Question 17
A stone is allowed to fall from the top of a tower 100 m high and at the same time another stone is projected vertically upwards from the ground with a velocity of 25 ms-1. Calculate when and where the two stones will meet.
Given,
(a) In the case, when the stone falls from the top of the tower,
Initial velocity u = 0
Distance travelled = x
Time taken = t
According to the second equation of motion,
S = ut + gt2
⇒ S = 0 x t + gt2
⇒ S = gt2 [Eq 1]
(b) When another stone is projected vertically upwards,
Initial velocity u = 25 ms-1
Distance travelled = (100 - x)
Time taken = t
Using S = ut + gt2
we get,
S' = 25t - gt2 [Eq 2]
From equations (1) and (2)
S + S' = gt2 + 25t - gt2
100 = gt2 + 25t - gt2
100 = 25t
t = = 4 sec.
Hence, after 4 secs, the two stones will meet.
From (1)
S = x 10 x 42 = 5 x 16 = 80m.
Hence, after 4 sec, 2 stones meet a distance of 80 m from the top.
Chapter 9: Gravitation — Quick Reference
Quick Revision Points
- F = Gm₁m₂/r² (G = 6.674 × 10⁻¹¹ N·m²/kg²)
- g = GM/R² = 9.8 m/s² (Earth); g on Moon ≈ g/6
- Mass (kg, constant) vs Weight (N = mg, varies with location)
- Pressure P = F/A (Pa = N/m²); Fluid pressure P = hρg
- Archimedes: buoyant force = weight of displaced fluid
- Float if density < fluid density; Sink if density > fluid density
- Relative density = density of substance / density of water (no unit)
- Read the detailed chapter notes for complete coverage of all NCERT topics.
- Practice all NCERT in-text and back exercise questions — they are frequently asked in exams.
- Focus on comparison tables, diagrams, and definitions — these are high-scoring areas.
- For numericals (if applicable), practice at least 20 problems of varying difficulty.
- Refer to the practice question bank (200+ questions) for thorough preparation.
- Detailed Notes: ch09-gravitation.html
- Practice Questions: 100+ questions with answers in 05-practice-questions/
- Chapter Test: 30-mark test paper in 06-tests/chapter-tests-30marks/
- Formula Sheet: Complete formula reference in 03-teacher-aid/formula-sheet.html