ENGINEERING SCIENCE NOTES FOR CRAFT FIRST YEARS (FABB, H.E.

R,
[Link] AND RIGGING)

OBJECTIVES: At the end of this module, the trainee will be able to:

1. Define a moment
2. Determine unknown quantities using the principle of moments
3. Determine velocity and acceleration for an object moving in a straight
line
4. Calculate range, height and time of flight for a projectile
5. Determine speed and acceleration for angular motion
6. Calculate centripetal force for an object undergoing circular motion
7. Define force
8. Explain the difference between motion and inertia
9. Explain the first, second and third laws of Newton’s law of

UNIT 1: MOMENTS

This unit will enable you learn one of the effects of a force.
A force when applied at a point may cause an object to:
i.) Move in the direction of the force.
Ii] Get deformed (change original shape).
iii.) Turn about a [Link]

Well, in this unit we will specifically be looking at the turning effect of a force.
Definition: A moment is the measure of the turning effect of a force. A
moment is calculated by multiplying the perpendicular distance from the line
of action of the force to the pivot.
Lets us look at the two diagrams below.

0
 (a) (b)

In diagram (b) above the distance to consider when finding the moment is d1 and
not d2. This is because d2 is not perpendicular to the line of action of the force
• A moment has units of measurement in Newton-meters (NM)
• A force which has the tendency of turning the beam in a clockwise
direction causes a clockwise moment.
• A force that tends to rotate the beam in an anticlockwise direction causes
an anticlockwise moment.

PRINCIPLE OF MOMENTS

The principle of moments states that for an object in rotational equilibrium the
sum of clockwise moments must be equal to the sum of anticlockwise moments
about the pivot.

EXAMPLES
1. Calculate the reaction force R and the distance x if the beam shown below
is in equilibrium.

1
 SOLUTION

Taking moments at R
Sum of anticlockwise moments = sum of clockwise moments
10x = 22(7 – x)
10x = 154 – 22x
32x = 154

X = 4.81m

Sum of upward force = sum of downward forces

2. Determine the magnitudes of R1 and R2 for the beam shown below for it
to remain at rest.

SOLUTION

The 2kg mass should be converted to weight

W = mg
W = 2 x 9.81 = 19.6N

Taking moments at R1
2
Sum of anticlockwise moments = sum of clockwise moments

5R2 = 15 x 1 + 19.6 x 3
R2 = 14.76N

Sum of upward forces = sum of downward forces

R1 + R2 = 15 + 19.6
R1 = 34.6 -14.76

R1 = 19.8N

Evaluation Exercise

1. The beam shown in the diagram below is loaded such that the system is in
equilibrium. Determine the magnitudes of the reactions R 1 and R2 if the
beam is 6m long
2.

2. A meter rule is found to balance at the 49cm mark when a mass of 50kg is
suspended at the 10cm mark. The point of the pivot is found to be at the
36cm mark. Calculate the mass of the rule.

3. Below is a diagram that is in equilibrium. Determine the magnitude of R

and L.

3
UNIT 1.1 LINEAR MOTION
Linear motion refers to the movement of an object in a straight line.

IMPORTANT TERM AND DEFINITIONS

The following terms, which will be frequently used in this chapter, should be
clearly understood.

i.)Displacement – is the distance moved in a specific direction.

ii.)Speed – is the rate of change of distance.
iii.)Velocity – is the rate of change of displacement. iv.)Acceleration-
is the rate of change of velocity.

MOTION UNDER UNIFORM ACCELERATION

For a particle moving under uniform acceleration, the following equations

apply;
1. v = u +at
2. V2 = u2 + 2as

3. s = ut + at2

4. s = 2

Where u = Initial velocity

v = final velocity, a =

4
acceleration, s=
displacement, t=
time taken.

EXAMPLES
1.A car starting from rest is accelerated at the rate of 0.4m/s2. Find the
distanced covered by the car in 10 seconds?
Before any calculation is done it is important to extract data from the the given
question.

In starting from rest it means u = 0m/s. So have U

= 0m/s, a = 0.4m/s2, t = 10s,S = ?

