Have you ever thought about how a football goes flying round in the air, or why a bicycle rider leans to make a turn, or why a ball will travel in a curved line when a person throws it into the air? These daily experiences are all dictated by the principles of the two-dimensional motion, which are the main content of NCERT Class 11 Physics Chapter 4 - Motion in a Plane. This chapter makes students realize the way in which motion takes place when an object moves simultaneously in more than one direction.
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NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Physics Chapter 4 Motion in a Plane, addresses crucial topics such as scalars and vectors, addition of vectors, relative velocity, projectile motion and uniform circular motion. The concepts are very fundamental in the explanation of motions in real life, and they are often examined in board and competitive exams. The NCERT Exemplar Solutions for Class 11 Physics Chapter 4 Motion in a Plane are developed in a simple step-wise way, in which complex numericals and derivations of vectors are easily understood and applied. The NCERT Exemplar Solutions Class 11 Physics Chapter 4 has been developed by subject matter experts and is completely consistent with the most recent CBSE syllabus and NCERT guidelines. The NCERT Exemplar solutions are all aimed at creating a solid conceptual clarity, preventing typical errors that can be committed by students and teaching them to think logically in solving the problem. These are the questions that can be practised regularly to improve analytical skills and confidence.
NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Physics Chapter 4 Motion in a Plane: MCQ I provides accurate and well-explained answers to objective questions designed as per the NCERT Exemplar pattern. These NCERT solutions assist students in their conceptual knowledge testing, enhance accuracy, and effectively practise questions that have a multi-choice format that are examination oriented.
Question:4.1
The angle between $A=\hat{i}+\hat{j}$ and $B=\hat{i}-\hat{j}$ is
(a) $45^{o}$
(b) $90^{o}$
(c) $-45^{o}$
(d)$180^{o}$
Answer:
The answer is option (b), $90^{o}$Question:4.2
Which one of the following statements is true?
(a) A scalar quantity is the one that is conserved in a process.
(b) A scalar quantity is the one that can never take negative values.
(c) A scalar quantity is the one that does not vary from one point to another in space.
(d) A scalar quantity has the same value for observers with different orientations of the axes.
Answer:
The answer is option (d). A scalar quantity has the same value for observers with different orientations of the axes.Question:4.3
Figure 4.1 shows the orientation of two vectors u and v in the XY plane.
If $u=a\hat{i}+b\hat{j}$ and
$v=p\hat{i}+q\hat{j}$
Which of the following is correct?
(a) a and p are positive while b and q are negative.
(b) a, p and b are positive while q is negative.
(c) a, q and b are positive while p is negative.
(d) a, b, p and q are all positive.
Answer:
The answer is option (b) a, p and b are positive while q is negative.Question:4.4
The component of a vector r along X-axis will have maximum value if
(a) r is along positive Y-axis
(b) r is along positive X-axis
(c) r makes an angle of 45° with the X-axis
(d) r is along negative Y-axis
Answer:
The answer is option (b) r is along the positive X-axisQuestion:4.5
The horizontal range of a projectile fired at an angle of $15^{o}$ is 50 m. If it is fired with the same speed at an angle of $45^{o}$, its range will be
a) 60 m
b) 71 m
c) 100 m
d) 141 m
Answer:
The answer is option (c) 100 mQuestion:4.6
Consider the quantities pressure, power, energy, impulse gravitational potential, electric charge, temperature, area. Out of these, the only vector quantities are
a) impulse, pressure, and area
b) impulse and area
c) area and gravitational potential
d) impulse and pressure
Answer:
The answer is the option (b), impulse and areaQuestion:4.7
In a two dimensional motion, instantaneous speed v0 is a positive constant. Then which of the following are necessarily true?
a) the average velocity is not zero at any time
b) average acceleration must always vanish
c) displacements in equal time intervals are equal
d) equal path lengths are traversed in equal intervals
Answer:
The answer is the option (d), equal path lengths are traversed in equal intervals.Question:4.8
In a two dimensional motion, instantaneous speed $v_{0}$ is a positive constant. Then which of the following are necessarily true?
a) the acceleration of the particle is zero
b) the acceleration of the particle is bounded
c) the acceleration of the particle is necessarily in the plane of motion
d) the particle must be undergoing a uniform circular motion
Answer:
The answer is the option (c), the acceleration of the particle is necessarily in the plane of motionQuestion:4.9
Three vectors A,B and C add up to zero. Find which is false.
