Topic 2: Mechanics

2.2 Forces and dynamics

Mechanics is the branch of physics which concerns
itself with forces, and how they affect a body's
motion.
Kinematics is the sub-branch of mechanics which
studies only a body's motion without regard to
causes.
Dynamics is the sub-branch of mechanics which
studies the forces which cause a body's motion.

The two pillars of

mechanics
Galileo
Kinematics
Topic 2.1

Newton
Dynamics
Topic 2.2

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
2.2.1 Calculate the weight of a body using the
expression W = mg.
2.2.2 Identify the forces acting on an object and
draw free-body diagrams representing those
forces.
2.2.3 Determine the resultant force in different
situations.
2.2.4 State Newtons first law.
2.2.5 Describe examples of Newtons first law.
2.2.6 State the condition for translational
equilibrium.
2.2.7 Solve problems involving translational
equilibrium.

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
Calculate the weight of a body using the
expression W = mg. Identify the forces acting on
an object and draw free-body diagrams
representing those forces.
A force is a push or a pull measured in newtons.
One force we are very familiar with is the force
of gravity, AKA the weight.
The very concepts of push and pull imply
direction. The direction of the weight is down
toward the center of the earth.
If you have a weight of 90 newtons (or 90 N),
your weight can be expressed as a vector, 90 N,
down.
We will show later that weight has the formula
-2
weight
where
g
=
10
m
s
W = mg
and m is the mass in kg

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
Calculate the weight of a body using the
expression W = mg. Identify the forces acting on
an object and draw free-body diagrams
representing those forces.

EXAMPLE: Calculate the weight of a 25-kg

object.
SOLUTION:
Since m = 25 kg and g = 10 m s-2,
W = mg = (25)(10) = 250 N (or 250 n).
Note that W inherits its direction from
the fact that g points downward.
We sketch the mass as a dot, and the
weight as a vector in a free body diagram:

Free body
diagram
mass
force

W = mg

weight
where g = 10 m s-2
and m is the mass in kg

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
Identify the forces acting on an object and draw
free-body diagrams representing those forces.
Certainly there are other forces besides
weight that you are familiar with.
For example, when you set a mass on a
tabletop, even though it stops moving, it
still has a weight. The implication is that
the tabletop applies a counterforce to the
weight, called a normal force.
Note that the weight and the normal forces
are the same length they balance.
The normal force is called a surface
contact force.

N
W

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
Identify the forces acting on an object and draw
free-body diagrams representing those forces.
Tension can only be a pull and never a push.
Friction tries to oppose the motion.
Friction is parallel to the contact surface.
Normal is perpendicular to the contact surface.
Friction and normal are mutually perpendicular.
Friction and normal are surface contact forces.

T
f

the tension

Contact surface

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
Identify the forces acting on an object and draw
free-body diagrams representing those forces.
Weight is drawn from the center of an object.
Normal is always drawn from the contact surface.
Friction is drawn along the contact surface.
Tension is drawn at whatever angle is given.

f
W

Identify the forces acting on an object and draw

free-body diagrams representing those forces.
EXAMPLE: An object has a tension acting on it at
30 as shown. Sketch in the forces, and draw a
free body diagram.
N
SOLUTION:
Weight from center, down.
T
Normal from surface, up.
30
f
Friction from surface, N
T
parallel.
30

f
W

Free body diagram

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
Determine the resultant force in different
situations.
The resultant (or net) force is just the vector
sum of all of the forces acting on a body.
EXAMPLE: An object has mass of 25 kg. A tension
of 50 n and a friction force of 30 n are acting
on it as shown. What is the resultant force?
SOLUTION:
Since the weight and the normal
N
forces cancel out in the ydirection, we only need to worry
about the forces in the x50 n
direction.
f
The net force is thus
30 n
50 30 = 20 n (+x-dir)

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
Determine the resultant force in different
situations.
The resultant (or net) force is just the vector
sum of all of the forces acting on a body.

30 n

Fy,net = Fy
net force
Fx,net = Fx
Fnet = F
EXAMPLE: An object has exactly two forces F1 = 50
n and F2 = 30 n applied simultaneously to it. What
is the resultant forces magnitude?
SOLUTION:
F2
F
=
F
=
F
+
F
so
we
t
net
1
2
F ne
simply graphically add the
two vectors:
The magnitude is just given
by Fnet2 = 502 + 302 so that
50 n
Fnet = 58 n.

F1

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
Determine the resultant force in different
situations.
The resultant (or net) force is just the vector
sum of all of the forces acting on a body.

= tan-1(0.6) = 31.

F2
30 n

Fy,net = Fy
net force
Fx,net = Fx
Fnet = F
EXAMPLE: An object has exactly two forces F1 = 50
n and F2 = 30 n applied simultaneously to it as
shown. What is the resultant forces direction?
SOLUTION:
Direction is measured from the x-axis
t
ne
F
traditionally.
Opposite and adjacent are given

directly, so use tangent.