Using the equation S = ut + at2

= 0x10 + x0.4x (10)2

= 20m

2. A motor bike initially travelling with a velocity of 40m/s is slowed down by

applying brakes. If the retardation is 8m/s2, Determine;
(i) The velocity after covering 50m,
(ii) How long it takes to cover 50m.
SOLUTION u = 40m/s,
retardation is negative acceleration.
a = -8m/s2
s = 50m using the
equation
V2 = u2 + 2as
V2 = (40)2 +2 x (50)2

5
 = 800

V = √800

= 28.3m/s
From the equation V = u +at, we make t the subject of the formula.

t= = .

t = 1.46seconds.
Graphs can be used to represent motion of objects moving in a straight line.
And problems can be solved using graphs.

Examples
1.A train accelerates uniformly from rest to reach a velocity of 54km/h in 200
Seconds, after which the velocity remained constant for 300 seconds. At the
End of this time, the train decelerates to rest in 150 seconds.
Sketch the velocity – time graph and find the total distance travelled.
SOLUTION
We can tabulate the data given in the question.

54km/h = 54 x = 15m/s
Velocity 0 15 15 0
Time 0 200 500 650

The sketch of the tabulated data is as shown below.

6
For freely falling objects, the same equations of motion apply except:
a gs h
Examples
(i)A ball is thrown vertically upwards at 40m/s,calculate:

a.)The greatest height reached

b.)The time taken to return to the ground.

Solution
Data (a) u
= 40m/s
v = 0m/s. Anything thrown upwards has a velocity equal to zero at maximum
Height
g = - 9.81m/s2.

Using the equation v2 = u2 + 2gh

h=

=() ()
.

= 81.55m
7
(b)Using the equation
V = u +at and making t the subject of the formula, we have
T=

=
.

= [Link] the time taken to go up

The time taken to go up is equal to time taken to come down
Thus total time taken for all journey t = 4.08x 2
= 8.16sec

(ii)A stone is thrown upwards with a velocity of 4.9m/s from the top of the
bridge. If it falls down in water after 2 seconds, find the height of the bridge.

Solution
Data u =
4.9m/s v=
0m/s g = -
9.81 t =
2sec
Using the equation
h = ut+ gt2

= 4.9 x 2 + x (-9.81) x (2)2

= -9.82m
The height of the bridge is 9.82m
The negative sign is an indication that the height is below the throwing point

8
 Self evaluation exercise
1. A car starts from rest and attains a speed of 40m/s in 20 seconds.
It maintains this speed for 30 seconds and it is then brought to rest
at a uniform rate in 540m. For the motion of this car;l
(i)Draw the velocity – time
(ii)Determine the uniform acceleration
(iii)Determine the uniform retardation
(iv)Calculate the total displacement for the whole journey
2. A ball is thrown vertically upwards at a velocity of 80m/s from the
top of a 90m high building. Calculate;
(i)maximum height reached by the ball above the building
(ii)time taken to reach the maximum height
(iii)velocity of the ball just before hitting the ground (iv)duration
of the whole motion

UNIT 1.3:PROJECTILE MOTION

Definition:A projectile is an object propelled into air at an angle to the

horizontal and moves under the influence of its own weight.
Examples of projectiles a.)A golf ball in flight
b.) A tennis in flight
c.) A bullet in flight
Consider a ball that is thrown with an initial velocity u at an angle θ to the
horizontal

9
The path taken by a projectile is called the trajectory.
The angle θ the projectile makes with the horizontal is called the angle of
projection.
The distance the projectile covers along the horizontal direction is called
the Range.
As the projectile moves upwards, it covers both horizontal as well as
vertical distances.
We now look at the horizontal distance.

HORIZONTAL COMPONENTS
There is no horizontal component of acceleration in the horizontal
direction.
The velocity in the horizontal direction is constant,i.e.
From Vx =Ux + at Since
ax = 0
and Ux = Ucosθ, then
Vx = Ucosθ…………………………………………………..(i)
The distance moved in the x-direction is given by
X = Vxt, where t is the time of flight
Thus x = Utcosθ
OR
R = Utcosθ………………………………………….(ii) Where
R is called the range.

VERTICAL COMPONENTS
At maximum height, B, Vy = 0
From V = U + at when U =
Usinθ and
a = -g
We have
10
 0 = Usinθ -gt

tm= ! ………………………………(iii)
tm is the time taken to reach maximum height

TIME OF FLIGHT
This is the time taken to complete the whole journey of flight from point A
to point C.