(a) (A * B) * C is not zero unless B,C are parallel
(b) (A * B).C is not zero unless B,C are parallel
(c) If A,B,C define a plane, (A * B) *C is in that plane
(d) $(A^{*}B).C=\left | A \right |\left | B \right |\left | C \right |\rightarrow C^{2}=A^{2}+B^{2}$
Answer:
The answer is the option (a) and (c)Question:4.10
It is found that $\left | A+B \right |=\left | A \right |.$ This necessarily implies,
(a)$B=0$
(b) A,B are antiparallel
(c) A,B are perpendicular
(d) $A.B\leq 0$
Answer:
The answer is the option (a) $B=0$Physics Class 11 NCERT Exemplar Chapter 4 Motion in a Plane: MCQ II is centered on the solution of higher-order objective questions, such as assertion-reason questions, concept-based questions in MCQs. These Motion in a Plane NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Physics Solutions assist the students to reason logically, to clear the major mistakes, and to be confident with their ability to answer the advanced objective questions.
Question:4.11
Two particles are projected in air with speed $v_{0}$, at angles $\theta _{1}$ and $\theta _{2}$ to the horizontal, respectively. If the height reached by the first particle is greater than that of the second, then tick the right choices
a) angle of project: $q_{1} > q_{2}$
b) time of flight: $T_{1} > T_{2}$
c) horizontal range: $R_{1} > R_{2}$
d) total energy: $U_{1} > U_{2}$
Answer:
The answer is the option (a) and (b)Question:4.12
A particle slides down a frictionless parabolic $(y=x^{2})$ track $(A - B - C)$ starting from rest at point A (Fig. 4.2). Point B is at the vertex of parabola and point C is at a height less than that of point A. After C, the particle moves freely in air as a projectile. If the particle reaches highest point at P, then
(a) KE at P = KE at B
(b) height at P = height at A
(c) total energy at P = total energy at A
(d) time of travel from A to B = time of travel from B to P.
Answer:
The answer is the option (c)Question:4.13
Following are four different relations about displacement, velocity, and acceleration for the motion of a particle in general. Choose the incorrect one(s) :
(a) $V_{av}=\frac{1}{2}\left [ V(t_{1})+V(t_{2}) \right ]$
(b) $V_{av}=\frac{r(t_{2})-r(t_{1})}{t_{2}-t_{1}}$
(c) $r=\frac{1}{2}\left ( V(t_{2})-V(t_{1}) \right )\left ( t_{2}-t_{1} \right )$
(d) $a_{av}=\frac{V(t_{2})-V(t_{1})}{t_{2}-t_{1}}$
Answer:
The answer is the option (a) and (c)Question:4.14
For a particle performing uniform circular motion, choose the correct statement(s) from the following:
(a) Magnitude of particle velocity (speed) remains constant.
(b) Particle velocity remains directed perpendicular to radius vector.
(c) Direction of acceleration keeps changing as particle moves.
(d) Angular momentum is constant in magnitude but direction keeps changing.
Answer:
The answer is the option (a), (b), and (c)Question:4.15
For two vectors A and B, $|A + B| = |A - B|$ is always true when
(a) $\left | A \right |=\left | B \right |\neq 0$
(b) $\left | A \right |\perp \left | B \right |$
(c) $\left | A \right |= \left | B \right |\neq 0$ and A and B are parallel or anti parallel
(d) when either $\left | A \right |$ or $\left | B \right |$ is zero.
Answer:
The answer is the option (b) and (d)Motion in a Plane NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Physics Solutions: Very short answer provides brief and precise answers to questions that would examine the simple concepts and definitions. These responses suit rapid revision and allow students to remember important concepts in a minimal amount of time and reinforce the basics.
Question:4.16
Answer:
To calculate acceleration in a circular motion, we have a formula.Question:4.17
Answer:
A particle travelling in a projectile motion will definitely have a path which is parabolic in nature. The velocity of such a particle is always measured tangentially to the path of motion. Point B is where the particle reaches maximum height during the projectile motion.Question:4.18
Answer:
Question:4.19
A football is kicked into the air vertically upwards. What is its
a) acceleration
b) velocity at the highest point
Answer:
a) When the football is kicked into the air, the only force working on it is the gravitational force. Hence, the acceleration will be caused by this force, which will be in the downward direction towards the centre of the Earth.Question:4.20
Answer:
Given: A, B, and C are non-collinear and no co-planar vectors.Class 11 Physics chapter 4 Motion in a Plane: Short Answer gives explicit and logically presented answers to the questions requiring a brief explanation and argument for the answer. These responses assist the students in enhancing conceptual clarity, organising their answers well and even in examinations.
