A body starts from rest and moves with uniform acceleration a. The ratio of distances covered in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd seconds of motion is: MCQ with Answer and Explanation

A body starts from rest and moves with uniform acceleration a. The ratio of distances covered in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd seconds of motion is:
A. 1:4:9
B. 1:2:3
C. 1:1:1
D. 1:3:5
Answer: Option D
Solution (By JKExamLibrary)
Distance covered in nth second: sₙ = u + a(2n-1)/2. With u=0, sₙ ∝ (2n-1). For n=1: 2(1)-1=1; n=2: 3; n=3:5. Thus ratio 1:3:5. This result holds for any uniformly accelerated motion starting from rest. The distances covered in successive equal time intervals follow odd number ratio. Memory aid: This is a standard result derivable from s = ut + ½at² by calculating s at t=n and t=n-1. Frequently appears in competitive exams testing equation of motion applications.

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Question #1 Report Error
The acceleration due to gravity on Earth's surface is g. At a height equal to Earth's radius above the surface, g' will be:
A. 2g
B. g/4
C. g/9
D. g/2

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Acceleration due to gravity at height h: g' = gR²/(R+h)², where R is Earth's radius. Given h = R, so g' = gR²/(2R)² = gR²/4R² = g/4. This inverse square law dependence arises from Newton's law of gravitation. At depth, variation differs, but for height, this formula applies. Memory aid: Double the distance from center ⇒ gravity becomes one-fourth. This standard result is frequently tested in gravitation sections of competitive exams. Always verify whether height or depth is specified, as formulas differ significantly.

This question belongs to: Science Physics
Question #2 Report Error
The slope of a displacement-time graph for uniform motion is
A. Displacement
B. Zero
C. Velocity
D. Acceleration

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Displacement-time graph slope = Δx/Δt = average velocity. For uniform motion, velocity constant, graph is a straight line, slope equals velocity. Acceleration would be slope of velocity-time graph. Thus, slope represents velocity. Exam trick: slope of x-t graph gives instantaneous velocity.

This question belongs to: Science Physics
Question #3 Report Error
The phenomenon of total internal reflection occurs when light travels from:
A. Rarer to denser medium
B. Denser to rarer medium at angle greater than critical angle
C. Denser to rarer medium at angle less than critical angle
D. Any two media at any angle

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Total internal reflection (TIR) requires: (1) light travels from denser to rarer medium (n₁ > n₂), and (2) angle of incidence exceeds critical angle θ_c = sin⁻¹(n₂/n₁). Option A describes refraction toward normal; B describes partial reflection/refraction; D is incorrect. Memory aid: 'TIR: denser→rarer AND i > θ_c'. This condition-based question tests optics fundamentals, frequently examined in competitive exams. Always verify both conditions for TIR; common applications include optical fibers and prisms in binoculars.

This question belongs to: Science Physics