MEI Mathematics in Education and Industry

MEI Structured Mathematics

Module Summary Sheets

Mechanics 1
(Version B: Reference to new books)
Topic 1: Motion

Topic 2: Constant Acceleration

Topic 3: Force and Newton's Laws

Topic 4: Applying Newton's second law along a line

Topic 5: Vectors

Topic 6: Projectiles

Topic 7: Forces and motion in 2 dimensions

Topic 8: General motion

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© MEI, November 2004

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Summary M1 Topic 1: Motion
References: Terminology A scalar is a quantity that has magnitude only
Chapter 1 Displacement s: distance in a certain direction A vector is a quantity that has magnitude and
Pages 1-4 Distance is the magnitude of the displacement direction.
Velocity v: rate of change of displacement
Speed is the magnitude of the velocity vector scalar
Exercise 1A Acceleration a: rate of change of velocity displacement distance
Q. 3 Retardation (deceleration) is –ve acceleration velocity speed
acceleration

References: E.g. A car travelling at constant speed goes up a

Chapter 1
Graphs
Time is plotted on the horizonatal axis. motorway for 50 miles, turns round and immedi-
Pages 5-8 ately travels back. The first part takes 50 mins and
Displacement– time graph
The velocity at a point is the gradient of the the second part takes 70 mins.
Exercise 1B curve.
Q. 3
Velocity-time graph
Acceleration at a point is the gradient of the
References: graph at that point.
Chapter 1
Pages 10-11
total displacement
Average Velocity =
total time
After 2 hours:
Exercise 1C change in velocity Displacement = 0 Distance = 100 miles
Average Acceleration =
Q. 5 time Average Vel = 0 Average Speed = 50 mph
Velocity for first part = 60 mph
Velocity for second part = -43 mph (to 3 s.f.)

References: Areas under graphs E.g. the graph represents the motion of a train
Chapter 1 The area between a speed-time graph and the between 2 stations.
Pages 12-15 x- axis represents the distance travelled. (i) Find the acceleration for each part of the
journey.
The area between a velocity-time graph and the (ii) How far apart are the two stations?
Exercise 1D x- axis represents the displacement. An area
Q. 6 below the axis is taken as negative.

When the velocity (or speed) is modelled by

constant acceleration then the sections of the
velocity-time graph will be straight lines. The
area under the graph will therefore be a triangle,
trapezium or rectangle and can therefore be
calculated easily be elementary mensuration.

If the graph is a curve (i.e. not constant accel- Velocity 40 4

(i) For Section A: Acceleration = = = m s -2
eration) then the area can be found by integra- Time 30 3
tion or estimated by numerical approximation For section B:Acceleration = 0
(see C 2). Velocity −40 2
For Section C:acceleration = = = − m s-2
Time 60 3

1
(ii) Area A = .30 .40 = 600
2
Mechanics 1 Area B = 60 .40 = 2400
Version B: page 2 1
Area C = 60 .40 = 1200
Competence statements k1, k2, k3, k4 2
Total = 4200 metres .
© MEI
Summary M1 Topic 2: Constant Acceleration
References: Constant acceleration formulae E.g. A body moves from rest in a straight line with an
Chapter 2 acceleration of 2 ms-2. Find its displacement after 4 sec.
Pages 20-25 v = u + at
u = 0, a = 2, t = 4
v 2 = u 2 + 2as s = displacement
1
t = time Using s = ut + at 2
1 2
Example 2.1 s = ut + at 2 u = initial velocity
Page 24 2 v = final velocity 1
⇒ s = 0 + × 2 × 42 = 16 i.e. the displacement is 16 metres.
1 2 a = acceleration 2
s = vt − at
2
1
s = (u + v )t E.g. A particle is hit across ice with an initial velocity of
2 10 m s-1. If the retardation is 0.6 m s-2 find how long it
When velocity is constant s = ut takes to stop and how far it has travelled.
u = 10, v = 0, a = −0.6
• Always define the positive direction
50
• Units must be consistent Using v = u + at ⇒ 0 = 10 − 0.6t ⇒ t =
Exercise 2A 3
• Equations are for constant acceleration 1
Q. 7 Using s = ut + at 2
2
2
50 1 ⎛ 50 ⎞ 250
⇒ s = 10 − × 0.6 × ⎜ ⎟ =
3 2 ⎝ 3⎠ 3
References: Vertical motion due to gravity 2 1
i.e. the time is 16 secand the displacement is 83 metres
Chapter 2 In free fall under gravity a body will fall 3 3
Page 26 towards the centre of the earth This may be
modelled by a constant acceleration g E.g. A stone is thrown upwards from the top of a tower
(approximately 9.8ms-2) of height 40 m with a speed of 14 m s-1. Find the greatest
height and the time taken to reach the ground.
If a body is thrown upwards
• At highest point v = 0 Taking the origin to be where the the stone is thrown:
Exercise 2A • v is negative on the way down With u = 14, v = 0, a = −9.8 Using v2 = u 2 + 2as
Q. 3 • a = -g ⇒ 0 = 196 − 2 × 9.8 × s
• Motion up and down is symmetrical
until it returns to its starting point ⇒ s = 10; Greatest ht = 10 + 40 = 50metres.
• Displacement is negative below the 1
When s = -40 , using s = ut + at 2
point of projection 2
1
⇒ −40 = 14t − × 9.8 × t 2