Question:4.21
Answer:
Let v be the vertical velocity, and u be the horizontal velocity of the car.Question:4.22
Answer:
Given : $u=36\; km/h=10\; m/s$Question:4.23
Answer:
Question:4.23
Answer:
Question:4.24
Answer:
Question:4.25
a) Earth can be thought of as a sphere of radius 6400 km. Any object is performing circular motion around the axis of earth due to earth’s rotation. What is the acceleration of object on the surface of the earth towards its centre? What is it at latitude $\theta$? How does these accelerations compare with $g=9.8\; m/s^{2}?$
b) Earth also moves in circular orbit around sun once every year with an orbital radius of $1.5\times 10^{11}\; m.$ What is the acceleration of earth towards the centre of the sun? How does this acceleration compare with $g=9.8\; m/s^{2}?$
$\left ( Hint: acceleration\frac{V^{2}}{R}=\frac{4\pi ^{2}R}{T^{2}} \right )$
Answer:
The angular acceleration will have its direction towards the centre, and the value will be $a=w^{2}R$Question:4.26
| Column I | Column II |
| a) a+b=c | |
| 5b) a-c=b | |
| c) b - a = c | |
| d) a+b+c=0 |
Answer:
a) $\vec{a}+\vec{b}=\vec{c}$ matches with (iv)Question:4.27
If $\left | A \right |=2$ and $\left | B \right |=4$, then match the relations in column I with the angle $\theta$ between A and B in column II.
Column I Column II
(a) $A.B=0$ (i) $\theta =0$
(b) $A.B=+8$ (ii) $\theta =90^{o}$
(c) $A.B=4$ (iii) $\theta =180^{o}$
(d) $A.B=-8$ (iv) $\theta =60^{o}$
Answer:
a) Matches with (ii)Question:4.28
If $\left | A \right |=2$ and $\left | B \right |=4$ then match the relations in column I with the angle $\theta$ between A and B in column II.
Column I Column II
(a)$\left | A\times B \right |=0$ (i) $\theta =30^{o}$
(b) $\left | A\times B \right |=8$ (ii) $\theta =45^{o}$
(c) $\left | A\times B \right |=4$ (iii) $\theta =90^{o}$
(d) $\left | A\times B \right |=4\sqrt{2}$ (iv) $\theta =0^{o}$
Answer:
Given : $\left | \vec{A} \right |=2$ and $\left | \vec{B} \right |=4$NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Physics Solutions Chapter 4 Motion in a Plane (Long Answer) provides detailed, step-by-step explanations to help students understand complex vector concepts and two-dimensional motion. These solutions focus on clear reasoning, proper use of formulas, and well-structured derivations as required in long-answer questions. Practising them strengthens conceptual clarity, improves presentation skills, and prepares students effectively for board and competitive examinations.
Question:4.29
Answer:
Question:4.3
A gun can fire shells with maximum speed $v_{0}$ and the maximum horizontal range that can be achieved is $R=v{_{0}}^{2}/g$
If a target farther away by $\Delta x$ beyond R has to be hit with the same gun as shown in the figure. Show that it could be achieved by rating the gun to a height at least
$h=\Delta x[1+\frac{\Delta x}{R}]$
Answer:
Question:4.31
Answer:

Question:4.32
Answer:
The particle rebounds from P. when it strikes a plane inclined at v0 speed. Hence, the speed of the particle after it rebounds from P will be v0. We assume the new axis X’OX and YOY’ axis at P as origin ‘O’. The components of g and v0 in the new OX and OY axes are:Question:4.33
Answer:
Let the north direction be i and the south direction be jQuestion:4.34
A river is flowing due east with a speed 3m/s. A swimmer can swim in still water at a speed of 4 m/s (Fig. 4.8).
(a) If swimmer starts swimming due north, what will be his resultant velocity (magnitude and direction)?
(b) If he wants to start from point A on south bank and reach opposite point B on north bank,
(a) which direction should he swim?
(b) what will be his resultant speed?
(c) From two different cases as mentioned in (a) and (b) above, in which case will he reach opposite bank in shorter time?
Answer:
a) If a swimmer starts swimming due north, what will be his resultant velocityb) The swimmer wants to start from point A on the south bank and reach the opposite point B on the north bank
The swimmer makes an angle $\theta$ with the north.
