Q. A particle starts from rest and travels a distance $s$ with uniform acceleration, then it travels a distance $2s$ with uniform speed, finally it travels a distance $3s$ with uniform retardation and comes to rest. If the complete motion of the particle in a straight line then the ratio of its average velocity to maximum velocity in

A) 6/7
B) 4/5
C) 3/5
D) 2/5
Explanation

(c) When a particle is moving with uniform acceleration, let $v$ be the velocity of particle at a distance $s$,
Then average velocity $= \frac{0 + v}{2} = \frac{v}{2}$
Time taken, $t_{1} = \frac{s}{(v/2)} = \frac{2s}{v}$
When particle moves with uniform velocity, time taken, $t_{2} = \frac{2s}{v}$
When particle moves with uniform acceleration,
Time taken, $t_{3} = \frac{3s}{(0 + v)/2} = \frac{6s}{v}$
Total time$= t_{1} + t_{2} + t_{3} = \frac{2s}{v} + \frac{2s}{v} + \frac{6s}{v} = \frac{10s}{v}$
$\therefore\ v_{av} = \frac{s + 2s + 3s}{10s/v} = \frac{6v}{10}$ or $\frac{v_{av}}{v} = \frac{6}{10} = \frac{3}{5}$

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.