2
References: Non-zero displacement ⇒ 4.9t − 14t − 40 = 0
2

Chapter 2 Solving for t by the quadratic formula and taking +ve root
Pages 30,31 The formulae above assume s = 0 when t = 0.
as time > 0 ⇒ t ≈ 4.62 ⇒ the time is 4.62 secs.

If the particle is not at the origin but at s = s0

1 E.g. Example above, taking the origin to be the ground.
when t = 0, the formula s = ut + at 2 becomes
2 With u = 14, v = 0, a = − 9.8 Using v 2 = u 2 + 2 a ( s − s0 )
Exercise 2B
1 2 ⇒ 0 = 196 − 2 × 9.8 × ( s − 40)
Q. 3, 4 s − s0 = ut + at .
2 196
⇒ s = 40 + = 40 + 10 = 50
You need to replace s by s − s0 in every equation. 2 × 9.8
⇒ Distance = 50 metres. (as above)

1 2
When s = 0 , using s = 40 + ut + at
2
1
⇒ 0 = 40 + 14t − × 9.8 × t 2
Mechanics 1 2
Version B: page 3 ⇒ 4.9t 2 − 14t − 40 = 0 ⇒ t ≈ 4.62 taking +ve root
Competence statements k7, k8 ⇒ the time is 4.62 secs (as above)
© MEI
Summary M1 Topic 3: Force and Newton's Laws of motion –1
References: Forces Types of forces
Chapter 3 A force causes a change in motion unless it is E.g. a sledge being pulled by two people.
Pages 37-38 balanced by an equal and opposite force.
The S.I. unit is the newton.
Force is a vector.

Force diagrams
Drawing a force diagram is a crucial stage of Direction of motion
problem solving. It makes you consider the detail
of the problem, what forces are acting and what E.g. an object being pulled along a table.
state the body is in.
• The diagram should be large, clear and should
contain all the information of the problem.
• Always include acceleration where
appropriate.
• Take care to ensure that all the forces acting
are included, and are along the line of action.
• Show forces on individual bodies. Direction of motion
• When more than one body is involved,
consider each body separately. E.g. Mass on the end of a string being pulled
• Force lines should have arrows and labels. to one side.

References: Centre of mass and the particle model

Chapter 3 The centre of mass of a body is a point through
Page 39 which the total weight acts. It is often easier to
model a body (which has size) by a single weight
Exercise 3A acting at a point. The body is then considered to
Q. 4 behave like a point mass.

References: Newton's third law E. g. Car pulling a trailer

Chapter 3 When one object exerts a force on another there is
Pages 39-40 always a reaction which is equal in magnitude and
Pages 47-50 opposite in direction to the acting force.