From the figure, we have the relation,
$V^{2}=v{_{s}}^{2}-v{_{r}}^{2}=16-9=7$
Henece$v=\sqrt{7}\; m/s$
Now we calculate the value of θ through the following formula,
$\tan \theta =\frac{v_{r}}{v}=\frac{3\sqrt{7}}{7}=1.13$
So, $\theta =48^{o}29'30''$ in th edirection from North to West
c) we need to find from the above two scenarios that for the swimmer to reach the opposite bank in the shortest time
We know that the velocity component perpendicular to the river is 4m/s
Let us assume the width of the river to be ‘w’
Time taken - North
$\frac{w}{4}=t1$
time taken in part b) when $v=\sqrt{7}\; m/s$
$\frac{w}{\sqrt{7}}=t2$
taking ratio,
$\frac{t1}{t2}=\frac{(\frac{w}{4})}{(\frac{w}{\sqrt{7}})}$
$4\; t1=\sqrt{7}\; t2$
Now as, $4>\sqrt{7}$
$t1<t2$
So, the swimmer will take a shorter time in case a)
Question:4.35
A cricket fielder can throw the cricket ball with a speed vo. If he throws the ball while running with speed u at an angle $\theta$ to the horizontal, find
a) the effective angle to the horizontal at which the ball is projected in the air as seen by a spectator
b) what will be time of flight?
c) what is the distance from the point of projection at which the ball will land?
d) find $\theta$ at which he should throw the ball that would maximise the horizontal range as found c)
e) how does $\theta$ for maximum range change if $u>v_{o}=v_{o}$ and $u<v_{o}$
f) how does $\theta$ in e) compare with that for u = 0?
Answer:
a) u is the horizontal velocity with which the cricketer runs. The ball is thrown by him while running, and hence the speed of the ball also contains a component of the cricketer’s speed.Question:4.36
Motion in two dimensions, in a plane can be studied by expressing position, velocity and acceleration as vectors in Cartesian co-ordinates $A=A_{x}\hat{i}+A_{y}\hat{j}$ where $\hat{i}$ and $\hat{j}$ are unit vector long x and y directions, respectively and $A_{x}$ and $A_{y}$ are corresponding components of A (fig.4.9). Motion can also be studied by expressing vectors in circular polar co-ordinates as $A=A_{r}\hat{r}+A_{\theta }\hat{\theta }$ where $\hat{r}=\frac{r}{r}=\cos \theta \hat{i}+\sin \theta \hat{j}$ and $\hat{\theta }=-\sin \theta \hat{i}+\cos \theta \hat{j}$ are unit vectors along direction in which 'r' and $'\theta '$ are increasing.
(a) Express $\hat{i}$ and $\hat{j}$ in terms of $\hat{r}$ and $\hat{\theta }$
(b) Show that both $\hat{r}$ and $\hat{\theta }$ are unit vectors and are perpendicular to each other.
(c) Show that $\frac{d}{dt}(\hat{r})=\omega \hat{\theta }$ where $\omega =\frac{d\theta }{dt}$ and $\frac{d}{dt}(\theta )=-\omega \hat{r}$
(d) For a particle moving along a spiral given by $r=a\theta \hat{r},$ where $a=1$ (unit), find the dimensions of 'a'.
(e) Find velocity and acceleration in polar vector representation for the particle moving along the spiral described in (d) above.
Answer:
a) $\hat{r}=\cos\; \theta \hat{i}+\sin\; \theta \hat{J}\; \; \; \; \; \; -------(1)$Question:4.37
Answer:
The chapter Motion in a Plane lays the foundation for understanding two-dimensional motion using vectors. It helps students analyse motion involving both magnitude and direction, which is essential for topics like projectile motion and circular motion. Mastery of concepts and formulas from this chapter is crucial for solving numericals accurately in board and competitive examinations. NCERT Exemplar questions strengthen both conceptual clarity and mathematical application.
Scalar quantities are characterised by magnitude alone, but vector quantities are characterised by both magnitude and direction. The study of two-dimensional motion, like velocity and acceleration in a plane, needs to be represented in vectors.
Position vector is the position of a particle in relation to the origin, whereas displacement vector indicates the change in position of a particle. These vectors assist in tracing motion in a two-dimensional coordinate system.
$\vec{r}=x \hat{i}+y \hat{j}$
The process of adding two or more vectors to obtain a resultant vector is called vector addition. It may be accomplished with either the triangle law, the parallelogram law or the polygon law, depending on the number of vectors.
$R=\sqrt{A^2+B^2+2 A B \cos \theta}$
A vector is said to be resolved when it is broken into two orthogonal parts, usually along the x-axis and y-axis. This makes the plane analysis of motion simpler.
