CHAPTER 13

Kinetics of a Particle
Force and Acceleration

Newtons Laws of Motion

FIRST LAW: If the resultant force acting on a particle is
zero, the particle will remain at rest (if originally at rest)
or will move with constant speed in a straight line (if
originally in motion)
SECOND LAW: If the resultant force acting on a particle
is not zero, the particle will have an acceleration
proportional to the magnitude of the resultant and in
the direction of the resultant force
THIRD LAW: The forces of action and reaction between
bodies in contact have the same magnitude, same line
of action and opposite sense

The Equation of Motion

Acceleration: Kinematics
Types of motion:
rectilinear, continuous or erratic, projectile motion
curvilinear motion,
dependent motion
relative motion
Force:
applied force,
tension in string,
friction force,
spring force,
weight of the body,
drag force,
reactions at supports and connections
Coordinate System:
- Cartesian
- Normal-tangential
- Radial-transverse (polar and cylindrical)

Equations of Motion:
Rectangular Coordinates

For this equation to be satisfied, the respective

i,j, k components on the left side must equal the
corresponding components on the right side.

Problem Solving
Select suitable coordinate system
FBD (free-body diagram); showing all external
forces applied to particle. Resolve forces into
their appropriate components
Apply equations of motion in their scalar
component form
Identify unknowns and solve equations for the
unknowns.

Dealing with Forces: Free-Body

Diagram

The 50-kg crate shown in Figure rests on a horizontal

surface for which the coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.3.
If the crate is subjected to a 400-N towing force as
shown, determine the velocity of the crate in 3 s starting
from rest.