Direction of motion
References: Friction
Chapter 3 Friction is a resistive force that acts to oppose slid- (T is the tension in the couplings, F is the driving
Pages 41-42 ing between surfaces in contact. force and R1 and R2 the resistances to motion.)
The model is often simplified in this module by
assuming that there is no friction. In this case the E.g. a stationary body on a slope.
Exercise 3B surfaces in contact are said to be "smooth".
Q. 1

References: Normal Reaction

Chapter 3 When one surface is prevented from moving into
Page 41 the space occupied by another surface, then a
force is exerted at right angles to the surfaces.
Exercise 3B This is called the Normal Reaction.
Q. 2

Newton's first law Mechanics 1

Every body continues in a state of rest or uniform Version B: page 4
motion in a straight line unless acted on by a Competence statements d1, d2, n1
resultant external force. © MEI
Summary M1 Topic 3: Force and Newton’s Laws of Motion –2
References: Tension and Thrust E.g. When an engine pulls a truck then there is tension
Chapter 3 When a force has the effect of pulling then there is the connection, but if the engine pushes then there is
Pages 47-48 is tension in the connection. thrust.
When a force has the effect of pushing then there
is thrust in the connection. The connection is said
to be in compression.
A string can only be in tension and that tension
has its direction along the line of the string.
Tension Thrust

References: Resultants E.g. A train with a driving force of F experiencing re-

Chapter 3 The resultant of two vectors is the combined sistance of R.
Pages 48-49 effect of those vectors.
This can be applied to all vectors: Force, velocity,
displacement, etc.
A resultant force is the single force which could
replace a system of forces. If the two forces are equal and opposite then the train
Exercise 3D will either remain at rest or move at constant speed.
Q. 6
Equilibrium If F > R then there will be an acceleration in the direc-
When a body is in equilibrium, (at rest or moving tion of F.
with constant velocity) the forces on it balance.
i.e. the resultant force in any direction is zero.

References: Newton’s second Law E.g. An overall force of 20 N acting on a body with
Chapter 3 Acceleration is proportional to force. mass 10 kg produces an acceleration of a m s-2.
Pages 49-50
F=ma Using F = ma gives 20 = 10a ⇒ a = 2 ms-2
Exercise 3C 1
The unit of force is the newton. A force of If the body is initially at rest then v = at and s = at 2 .
Q. 6 2
1 newton will give a mass of 1 kg an acceleration
So after 3secs the velocity in the direction of the force
of 1 m s-2.
is 6 ms−1 and the displacement is 9 m.
References: Weight
Chapter 3 The mass of an object is related to the amount of E.g. The weight of 2 kg of apples is 2g Newtons.
Pages 50-51 substance. It is a scalar quantity. If g = 9.8 m s-2 then W = 19.6 N.
The weight is the force of gravity pulling the (g is not always 9.8 m s-2 on the surface of the earth but
body towards earth. it is often taken to be this value or in exercises the
W = mg value of 10 m s-2 is sometimes used. On the surface of
Note: Society in general gets the definition mud- the moon the value of g is very different and so the
dled (e.g. a bag of potatoes weighs 5 kg, weight of 2 kg of apples will be different.)
whereas this is actually the mass).

References: Pulleys E.g. If m1 = m2 then the

Chapter 3 A pulley is used to change the direction of a system is in equilibrium.
Pages 52-53 force.
A pulley is usually modelled as being smooth. If m1 = 2 kg, m2 = 3 kg then
Example 3.6 The result of this is that when a string passes the system is not in equilib-
Page 53 over the pulley the tension in the string is the rium. m2 will accelerate
same either side of the pulley. downwards and m1 upwards.

Exercise 3D Mechanics 1 (The pulley must be smooth

Q. 4 Version B: page 5 and the string light and inex-
Competence statements n1, n2 tensible.)
© MEI
Summary M1 Topic 4: Newton’s Laws along a line
References: Equation of motion E.g. A car of mass 500 kg accelerates at 1.5 m s-2.
Chapter 4 If there is a resultant force on a body then it is not Resistive forces are 2 N per kg. Find the driving
Pages 58-59 in equilibrium and there will be an acceleration in force, F.
the direction of the force.
F = ma (Newton's 2nd law)
Exercise 4A
Q. 1(i),(v) Resultant Force = mass × acceleration
If there is no resultant force on a body then it is in
equilibrium. That means that the particle is either ⇒ F − 500 × 2 = 500 × 1.5
at rest or moving with constant velocity. ⇒ F = 1000 + 750 = 1750N

E.g. The driver changes the forward force to 700N.