Since tm= ! from A to B

But time taken to move from A to B is equal to time taken to move
from B to C
Therefore total time of flight is 2tm

t = !………………………………………(iv)

MAXIMUM HEIGHT REACHED

From S=H =Uxtm + a(tm)2
And when Ux =sinθ
t = !

! !
2
We have H =UxUsinθ X -g

H= !………………………………………………(v)

Using t = ! in the equation R = Utcosθ

We have R = !…………………………………………..(vi)

11
Examples
1.A particle is propelled from O with speed of 30m/s at an angle of 30 0 to
the horizontal.

Find:
a.) The time of flight
b.) Range of flight
c.) The maximum height reached
Solution
a.) t = !

= " " #
.
t =3.06s
b.) R = !

= ( " )
.
=79.53m

d.)H = !

=# "
.

H =11.48m

[Link] the edge of the cliff 60m high, a stone is thrown into air with speed
of 10m/s at an angle of 30o to the horizontal as shown below.

12
Find;
a.)The time of flight
b.)How far from the foot of the cliff does it strike the sea
c.)the velocity with which it strikes the sea.

Solution

Taking the upward position above the throwing point as positive and
g(acceleration due to gravity) when stone is going up as negative a.)Using
H = Ut + gt2
We have -60 =Usin30 - x9.81xt2
-60 = 10x0.5t -4.9t2

4.9t2 -5t – 60 = 0 This is a quadratic equation

Using the formula x = $±√$ &

t= ±’ ( . )( (( )
" .
t = 4.05sec OR t = -3.03 this is invalid
Thus t=4.05sec
b.) R =Utcosθ
R = 10x 4.05 x cos300
R = 35.07m

c.)Vy = usin30 – gt from the equation v = u +at

13
Vy = 10sin30 -9.8 x 4.05
Vy = -34.69m/s
Vx = Ucos30
10x cos30
=8.66m/s

VR =√8.66 + 34.69

VR = 35.75m/s This is the velocity with which the stone hits the ground.

[Link] arrow is short with a velocity of 30m/s at an angle of 37 o above the

horizontal. The arrow is initially 2.0m above the ground and 15.0m from
the wall as shown below.

a.)At what height above the ground does it hit the wall?
b.)Is it going up just before it hits the wall or is it already on its way down?

Solution
When the arrow is going up the quantities velocity, acceleration due to
gravity and height are given the following signs
Velocity = +Ve

14
Gravitational acceleration = -Ve
Height = +ve
When the arrow is going down the quantities velocity, acceleration due to
gravity and height are given the following signs
Velocity = -Ve
Gravitational acceleration = +Ve
Height = -ve
Using the Trajectory equation

Y = xtan. - 1
/0# !
o

X= 15m, u= 30m/s, θ = 37

Y = xtan. - 1/0# !
.
= 15 tan370 - (15)2
2 2(&0# 3)
= 9.38m
b.)Since Y = +ve, the arrow is going up.

Self Evaluation Exercise

1.A particle is propelled with a speed of 20m/s and reaches its greatest
height above the point of projection 1 second later. Find;
(i)the angle of projection
(ii)the greatest height

2.A golfer drives a ball horizontally at 60m/s from the top of a cliff 45m
above the sea.
a.)How long does it take the ball to hit the water?
b.)How far from the cliff foot does the ball hit the water?
c.)Calculate the velocity of the ball just before it hits the water

15
UNIT 1.4 ANGULAR (ROTATIONAL) MOTION

To describe the motion of an object along a line, we need a coordinate

along the line, which we often take to be the x or y coordinates. To
describe the motion of an object on a circular path or rotation of a
wheel on an axis, we need a coordinate system to measure angles.
They are three common ways in which angles are measured. These are:
(i)Degrees
(ii)Radians
(iii)Revolutions
(iv)Steradians
Consider a wheel rotating about an axis O

In moving from position A to B, the wheel has turned through the angle θ.
The value of θ I radians (rad) is just a ratio of S to the wheels radius.
θ
=
4

S = r. , where S = arc length

r = radius of circle or wheel
Θ = angle (radians)

16
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE DEGREES & THE RADIANS

1rev = 360o
1rev = 25 rad

5 678 =
NOTE: Degrees, revolutions and radians are dimensionless
180o
1 rad = 57.3o

Examples

[Link] 70o to radians and revolutions

5rads = 180o

70o = 3 " :

= 1.22rads

1rev = 360o

70o =

= 0.194rev

2.A vehicles wheel of diameter 0.56m turns through an angle of 180 o.