50 n F
1
tan = opp/adj = 30/50 = 0.6 so that

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
Determine the resultant force in different
situations.
The resultant (or net) force is just the vector
sum of all of the forces acting on a body.

30 n

Fy,net = Fy
net force
Fx,net = Fx
Fnet = F
EXAMPLE: An object has exactly two forces F1 = 50
n and F2 = 30 n applied simultaneously to it. What
is the resultant forces magnitude?
SOLUTION:
F2
Begin by resolving F1 into
F1
its x- and y-components.
n
0
Then Fnet,x = 44 n and
50sin28
5
23 n
28
Fnet,y = 23 + 30 = 53 n.
50cos28
Fnet2 = Fnet,x2 + Fnet,y2 so that
44 n
2
2
2

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
State Newtons first law.
Newtons first law is related to certain studies
made by Galileo Galilee which contradicted
Aristotelian tenets.
Aristotle basically said
E
The natural state of motion of all objects
S
L
FA
(except the heavenly ones) is one of rest.
A child will learn that if you stop pushing a
cart, the cart will eventually stop moving.
This simple observation will lead the child to
come up with a force law that looks something
like this:
In order for a body to be in motion, there
SEmust
L
A
F
be a force acting on it.
As we will show on the next slide, both of these

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics

Inertia will
only
change if
there is a
force.

State Newtons first law.

Heres how Galileo (1564-1642) thought:
If I give a cart a push on a smooth, level
surface, it will eventually stop.
What can I do to increase the distance without
pushing it harder?
If I can minimize the friction, itll go farther.
In fact, he reasoned, if I eliminate the friction
altogether the cart will roll forever!
Galileo called the tendency of an object to not
change its state of motion inertia.

A bodys inertia will

only change if there
Topic 2: Mechanics
is a net force
2.2 Forces and dynamics applied to it.

State Newtons first law. State the condition for

translational equilibrium.
Newtons first law is drawn from his concept of
net force and Galileos concept of inertia.
Essentially, Newtons first law says that the
velocity of an object will not change if there is
no net force acting on it.
v = 0
In his words...
Every body continues in its state of rest, or
of uniform motion in a straight line, unless
it is compelled to change that state by
forces impressed thereon.
v = CONST
F
In symbols...
Newtons first law
If F = 0, then v = CONST.
The above equation is known as the condition for
translational equilibrium.

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
Describe examples of Newtons first law.
As a memorable demonstration of inertia
matters tendency to not change its state of
motion (or its state of rest) - consider this:
A water balloon is cut very rapidly with a knife.
For an instant the water remains at rest!
Dont try this at home, kids.

30

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics

T1

45T

ot T3
n
k

Solve translational equilibrium problems.

EXAMPLE: An object of mass m is hanging
via three cords as shown. Find the tension
in each of the three cords, in terms of m.
SOLUTION:
Give each tension a name to organize your
effort.
Draw a free body diagram of the mass and
the knot.
T3 is the easiest force to find. Why?
m is not moving so its FBD tells us that
Fy = 0 or T3 mg = 0 or T3 = mg .

T3

mg
FBD, m

T2

T1
30

45

T3
FBD, knot

30

T1

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics

45T

ot T3
n
k

Solve translational equilibrium problems.

EXAMPLE: An object of mass m is hanging
via three cords as shown. Find the tension
in each of the three cords, in terms of m.
SOLUTION:

T3

T3 = mg

Now we break T1 and T2 down to components.

mg

Looking at FBD knot we see that

T1x = T1 cos 30 = 0.866T1

FBD, m

T1y = T1 sin 30 = 0.500T1

T2x = T2 cos 45 = 0.707T2
T2y = T2 sin 45 = 0.707T2

T2

T1
30

45

T3
FBD, knot

30

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics

T1

45T

ot T3
n
k

Solve translational equilibrium problems.

EXAMPLE: An object of mass m is hanging
via three cords as shown. Find the tension
in each of the three cords, in terms of m.
SOLUTION:
T3 = mg
Putting this into the FBD of knot we get:
Fx = 0
0.707T2 - 0.866T1 = 0
T2 = 1.225T1
Fy = 0
0.707T2 + 0.500T1 - T3 = 0
0.707(1.225T1) + 0.500T1 = T3
T1 = mg/1.366
T2 = 1.225(mg/1.366)
T2 = 0.897mg

T3

mg
FBD, m

T2

T1
30

45

T3
FBD, knot

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
Solve translational equilibrium problems.
EXAMPLE: A 25-kg mass is hanging via three cords
as shown. Find the tension in each of the three
cords, in newtons.
30

T1

45T

tT
o
n
3
SOLUTION:
k
Since all of the angles are the same use the
formulas we just derived:
T3 = mg = 25(10) = 250 n

T1 = mg/1.366 = 25(10)/1.366 = 180 n

T2 = 0.897mg = 0.897(25)(10) = 220 n
FYI
This is an example of using Newtons first law
with v = 0. The next example shows how to use
Newtons first when v is constant, but not zero.