What will happen to the car?
References: Solving problems
Chapter 4 • Draw a large, clear, complete force diagram,
Page 62 showing the direction of any motion
• A body will either be accelerating or in
equilibrium. Show acceleration on the force
Exercise 4B 700 − 500 × 2 = 500a
diagram.
Q. 5 ⇒ 500a = 700 − 1000 = −300
• Obtain equations by resolving in the direction
of acceleration and using F = ma ⇒ a = −0.6 so the car will decelerate.
• Make it clear which object each equation
applies to
• Solve the equations.
E.g. If m1 = m2 then the sys-
tem is in equilibrium.
References: Connected Bodies If m1 = 2 kg, m2 = 3 kg then
Chapter 4 Draw a force diagram for each body separately. the system is not in equilib-
Pages 65-67 Obtain equations by considering each body rium. m2 will accelerate
separately. If motion is in the same direction, we downwards and m1 upwards.
can consider the system as one body, provided
Exercise 4C “internal” forces are not required.
Q. 1, 4 m2 g − T = m2 a
T − m1 g = m1a

References: Mathematical Modelling

Chapter 4 Mathematical modelling is making assumptions E.g. An engine of mass 20 tonnes is pulling a truck
Page 67 in order to simplify the mathematics. Carrying of mass 15 tonnes. Resistances to motion are 1N
out experiments will enable you to compare your per kg. If the driving force is 40kN find the accel-
model to reality. eration and the tension in the coupling.
Examples of modelling:
All forces act through a point
Pulleys are smooth
Strings are light and inextensible
An object is a particle For the whole train Total resistances = 35000
F = ma ⇒ 40000 − 35000 = 35000a
References: Air resistance 5000 1 -2
⇒a = = ms
Chapter 4 The assumption that there is no air resistance is 35000 7
Pages 74-75 an example of mathematical modelling. 1
For the engine: 40000 −T − 20000 = 20000×
7
20000
⇒T = 40000 − 20000 − ≈ 17143N
7
1
Mechanics 1 Or for the truck: T −15000 = 15000×
7
Version B: page 6
⇒T ≈ 17143N.
Competence statements n1, n2, n3
(N.B. The tension, T, cannot be found by
© MEI
considering the train as a single body.)
 Summary M1 Topic 5: Vectors
References: A scalar has magnitude only. E.g. time, distance, speed, mass are scalars.
Chapter 5 A vector has magnitude and direction. E.g. displacement, velocity, acceleration, weight
Pages 78 - 80 are vectors.
Vector diagrams
→
Vectors are represented by arrowed lines. E.g. M is the midpoint of AB where OA = a
The length represents the magnitude and the arrow the → →
Exercise 5A direction. and OB = b. Find OM in terms of a and b.
Q. 4 Parallel vectors are multiples of each other. → → →
Displacement vectors have fixed positions, e.g. posi- AB = AO + OB = −a + b = b − a
tion vector. → 1 → 1
⇒ AM = AB = (b − a)
Free vectors are not fixed by position, e.g. velocity. 2 2
→ → →
References: OM = OA+ AM
Chapter 5 Adding and subtracting
1 1
Page 80 → → → vec- = a + (b − a) = (b + a)
2 2
A B + B C = A C tors
Exercise 5A → → →
Q. 9 AC − BC = AB

References: The x-y plane E.g. a = 3i − 4j, b = 5i + j

Chapter 5 The position vector of a point P is given by the vector Find (i) a + b, (ii) a − b,
Pages 84-87 →
(iii) k such that a + kb is parallel to the x-axis.
from the origin OP.

