mirror and enter the eye. Similarly, a ray can undergo a
single reflection from the horizontal mirror and enter the eye. Another ray path exists where the ray reflects first
from one mirror and then the other before entering the eye.
Q4.
Is the image formed in a plane mirror always:
a
upright or inverted?
b
enlarged, diminished or the same size as the object?
c
real or virtual?
A4.
a
b
c

To create an image which is the same size as the object, the object must be located at the centre
of curvature, i.e. 40 cm from the mirror.
An upright image results if the object is inside the focal length; an object distance of 10 cm
results in an image which is twice as large.

Q12.
A student wants to use a concave mirror to magnify a specimen by a factor of 3. A concave mirror with a focal
length of 40 cm is chosen. Use a ray diagram to determine the position of the specimen and the characteristics of
the image.
A12.

upright
same size
virtual

Q5.
In order to fully describe an image what four characteristics should be commented upon?
A5.
nature (real or virtual), orientation, position, size
Q6.
a
b

List the features common to all images produced by plane mirrors.

What is a virtual image? Sketch a ray diagram to illustrate your answer.

A6.
a
b

They all produce images which are virtual, upright and the same size.
A virtual image is produced behind the mirror.
Q13.
The radius of curvature of a convex mirror is 70 cm, what is its focal length?
A13.
35 cm, as it is half the radius of curvature.

Q7.
A girl stands 7 m away from a full-length vertical plane mirror in a boutique.
a
How far must she walk to appear to be 3 m from her image?
b
She walks towards the mirror at 1.5 m s1. With what speed does her image appear to walk
towards her?
A7.
a
b

To be 3 m from her image the girl must be 1.5 m from the mirror. She has therefore walked 5.5 m
towards the mirror.
The image also appears to approach the mirror at 1.5 m s 1. Therefore, it appears to walk
towards her at 3.0 m s1.

Q14.
Locate the images formed when a 3 cm long match is placed 10, 5 and 2 cm from a convex mirror of
focal length 5 cm.
A14.
3.3 cm, 2.5 cm, 1.4 cm
Q15.
A 1.25 m tall person stands 5 m from a shop-security mirror of focal length 2.5 m. How tall is the persons image?
A15.
0.4 m
0.4 m

Q8.
A 1.6 m tall person stands in front of a vertical dressing mirror. Her eyes are at a height of 1.5 m above
the ground.
a
What length mirror is needed for the person to be able to see a full-length image of herself?
b
How high above the ground should the bottom of the mirror be positioned?

Q16.
A child stands in front of a convex mirror with a focal length 2.0 m at Luna Park. If her image is half her
real height, determine how far she is in front of the mirror.

A8.
a

A16.
2m

For the top of her head to be seen, the mirror must extend 5 cm above her eye level. For her toes to be
seen, the mirror must extend to (15/2) m, i.e. 75 cm below her eye level. The total length of the mirror is
therefore 80 cm.
For her toes to be seen, the bottom of the mirror must be located half-way to eye level, i.e. 75 cm above the
ground.

Electricity Worksheet:
1

A battery in a circuit has current of 4.5 A passing through it.

How many coulombs of charge pass through the battery in 5 seconds

Two electrical devices have currentvoltage characteristics as shown below.

a Q = It = 4.5 5 = 22.5 C
b

If the battery has an EMF of 9.0 V, how many joules of energy does it provide to the
circuit each second?

b E = VIt = 9 4.5 1 = 40.5 J

2

How much energy will a 200 W globe use in 4 hours of operation?

a E = Pt = 200 4 3600 = 2.88 106 J

b

An electricity company charges 60c per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity consumed.

How much does it cost to use the above globe?

a Device P, as its IV graph is linear.

b
Determine the resistance of this device

V
I

b 1 kW h = 3.6 106 J

60 2.88 10
3.6 10 6

cost =
= 60 0.8 = 48 cents
3

a
In her new car Samantha discovers that the 12 V battery is connected via a
switch to two heater elements (resistors) in parallel which are used to heat the driver
and passenger seats. Draw a labelled diagram to represent this circuit

= 40

bR=

Resistance is reciprocal of gradient. Choose two points to determine:

R = 40 .
c
What is the resistance of the other device when a current of 200 mA flows
through it?
c. From graph, when I = 200 mA V = 6 V.

6
(200 10 3 )

V
I
R=
5

One mark each for a parallel circuit and correct symbols and labels.
b

= 30

The two components in Question 4 are now connected in a series circuit as shown in
the following diagram. The battery has zero internal resistance and the current at
point K is 100 mA. (2)

Thinking that the seats are not heating properly Samantha decides to use a
voltmeter to check the operation of the switch. Draw how she would attach the
voltmeter to the circuit in a.

a
One mark each for correct symbols and correct positioning of voltmeter leads.
c

When the switch is open what value should the voltmeter read?

c V = 12 V
d

Samantha takes her car to an auto electrician who rewires the seat heating circuit to
allow each seat to be individually heated. Select the correct circuit from those shown
below.

Calculate the potential difference between points K and L. (2)

b This is requesting the voltage across device P. From the device P graph,
mA, V = 4 V.

When the switch is closed what value should the voltmeter read

dV=0V

What is the current at point L? (2)

a Since current is constant at all points in a series circuit I = 100 mA.

when I = 100

Calculate the potential difference between points L and M. (2)

c This is requesting the voltage across device Q. From the device Q graph, when I = 100
mA, V = 6 V.
or EMF = VP + VQ 10

= 4 + VQ

VQ

Answer is A

= 10 4 = 6 V.

dWhat is the resistance of device Q at this time? (2)

d From c, when I = 100 mA = 0.100 A, V = 6 V. So:

V
I
R=
6

6
0.100
=

= 60

Calculate the value of the unknown in each of the circuits shown below:

a
12V

The resistors are identical and are rated at 300 . What is the total resistance of the
circuit when both seats are heated at the same time?

1
RT
f

1
R1
=

1
R2

1
300
=

1
RT

1
300

200

2
300

a each resistor uses 2 A.

V =IR

=
RT = 150
What current is drawn at this time?

V
R
I=

12
150
=

= 0.08 A =

100

1
RT

4A

80 mA

R=

V
I

R=

12
2

0.1A

R=6
b total resistance = 300

V =IR
V =0.1 300

V =30 Volts