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
Solve translational equilibrium problems.
EXAMPLE: A 1000-kg airplane is flying at a
constant velocity of 125 m s-1. Label and determine
the value of the weight W, the lift L, the drag D
and the thrust F if the drag is 25000 n.
L
F
D
SOLUTION:
Since the velocity Wis constant, Newtons first
law applies. Thus Fx = 0 and Fy = 0.
W
L
D
F

= mg = 1000(10) = 10000 n and points down.

= W = 10000 n and points up since Fy = 0.
tries to impede the aircraft and points left.
= D = 25000 n and points right since Fx = 0.

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
2.2.8 State Newtons second law of motion.
2.2.9 Solve problems using Newtons second law.

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics

a = F/m

State Newtons second law of motion.

Newton reasoned: If the sum of the forces is
not zero, the velocity will change.
But we know, and he also did, that a change in
velocity is an acceleration.
So Newton then asked himself: How is the sum of
the forces related to the acceleration.
Here is what Newton said: The acceleration of an
object is proportional to the net force acting on
it, and inversely proportional to its mass.
In other words, the bigger the force the bigger
the acceleration, and the bigger the mass the
smaller the acceleration.
In formula form
Newtons second law
(or F = ma )
Fnet = ma

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
State Newtons second law of motion.
Newtons second law
(or F = ma )
Fnet = ma
Looking at the form F = ma note that if a = 0
then F = 0.
But if a = 0, v = CONST.
Thus Newtons first law is just a special case of
his second.

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
Solve problems using Newtons second law.
Newtons second law
(or F = ma )
Fnet = ma
EXAMPLE: An object has mass of 25 kg. A tension
of 50 n and a friction force of 30 n are acting
on it as shown. What is its acceleration?

50 n

30 n
SOLUTION:
The vertical forces W and N cancel out. W
The net force is thus 50 30 = 20 n (+x-dir).
From Fnet = ma we get 20 = 25a so that
a = 20 / 25 = 0.8 m s-2.

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
Solve problems using Newtons second law.
Newtons second law
(or F = ma )
Fnet = ma
PRACTICE: Use F = ma to show that the formula for
weight is correct.
F = ma.
But F is the weight W.
And a is the freefall acceleration g.
Thus F = ma becomes W = mg.

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
Solve problems using Newtons second law.
Newtons second law
(or F = ma )
Fnet = ma
EXAMPLE: A 1000-kg airplane is flying in
perfectly level flight. The drag D is 25000 n and
the thrust F is 40000 n. Find its acceleration.
L
D
SOLUTION:
W
Since the flight is level, Fy = 0.
Fx = F D = 40000 25000 = 15000 n = Fnet.
From Fnet = ma we get
15000 = 1000a
a = 15000 / 1000 = 15 m s-2.

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
Solve problems using Newtons second law.
Newtons second law
(or F = ma )
Fnet = ma

30 n

EXAMPLE: A 25-kg object has exactly two forces F1

= 40. n and F2 = 30. n applied simultaneously to
it. What is the objects acceleration?
SOLUTION:
F2
Begin by resolving F1 into its
F1
x- and y-components.
n
0
Then Fnet,x = 36 n and
40sin25
4
17 n
25
Fnet,y = 17 + 30 = 47 n.
40cos25
Fnet2 = Fnet,x2 + Fnet,y2 so that
36 n
2
2
2
F
=
36
+
47
,
F
=
59
n.
net
net
Then from Fnet = ma we get
59 = 25a

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
Solve problems using Newtons second law.
Newtons second law
(or F = ma )
Fnet = ma

mg sin 30 = ma
a = 10 sin 30 = 5.0 m s-2.

30

6.0 m

EXAMPLE: A 25-kg object resting

N
on a frictionless incline is
released, as shown. What is its
acceleration?
60
30
SOLUTION:
mg cos 30
Begin with a FBD.
mg
mg sin 30
Break down the weight into its components.
Since N and mg cos 30 are perpendicular to the
path of the crate they do NOT contribute to its
acceleration.

Fnet = ma

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics

6.0 m

Solve problems using Newtons second law.

Newtons second law
(or F = ma )
Fnet = ma
u = 0
EXAMPLE: A 25-kg object resting
a
on a frictionless incline is
=
5
released, as shown. What is its
s
speed at the bottom?
30
SOLUTION:
We found that its acceleration is 5.0 m s-2.
We will use the timeless equation to find v so
we need to know what s is.
From trigonometry, we have opposite and we want
hypotenuse so we use sin = opp/hyp. Thus
s = hyp = opp/sin = 6 / sin 30 = 12 m.
v2 = u2 + 2as = 02 + 2(5)(12)
v = 11 m s-1.

v = ?

