IIT PHYSICS – LESSON 3

MOTION IN A PLANE
STAGE–3 : JEE MAIN & JEE ADVANCED MATERIAL


🌟 Why Motion in a Plane is Important for IIT

This chapter introduces vector mechanics, which is the backbone of entire Mechanics. IIT questions test not memory, but vector reasoning and geometry.

IIT Insight: If vectors are clear, half of Mechanics becomes easy.

1️⃣ Vectors – Mathematical Treatment

A vector is represented by an arrow. Its magnitude is the length of the arrow and direction is given by its orientation.

In Cartesian form:

Vector A = Ax î + Ay

Magnitude of vector:

|A| = √(Ax2 + Ay2)


2️⃣ Resolution of Vectors

Any vector can be resolved into perpendicular components.

If a vector A makes an angle θ with x-axis:

  • Ax = A cosθ
  • Ay = A sinθ
JEE Trick: Always draw a right-angled triangle before resolving vectors.

3️⃣ Projectile Motion (IIT Perspective)

Projectile motion is two-dimensional motion under constant gravity.

  • Horizontal acceleration = 0
  • Vertical acceleration = g (downward)

Equations of motion:

  • x = u cosθ · t
  • y = u sinθ · t − ½gt²

Trajectory equation:

y = x tanθ − (g x²) / (2u² cos²θ)


4️⃣ Important Results (Very High Weightage)

  • Time of flight, T = (2u sinθ) / g
  • Maximum height, H = (u² sin²θ) / (2g)
  • Range, R = (u² sin2θ) / g
IIT Result: Maximum range occurs at θ = 45°

5️⃣ Relative Velocity (Vector Approach)

Relative velocity of A with respect to B:

vAB = vA − vB

Relative velocity problems are solved using:

  • Vector subtraction
  • Triangle law of vectors
  • Parallelogram law

6️⃣ JEE MAIN Level Questions

Q1: A projectile is thrown with velocity 20 m/s at 30°. Find its time of flight.

Solution:

T = (2u sinθ)/g
= (2 × 20 × 0.5) / 10 = 2 s


Q2: Find the magnitude of vector having components (3î + 4ĵ).

Answer:

|A| = √(3² + 4²) = 5


7️⃣ JEE ADVANCED Thinking Problem

Q: Two particles are projected simultaneously from same point with same speed but at angles θ and (90° − θ). Compare their ranges.

Answer:

Ranges are equal, because sin2θ = sin[2(90° − θ)].


⚠️ Common IIT Mistakes

  • Forgetting vector direction
  • Wrong resolution of components
  • Using scalar formulas for vector quantities

➡️ NEXT: STAGE–4 – IIT PYQs + HOW TO STUDY + MIND MAP

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