Unit Vectors have magnitude 1

(i) a + b = ( 3i − 4j) + ( 5i + j) = 8i − 3j
Exercise 5B i and j are used to denote unit vectors in the x and y
Q. 6 directions. (ii) a − b = ( 3i − 4j) − ( 5i + j) = −2i − 5j
→ (iii)a + kb = ( 3i − 4j) + k ( 5i + j)
The vector OP can be thought of as a translation from
= ( 3 + 5k ) i − ( k − 4 ) j
References: O to P. If P has coordinates ( x, y) then
Parallel to x - axis means zero j component
Chapter 5 → ⎛ x⎞
Pages 89-91 OP = xi + yj or ⎜ ⎟ ⇒ k = 4 ⇒ a + kb = 23i
⎝ y⎠
→
The magnitude of the vector OP , OP , is the distance Three dimensions
Results from 2-D are simply extended into 3-D.
from O to P. If P has coordinates ( x, y ) then A third axis, the z-axis, and its corresponding
Exercise 5C
Q. 4 OP = x 2 + y 2 unit vector, k, is introduced.
→ If the point P is at position ( x, y,z )
The direction of the vector OP is usually taken to be the
⎛ x⎞
angle, measured anti - clockwise from the Ox axis. →
⎜ ⎟
References: →
then OP = ( xi + yj + zk ) = ⎜ y ⎟
y ⎜ z⎟
Chapter 5 The direction of OP is tan -1 . ⎝ ⎠
x
Pages 93-94

Resolving vectors E.g. resolving v horizontally and vertically

Exercise 5D A vector v can be split into components in two gives
Q. 5 (usually) perpendicular directions by resolving it into v = vcosαi + vsinαj
those directions.

