MHT-CET Physics · Teaching notes
Motion in a Plane — MHT-CET Physics
Motion in a Plane has 53 past-year questions in the MHT-CET bank and only 3 HARD — one of the most direct chapters in CET Physics. It starts with vectors, then the equations of motion and their graphs in one dimension, relative motion, projectiles, and uniform circular motion. Most questions are one formula applied carefully; the traps are signs, averages and which component to use. Every PYQ is tagged.
Every subtopic, worked example, formula and trap in one printable document — answers shown, ready to share.
Subtopic notes
Vectors: Addition and Products
10 PYQsVectors add by components or by the parallelogram law, R² = A² + B² + 2AB cos θ; the dot product A·B = AB cos θ is zero for perpendicular vectors, and the cross product has magnitude AB sin θ and points perpendicular to both.
Equations of Motion and Motion Graphs
19 PYQsUnder constant acceleration v = u + at, s = ut + ½at² and v² = u² + 2as; when the acceleration changes, velocity is the slope of the position–time graph, acceleration the slope of the velocity–time graph, and each area under a graph gives the change in the quantity above it.
Relative Motion and Meeting Problems
7 PYQsTwo moving bodies are handled by watching one from the other — their relative velocity is the difference of their velocities — or by writing each position as a function of time and asking when the positions, or the velocities, are equal.
Projectiles
6 PYQsA projectile moves steadily at u cos θ horizontally while its vertical motion is free fall starting at u sin θ; that gives time of flight 2u sin θ/g, greatest height u²sin²θ/2g and range u²sin 2θ/g on level ground.
Uniform Circular Motion
11 PYQsA body going round a circle at constant speed v has constant kinetic energy but a velocity that keeps turning, so it accelerates toward the centre at v²/r = ω²r; a banked track or a vertical loop supplies that centripetal force from gravity.
Formula & revision sheet
7 formulas · 12 gotchas across all subtopics — the exam-eve cheat-sheet
Formula & revision sheet
7 formulas · 12 gotchas across all subtopics — the exam-eve cheat-sheet
Watch out for (3)
- Any three vectors form a triangle→ Adding Vectors
- Using sin for the dot product→ Dot and Cross Products
- Expecting a cross product to lie in the plane of its vectors→ Dot and Cross Products
Formulas (2)
Watch out for (3)
- Averaging speeds over equal distances→ The Equations of Motion
- Running the equations past the stop→ The Equations of Motion
- Using s = ½at² when a changes with time→ Motion Graphs and Calculus
Watch out for (2)
- Using the sum of speeds for trains going the same way→ Relative Velocity and Meeting
- Forgetting both train lengths→ Relative Velocity and Meeting
Formulas (1)
Watch out for (2)
- Using cos θ for the vertical motion→ Time of Flight, Height and Range
- Assuming a throw from a tower goes upward→ Time of Flight, Height and Range
Watch out for (2)
- Calling the acceleration constant→ Centripetal Acceleration, Banking and the Vertical Circle
- Confusing instantaneous and average acceleration→ Centripetal Acceleration, Banking and the Vertical Circle
PYQ weightage by concept
7 concepts · 53 PYQs — where the marks actually sit, so you know what to drill first
PYQ weightage by concept
7 concepts · 53 PYQs — where the marks actually sit, so you know what to drill first
| Concept | PYQs | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Adding Vectors | 5 | 9% |
| Dot and Cross Products | 5 | 9% |
| Concept | PYQs | Share |
|---|---|---|
| The Equations of Motion | 10 | 19% |
| Motion Graphs and Calculus | 9 | 17% |
| Concept | PYQs | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Centripetal Acceleration, Banking and the Vertical Circle | 11 | 21% |
Test yourself on Motion in a Plane
15 past MHT-CET questions from this chapter, timed at 14 minutes and marked the way the exam marks it. You see your score and every answer the moment you finish. Free to start.