$A_x=A \cos \theta, \quad A_y=A \sin \theta$
The rate of change of the position vector is velocity, and the rate of change ofthe velocity vector is acceleration. In a plane motion, the two are represented in terms of their x and y components.
$\vec{v}=\frac{d \vec{r}}{d t}, \quad \vec{a}=\frac{d \vec{v}}{d t}$
Relative velocity is the velocity of one object as observed from another moving object. It is obtained by vector subtraction of their velocities.
$\vec{v}_{A B}=\vec{v}_A-\vec{v}_B$
Projectile motion is the motion of an object projected into the air under gravity, moving in a parabolic path. Horizontal motion occurs with constant velocity, while vertical motion has uniform acceleration due to gravity.
In circular motion, an object travels at a constant speed around a circular path, but the velocity of the object is constantly varying because of a direction change. The centripetal acceleration needed is always directed towards the centre of a circle.
$a_c=\frac{v^2}{r}=\omega^2 r$
The chapter Motion in a Plane presents students with two-dimensional motion through vectors, which is quite difficult to learn initially for many students. The NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Physics solutions Chapter 4 are aimed at streamlining such concepts by making the explanations and answers well-organised and easy to understand. They assist the students to be familiar with, practise, and apply physics concepts during exams with confidence.
All numerical and theoretical questions are answered in steps. This assists the students to learn how to approach a problem and not memorise the end result.
The solutions are concerned with why a formula is applied and how it is applied. This will establish a solid conceptual foundation and minimise usual errors during exams.
Exemplar questions of the NCERT are said to be a bit higher level. These solutions are also a good method of preparing students for board exams and entrance examinations such as JEE.
Plane motion deals with directions and angles, and these can be best represented diagrammatically. The solutions have straightforward diagrams and vectors that simplify the learning process.
Regular practice with Exemplar solutions reduces fear of numerical problems. Students are assured that they can solve projectile motion and relative velocity problems.
A structured response will make revision time efficient and fast before exams. Important steps and formulas are easy to recall when needed.
Chapter 4 Motion in a Plane mainly deals with vectors, directions, and two-dimensional motion, which can feel tricky at first. NCERT Exemplar questions not only test the application of the formula, but also assess conceptual knowledge. By adhering to a definite and procedural method, it can become much easier and more precise to solve these questions.
NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Physics Solutions Chapter-Wise Links provide students with a structured and organised way to study physics concepts chapter by chapter. These links make it easy to access well-explained solutions for numericals, conceptual questions, and derivations as per the latest NCERT and CBSE guidelines. They help students revise efficiently, strengthen conceptual understanding, and prepare confidently for board and competitive examinations.
NCERT Exemplar Solutions Class 11 Subject-Wise Links offer a convenient and organised way for students to access solutions for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in one place. The links enable the students to study each topic in a systematic manner with correct step-by-step directions that strictly adhere to the latest NCERT syllabus. They are suitable for rapid revision, clarity of the concepts and proper preparation in exams in all science subjects in Class 11.
NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Physics Chapter-Wise Links help students study physics in a well-organised and systematic manner. By accessing solutions chapter by chapter, learners can easily understand concepts, numericals, and derivations as prescribed by the latest NCERT syllabus. These solutions support effective revision, strengthen fundamentals, and assist students in preparing confidently for school exams and competitive examinations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In Motion in a Plane, the key difference between scalar and vector quantities is:
Scalar Quantities: These have only magnitude and no direction. Examples include speed, distance, time, and mass.
Vector Quantities: These have both magnitude and direction. Examples include velocity, displacement, acceleration, and force.
Relative velocity in two dimensions is the velocity of one object relative to another, calculated by subtracting their velocity vectors. It involves breaking down velocity into horizontal and vertical components.
Uniform circular motion is accelerated because the direction of velocity constantly changes, resulting in centripetal acceleration towards the center, even though speed remains constant.
Tricky problems in Chapter 4 include:
Projectile motion: Finding range, height, or flight time.
Relative velocity: Solving with objects moving in different directions.
Circular motion: Calculating forces, tension, or angular velocity.
Acceleration in a plane: Resolving forces in 2D/3D motion.
Real-life applications include:
Projectile motion: Sports (e.g., throwing a ball, shooting a basketball).
Relative velocity: Navigation (e.g., airplanes, trains).
Circular motion: Satellites orbiting Earth, car turns on a circular track.
Acceleration: Motion of vehicles, falling objects under gravity.
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