Calculate the distance moved by a point on the tyre thread of the
wheel.

s = rθ

17
r= < = .( = 0.28m

θ = 180o = 5 rads

s = rθ = 0.28 x 5 0.8796rads s ≈0.88rads

ANGULAR VELOCITY

Angular velocity is defined as the rate of change of angular displacement .

Angular velocity = > ?; @ 4 ;<

AB; A C;

D =!
@

Typical units for D are radians per second (rad/s),degrees per sec (θ/s)
and revolutions per min (rev/min).

Example

A wheel turns through 1800rev in 1.0min. Find ;

a.)Its average angular velocity in rad/s.
b.)Through how many radians does the wheel turn in 15 seconds.

Solution

Θ = 180rev = x1800rev = 36005

t = 1min = 60sec

D =! = (:
@ (

18
D= 188.495rads/s

D= 188.50rad/s

b.) . = Dt
=188.495 x 15
=2827.425rad

ANGULAR ACCELERATION

Angular acceleration is defined as the rate of change of angular velocity If

uniformly from Di to Df, then

the angle of a point moving in a particular circular path changes

E FGH
J
I

= @

Df = Di +Et
Where

Di = initial angular velocity

Df= final angular velocity
E = angular acceleration

If angular acceleration is uniform, we know that, as with linear motion, the

average angular velocity is given by;

DK= (Df + Di )
Use the above equation only when acceleration is uniform.

Example

A wheel starts from rest and attains a rotational velocity of 240rev/s in

2.0minutes. Determine;
19
a.)Its angular acceleration
b.)The wheels’ angular speed (in radians per second) 130 seconds after
starting from rest.

Solution

a.) Di =0m/s, Df = 240rev/s, t = 2.0m = 120sec

E FGH
J
I

= @

=2rev/s2
= LM
N π
LM

=12.566rad/s2
≈12.57rad/s2

Df = Di +Et
=0 +12.566 X 130
=1633.58rad/s

ANGULAR MOTION EQUATIONS

There is a lot of similarities between linear and angular motion equations

The θ in angular motion corresponds S in linear motion, D corresponds to
V and E corresponds to a (linear acceleration).
Equations for angular motion are derived in the same manner as those for
linear motion. Simply replace linear motion variables with their
corresponding counter parts.

LINEAR ANGULAR
20
 S = O̅tθ =DKt
V = u + at Df = Di +Et

QR = (u + v) DK = (Df + Di)

V2 = u2 + 2as D2f = D2i + 2E.

S =ut + at2. = Dit + Et2

Example
A roulette wheel turning at 3rev/s coasts to rest uniformly in
[Link];
a.)its deceleration
b.)the number of revolutions made in while coasting to rest

solution
Di = 3rev/s
Df =0 t =
18s

a.) E =ωSH ωTU

V =-0.1667rev/s2
=-0.16666rev/s

b.) . = Dit + Et2

= 3 x18 + x (-0.1667) (18)2

= 54 – 27.0054
= 26.9946rev
. =26.995rev

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LINEAR AND ANGULAR MOTION

21
There are many cases, such as a ball rolling on the ground, where both
rotational and linear motion occurs.
To investigate this relationship, examine the wheel of radius r that has
rolled a distance s as shown below.

A reference point (A) on to the rim of the wheel has been identified.
We first observe that the arc length traced out by our reference point is
equal to the distance s that the arc wheel moves. This distance is called
the tangential distance. The relation between s and θ has already been
used in our definition of radian measure.
We will now use the s = rθ equation and the defining equation of angular
velocity to determine a relationship between linear and rotational velocity.

s = rθ

Linear velocity is given by v =

WXYZ[\]M^
M_UUX^M

V = , but s = rθ
@

We have v = 4!= ! x r, since ! = D

@ @ @
v = 4!
becomes @

v = ‘r

Similarly, linear acceleration is given by

a= U

22
E =ωSH
and angular acceleration is given

U
ωT

But, ω = L

Substituting ω = into E = ωSH ωT

L U

a c

We have E =b b

= = X but = a
4@ @ L @

a c

Therefore E =b b
= X becomes
U @ L
E = ax
L
E =
4

Hence a =Vr

Examples

1.A flywheel has a speed of 300 r.p.m

a.)What is its angular velocity?
b.)what angle will be generated in 0.2seconds?
c.)How much time is required for the wheel to rotate through 628 radians?