References: Velocity triangles

Chapter 5 The sum of 2 velocities can be found by drawing a
Pages 97, 98 Mechanics 1
triangle where two sides represent the two vectors in
magnitude and direction. The third side represents the
Version B: page 7
resultant in magnitude and direction. Competence statements v1, v2, v3, v4, v5
Exercise 5E © MEI
Q. 7 The triangle can be drawn accurately or solved using
trigonometry.
 Summary M1 Topic 6: Projectiles
References: Projectiles E.g. a particle is projected at 20 m s-1 at an angle of
Chapter 6 A projectile is a body given an initial velocity which 60o to the horizontal from a cliff 50 m above sea
Pages 101-104 then moves freely under gravity. level. Find
(i) the greatest height,
Modelling Assumptions: (ii) how far out it hits the sea,
• no air resistance (iii) the angle and speed at which it hits the sea.
• the body is a particle and so there is no spin This answer demonstrates the use of horizontal
Exercise 6A and vertical motion.
Q. 1(i),2(i), Horizontal and vertical components can be analysed
3(ii) separately (or a vector approach may be used), with
the positive direction upwards and the origin at the
point of projection.
i.e. v = u +at or v y = u y − gt , vx = u x
1 1
s = ut + at 2 or y = u y t − gt 2 , x = ux t
2 2
References:
Chapter 6 ⎛0⎞
The acceleration vector is ⎜ ⎟ ms-2
Pages 107-108 ⎝ -g ⎠ (i) Vertically: uy = 20sin 60 = 10 3 ≈ 17.3, a = −g
⎛ ux ⎞ ⎛ u cos α ⎞ vy = 17.3 − 9.8t :
The initial velocity vector is ⎜ ⎟ = ⎜ ⎟ ms
-1
u
⎝ ⎠ y ⎝ u sin α ⎠ at the top, vy = 0, 17.3 = 9.8t ⇒ t ≈ 1.77secs
where u is the initial speed y = 17.3t − 4.9t 2 ⇒ sy = 17.3×1.77 − 4.9 ×1.772 ≈ 15.3
Exercise 6B and α is the angle of projection. ⇒ Greatest height = 50 + 15.3 ≈ 65.3metres
Q. 2
(ii) Vertically: y = 17.3t − 4.9t 2 and y = -50 at sea level.
Properties:
• The path is parabolic ⇒ −50 = 17.3t − 4.9t 2 ⇒ 4.9t 2 − 17.3t − 50 = 0
• It is symmetric about a vertical line through its 17.3 ± 1280
Exercise 6C
highest point ⇒t ≈ ≈ 5.42sec (taking the +ve root.)
Q. 4 9.8
• The greatest height occurs when vy = 0 Horizontally: x = 20cos 60t = 10 × 5.42 ≈ 54.2metres
• The body returns to the level of projection when
y=0 (iii) Vertically: vy = uy − 9.8t = 17.3 − 9.8 × 5.42 ≈ −35.8
Speed and direction can be found at any point by Horizontally: vx = ux = 10
considering the magnitude and direction of velocity. ⇒ Speed = 102 + 35.82
Position can be found by considering the
components x and y. = 37.1ms −1
Constant acceleration formulae are used. 35.8
⇒ Angle at sea = tan-1 ( )
References: 10
Chapter 6 ≈ 74.40
Page 118 Special results:
Know how to use (but it is not necessary to learn
E.g. using vectors to solve the question above:
them
Exercise 6D
Q. 2 2u sin α ⎛ 10 ⎞ ⎛ 0 ⎞
Time of flight: t = (i) u = ⎜ ⎟, a = ⎜ ⎟
g ⎝17.3 ⎠ ⎝ −9.8⎠
u2 sin 2α u2 ⎛ 10 ⎞ ⎛ 0 ⎞ ⎛ 10 ⎞
Range: x = : Max. Range: R = (when α=45o ) v = u + at ⇒ v = ⎜ ⎟ +⎜ ⎟t = ⎜ ⎟
References: g g ⎝17.3⎠ ⎝ −9.8⎠ ⎝17.3 − 9.8t ⎠
Chapter 6
u2 sin2 α 17.3
Page 126-128 Greatest height: y = vy = 0 when 17.3 = 9.8t ⇒ t = ≈ 1.77
2g 9.8
1 ⎛ 10t ⎞ ⎛ 0 ⎞ ⎛ 10t ⎞
x (1+ tan2 x )
g 2 s = ut + at 2 = ⎜
Exercise 6E Equation of trajectory: y = x tan α − ⎟ +⎜
− 2⎟
=⎜
− 2⎟
2u2 2 ⎝17.3t ⎠ ⎝ 4.9t ⎠ ⎝ 17.3t 4.9t ⎠
Q. 6 ⎛17.7 ⎞
When t = 1.77 s = ⎜ ⎟,
Mechanics 1 ⎝15.3⎠
Version B: page 8 giving greatest height = 50 + 15.3 = 65.3 m.
Competence statements: y1, y2, y3, y4, y5, k11
© MEI
 Summary M1 Topic 7: Forces and motion in 2-D
E.g. A body of mass 6 kg is being pulled at constant speed up
References: Resolving forces
Chapter 7 a smooth slope of angle 250 to the horizontal by a force, F.
Force is a vector. The technique of
Pages 130-133 resolving vectors, and therefore forces, has
been covered in chapter 5.
Resolving along slope
The component of R in a direction at an
angle θ to the direction of R is Rcosθ. F − 6gsin25 = 0
The component of R in a direction F = 24.8 N
Exercise 7A
perpendicular to the line of action of R is 0, Resolving perpendicular
Q. 5
as cos90 = 0. to the slope:
N − 6gcos25 = 0
N = 53.3 N
References: Equilibrium Or, if i , j are along and perpendicular to the slope:
Chapter 7 By Newton’s 1st Law, if there is no accel-
Pages 134-135 eration in a given direction then there is no ⎛ F − 6sin 25 ⎞ ⎛ 0 ⎞
component of force in that direction. ⎜ ⎟=⎜ ⎟
A body is in equilibrium if there is no over- ⎝ N − 6 gcos25 ⎠ ⎝ 0 ⎠
all force in any direction. (i.e. the sum of
resolved forces in any direction is zero.) Or, if i , j are horizontal and vertical:
This applies to the particle model where all
forces acting are considered to act through a
Exercise 7B ⎛ F cos25 − N sin 25 ⎞ ⎛ 0 ⎞
point. ⎜ ⎟=⎜ ⎟
⎝ F sin25 + N cos25 − 6 g ⎠ ⎝ 0 ⎠
Q. 3
To check for equilibrium it is sufficient to
check for no force in any two directions.
Usually this will be in two perpendicular E.g. In the example above, the three forces are in equilibrium
directions. as there is no acceleration.

References: Triangle of forces

Chapter 7 When there are three non-parallel forces N = 6 g cos25 = 53 .3 N
Pages 134-135 acting on a body in equilibrium then the F = 6 gsin25 = 24 .8 N
three forces may be represented in magni-
tude and direction by the sides of a triangle,
taken in order. (See example.)