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
2.2.10 Define linear momentum and impulse.
2.2.11 Determine the impulse due to a timevarying force by interpreting a force-time
graph.
2.2.12 State the law of conservation of linear
momentum.
2.2.13 Solve momentum and impulse problems.

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
State the law of conservation of linear momentum.
Recall Newtons second law (p-form):
Fnet = p/t

Newtons second law (p-form)

If the net force acting on an object is zero, we

have
Fnet = p/t
0 = p/t
0 = p
In words, if the net force is zero, then the
momentum does not change p is constant.
In symbols
If Fnet = 0 then p = CONST

conservation of linear
momentum

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
2.2.14 State Newtons third law.
2.2.15 Discuss examples of Newtons third law.
Students should understand that when two
bodies interact, the forces they exert on each
other are equal and opposite.

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
State Newtons third law. Discuss examples of
Newtons third law.
In words
For every action force there is an equal and
opposite reaction force.
In symbols
FAB = -FBA

Newtons third law

FAB is the force on body A by body B.

FBA is the force on body B by body A.
In the big picture, if every force in the
universe has a reaction force that is equal and
opposite, the net force in the whole universe is
zero!
So why are there accelerations all around us?

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
State Newtons third law. Discuss examples of
Newtons third law.
EXAMPLE: Consider a door. When you
push on a door with 10 n, because
of Newtons third law the door
FBA
FAB
pushes on your hand with the same the
B
10 n, but in the opposite
doors
your
direction. Why does the door move, reaction
action
and you dont?
A
A
SOLUTION:
Even though the forces are equal
and opposite, they are acting on different
bodies.
Each body acts in response only to the force
acting on it.
The door cant resist FAB, but you CAN resist FBA.

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
State Newtons third law. Discuss examples of
Newtons third law.
We define a system as a collection of more than
one body, mutually interacting with each other.
EXAMPLE: Three billiard balls interacting on a
pool table constitute a system.

The action-reaction force pairs between the

balls are called internal forces.
For any system all internal forces cancel!

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
State Newtons third law. Discuss examples of
Newtons third law.
We define a system as a collection of more than
one body, mutually interacting with each other.
EXAMPLE: Three billiard balls interacting on a
pool table constitute a system. Label and discuss
all of the internal forces.
The internal force pairs only exist while the
balls are in contact with one another.
Note that a blue and a red force act on the
white ball. It responds only to those two forces.
Note that a single white force acts on the red
ball. It responds only to that single force.
Note that a single white force acts on the blue
ball. It responds only to that single force.

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
State Newtons third law. Discuss examples of
Newtons third law.
We define a system as a collection of more than
one body, mutually interacting with each other.
EXAMPLE: Three billiard balls interacting on a
pool table constitute a system. Describe the
external forces.

External forces are the forces that the balls

feel from external origins.
For billiard balls, these forces are the balls
weights, the cushion forces, and the queue stick

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
State the law of conservation of linear momentum.
In light of Newtons third law and a knowledge of
systems, the conservation of linear momentum can
be refined for a system of particles.
If Fnet = 0 then p = CONST

conservation of linear
momentum

Since in a system all of the internal forces sum

up to zero, Fnet can only be the sum of the
external forces. Thus
If Fnet,ext = 0 then p = CONST

conservation of linear
momentum - system

In other words, internal forces cannot change the

momentum of a system of particles ever!

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
Solve momentum and impulse problems.
conservation of linear
If Fnet,ext = 0 then p = CONST
momentum - system

EXAMPLE: A 12-kg block of ice at rest has a fire

cracker inside a hole drilled in its center. When
it explodes, the block breaks into 2 pieces, one
of which travels at +16 m s-1 in the x-direction.
What is the velocity of the other 8.0 kg piece?
SOLUTION:
8 4
Make before and after sketches.
The initial velocity of the two is 0.
4
8
v
16
From conservation of momentum we have
p = CONST which means p0 = pf. Since p = mv,
(8+4)(0) = 8v + 4(16)
so that v = -8 m s-1.

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 Forces and dynamics
Solve momentum and impulse problems.
conservation of linear
If Fnet,ext = 0 then p = CONST
momentum - system

EXAMPLE: A 730-kg Smart Car traveling at 25 m s-1

(x-dir) collides with a stationary 1800-kg Dodge
Charger. The two vehicles stick together. Find
their velocity immediately after the collision.

v
25
0
SOLUTION:
730
1800
Make before and after sketches. 730
+1800
p0 = pf so that (730)(25) = (730 + 1800)v
18250 = 2530v
v = 18250/2530 = 7.2 m s-1.