Introduction to Mechanics

Mathematics Extension 2 Extension 1

t is the common variable x is the common variable
x&& = f ( t ) x&& = f ( v ) x&& = f ( x )

d ( 12 v )
dv x&& =
x&& = dx
dt
dv
x&& = v
dx

v = g (t ) or t = h ( v ) x = g ( v ) or v = h ( x )

dx
v=
dt

x = G ( v ) or v = H ( x )

Kinematics: The study of the motion of a body without reference to the causes of its motion.

Mechanics: The study of the effect of forces on a body to cause them to move or to alter their
state of motion. Since forces produce acceleration, principles of kinematics are used. All bodies are
regarded as particles.

Newtons First Law:

A body remains in a state of rest or uniform motion in a straight line unless it is acted upon by a
non-zero resultant force.

Newtons Second Law:

The rate of change of momentum is proportional to the applied
resultant force and occurs in the direction of the force. d ( mv )
F
dt
Momentum = mv
d ( mv )
=k
Notes: We can set k = 1 through a suitable choice of force unit. dt
The unit of force is a Newton (N) which represents dv
the force required to give a mass of 1 kg an acceleration = km
dt
(setting k = 1)
of 1 ms2. F = m&&
x
1 kg weight is approximately 9.8N.
Newtons Third Law:
For every action there is a reaction, equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.

Acceleration can be expressed in any of the forms:

&&
x;
dv d 2 x
; ;v ;
1 2
dv d 2 v ( )
dt dt 2 dx dx

Choosing which form to use will depend on the form of the equation which defines the acceleration
or force.

dv d 2x
If x&& = f (t) use or .
dt dt 2
d ( 12 v 2 )
If x&& = f (x) use .
dx
dv
If x&& = f (v) use (i) if the question requires more information about t and v.
dt
dv
(ii) v if the question requires more information about x and v.
dx