Solution

a.) ω = θ =4;
U B

23
 = 4; =5rev/sec
( #;&

= 4;X :
#;& 4;
ω = 5rev/sec OR

ω = 105 =31.42rad/s

b.) . = Dt

=31.42 X0.2
=6.28rads

θ
c.)From ω= U

We have, t = !
F

t=(
.

= 19.987sec
≈19.99sec

2.A car accelerates uniformly from rest to 17.5m/s in 23.6 seconds.

If the radius of the car wheel is 0.4m, Find;
a.)the angular acceleration of one of its wheels
b.)the number of revolutions turned by the wheel in the process.

Solution

a.) U =0, v = 17.5m/s, t =23.6sec

a=
U

24
 a = 3. = 0.74m/s2
.(

a = Er

E = = .3
4 .

E = 1.86rad/s2

b.). = Dit + Et2

= 0 x 23.6 + 1.86 x(23.6)2

. = 517.973rad
Or

. = 517.973rad x

= 82.437rev
≈82.44rev

3.A belt runs on a wheel of radius 0.44m. During the time the wheel takes
to coast to
Uniform rest from an initial speed of 1.8rev/s, 29.5m of belt length
passes over the
Wheel. Find;
a.)the deceleration of the wheel
b.)the number of revolutions the wheel turns while stopping

solution

ωi = 1.8rev/s
ωf = 0rev/s s
= 29.5m r =

25
0.44m from
s = r.

. = Y= .
L .

=67.05rad

= 67.05rad x
= 10.671rev
From the equation D2f = D2i + 2E.

E =FG FJ

= - 0.152rev/s2

EXERCISE

1.A motor turning at 1600rev/s coasts uniformly to rest in 16

[Link];
a.)Its angular deceleration
b.)the number of revolutions made before stopping
c.)The length of belt the wheel will wind in 16 seconds if the motor has a
wheel of radius 6.25m attached to its shaft.

2.A fan blade makes 25 complete revolutions in 12 seconds.

a.)what is the rotating speed in rev/min and in rad/s
b.)what is the angle turned through in radians by a point on the top of
the fan blade in 5 seconds

3.A bicycle with 62.5cm diameter wheels is coasting at 6.6m/s. It

decelerates uniformly And stops in 38 seconds.
a.)How far does it go in this time
b.)through how many revolutions does each wheel turn as the bicycle
comes to stop.

26
 CENTRIPETAL FORCE AND ACCELERATION

An object moving with constant speed v along a circular path of radius r is

undergoing an acceleration directed towards the centre of the circle.
This acceleration is called centripetal acceleration.
The magnitude of centripetal acceleration is given by ;

ac = dL
OR
ac = D2r

Even if the object is moving with constant speed, it is still accelerating

because at every point along the circle its direction is changing. Therefore,
an object travelling on a circular path must have have a net force
deflecting it from its straight line path. This force is called centripetalforce.
Centripetal force is also directed towards the centre of the circle.
The magnitude of the centripetal force is given by;

fc = mac = Be4

or

fc = mD2r

Example
A ball tied to end of a string is swung in a vertical circle of radius r as shown
below.

27
Determine;
a.)the tension in the string when the ball is at point A if the speed of the
ball is v at this point
b.)the tension in the string at the bottom of the circle when the ball was
going at speed
v.
solution

a.)At the top of the circle, both the tension in the string and the weight of
the ball contribute to the provision of the centripetal force.
fc =
^dL

T + W = ^d
L

T =^d - W
L

b.)T – W = ^d
L

T= ^d +WL

VEHICLE MOTION ON AN INCLINED PLANE

28
Roads are banked at curves so as to avoid skidding due to excessive speed.
The banking helps the horizontal component of the normal force to supply
the required centripetal force
When roads are banked at curves, the dependence on friction to avoid
skidding is done away with.
Example
A curve on the road has a 60 metre radius. It is to be banked so that no
friction is required for the car going at 25m/s to safely make the curve. At
what angle should the road be banked?