References: Newton's 2nd law in 2 dimensions E.g. in the example above, the force, F, is increased to 30N.
Chapter 7 When a body is not in equilibrium then it Find the acceleration and the value of N.
Pages 147-148 will have an acceleration in a given direc- Resolving along slope:
tion.
This may be found by resolving or by using 30 − 6 g sin 25 = 6 a
vectors ⇒ a = 0 . 86 m s -2
Exercise 7C (F = ma is a vector equation) Resolving perpendicular
Q. 5
⎛F ⎞ ⎛a ⎞ to the slope:
i.e. ⎜ 1 ⎟ = m ⎜ 1 ⎟ N = 6 g cos25 = 53 . 3 N
⎝ F2 ⎠ ⎝ a2 ⎠

Or F1i + F2j = m(a1i + a2j) E.g. The force, F now makes an angle of 100 with the slope.
How does this affect the value of N?
Resolving perpendicular
to the slope:
N + 30sin10 = 6 gcos25
Mechanics 1 = 53.3 N
Version B: page 9
⇒ N = 53.3 − 5.2 = 48.1N
Competence statements d1, d3, d4, d5, d6, d7, n1, n2, n4, n5
© MEI N has decreased by 5.2N
 Summary M1 Topic 8: General motion
References: Use of calculus E.g. The velocity of a body is modelled by the

z formula v = 3t 2 + 2t − 4. It starts from the origin.

Chapter 8
ds
Pages 157-164 v = ; s= v dt
dt Find (i) the acceleration at time t ,

a =
dv
dt
=
d2s
dt 2
; v = z a dt
(ii) the velocity at time t.

(i) a =
dv
= 6t + 2
Exercise 8A dt
Differentiate
Q. 3 (ii) s = ∫ vdt = ∫ (3t 2 + 2t − 4)dt
s v a = t 3 + t 2 − 4t + c.
Satisfied by (0,0) ⇒ c = 0 ⇒ s = t 3 + t 2 − 4t
Exercise 8B Integrate
Q. 3
Diagrams E.g. The displacement of a body is modelled
Knowledge of C2 techniques of curve sketching by the formula s = t 3 + 1.
Exercise 8C (Straight lines, quadratics and higher polynomials) is Sketch (i) the displacement - time graph,
Q. 2 important.
(ii) the velocity-time graph and
(iii) the acceleration-time g raph.
Displacement-time graph
• Velocity is the gradient of the curve (i) s = t 3 + 1.
• Average velocity is the gradient of the chord W hen t = 0, s = 1
between two times W hen s = 0, t = -1

Velocity-time graph
• Acceleration is the gradient of the curve
• Area under the curve is the displacement

Acceleration-time graph
(ii) v = 3t 2
• Area under the curve is the velocity change
v increases with time.
W hen v = 0, t = 0

References: Using vectors

Chapter 8 Formulae for uniform acceleration and calculus may
Pages 169-174 be used with the variables modelling vectors in 2 or
3 dimensions.
(iii) a = 6 t
FG IJ
3 FG IJ then when t = 3
1 Acceleration increases

Exercise 8D
e.g. If a =
HK
2
and u =
H -1K at a constant rate, a =0 when t =0.

Q. 4 Using v = u + at ⇒
F 1 I F 3I F10I
v = G J + G J3 = G J E.g. The velocity of a body is modelled
H -1K H 2K H 5 K by the formula v = ( 3t 2i + 3j ) ms-2 . Initially
When differentiating or integrating deal with the it is at the point with position vector (i − j) m.
components. Find (i) the acceleration at time t ,

F 3t I 2
e.g. If v = G J then a =
dv F 6t I
= G J
(ii) the displacement at time t ,

H 2t K dt H 2K (iii) the time when the particle is travelling

in a direction parallel to the x-axis.
F 3t I F t + c I
and s = z G J d t = G
2 3

H 2 t K H t + c JK
1
2
2 dv
(i) a = = 6ti ms-2
(where the constants of integration, c1 and c2 , dt
are found from initial conditions.) (ii) s = ∫ vdt = ∫ ( 3t 2i + 3j )dt =t 3i + 3tj + c
When t = 0, s=(i − j ) ⇒ c=(i − j)
Mechanics 1
Version B: page 10
( )
⇒ s = t 3 + 1 i + ( 3t − 1) j

Competence statements k1, k5, k6, k10 1

(iii) When s = ki, 3t −1 = 0 ⇒ t = .
© MEI 3