Solution

From the diagram above, centripetal force is provided by F Nsin.

fc = ^dL

29
FNsin. = ^d …………………………………..(i)
L

The weight (mg) of the car us balanced by the FNcos.

FNcos. = mg………………………………………….(ii)

Dividing eq (i) by (ii)

We have

fgYX_! = ^d÷ mg fg]hY! L

jX_θ = dkhYθ
L

tanθ = dL

θ = l7m d
L

= l7m
. 2 (
0
θ = 46.8

Example on a conical pendulum

An object of mass 10kg is whirled round a horizontal circle of radius 4m by

a revolving string inclined to the vertical. If the uniform speed of the object
is 5m/s, calculate
a.)the tension in the string
b.)the angle of inclination to the vertical.

30
 Solution

Horizontally

Tsin. = ^d ………………………………(i)
L

Vertically

Tcos. = mg …………………………………….(ii)

Dividing (ii) by (ii)

We have nYX_!= ^d÷ mg

n]hY! L

tanθ = dL

θ = l7m d
L

θ = l7m. 2

31
θ =32.50

Using eq (ii) Tcos. = mg

T =^ = N .khYθkhY .

T = 116.24N

ASSIGNMENT ONE

[Link] object of mass 4kg moves round a circle of radius 6m with a constant
speed of 12m/s, calculate; a.)the angular speed
b.)the force towards the centre

[Link] object of mass 8kg is whirled round in a vertical circle of radius 2m

with constant
Speed of 6m/s. Calculate the maximum and the minimum tensions in the
string.

[Link] force is necessary to keep a mass of 0.3kg revolving in a horizontal

circle of
Radius 0.7m with a periodic time of 0.5 seconds.

[Hint: D= : , where T is the periodic time]A

UNIT 1.5 NEWTONS LAWS OF MOTION

APPLICATION OF NEWTONS LAWS

Newtons laws can be used to solve many types of problems

The procedure is as follows;

(i)Draw a free body diagram. All action and reaction forces must be
included and
Masses must be converted into weights.

32
(ii)List the quantities and those to be found in terms of their symboys.
(iii)Use Newtons laws and kinematic equations to find the unknown
quantities

Example

A particle of mass 4kg is suspended from a spring balance in a lift. What

does the balance read if the lift is
a.)moving upwards with uniform speed?
b.)accelerating upwards at 0.5m/s2?
c.)accelerating downwards at 0.5m/s2?

Solution

a.)

When an object is moving at constant speed, then the opposing forces are
equal.
T = W = mg
T = 4 x 9.81
= 39.24N b.)

33
Using the equation F = ma
T – mg = ma
T = ma + mg
=4x0.5 + 4 x 9.81
T = 41.24N

c.)

From F = ma
mg – T = ma
mg – ma = T
T = mg – ma
= 4x9.81 – 4 x 0.5
T=
37.24NCONNECTED
PARTICLESConsider
two masses shown
below.

If M1 pulls mass M2, the pull of M1 is transmitted through the tie not to M2 but
M2 equally pulls M1 backwards.
The two pulls are the same size (T) but opposite in direction according to
newtons third law.

34
If we consider M2, we include the forward pull. If we consider M1 we include
the backward pull.

Example
A string passes over a smooth light pulley. To the ends of the string are
attached masses of 3kg (A) and 2kg(B) and both parts of the string are vertical.
With what
Acceleration does the system move.

Solution

Consider mass A, because it is heavier than mass B, it will start moving

downwards once the system is free to move.

Using F = ma
mg – T = ma
3x9.81 – T = 3a, Wherea is the acceleration of the system
T = 29.43 – 3a …………………….(i)
Now we consider mass B

35
Using F= ma
T – mg =ma
T – 2x9.81 = 2a
T – 19.62 = 2a……………………….(ii)
Sub (i) into (ii)
We have
29.43 -3a -19.62 = 2a
9.81 =5a a=.
a = 1.962m/s2 acceleration of the system.
θ
MOTION ON AN INCLINED PLANE

An important type of one –dimensional motion is one on an inclined plane or

ramp.
The ramp makes an angle θ to the horizontal
The component of the weight (mgsinθ) acts along the incline.

Example

In the figure below, the particles of mass 2.4kg is held at rest on a smooth
surface AB. It is connected by a light string passing over a smooth pulley at B to
a particle of mass 3.6kg. The slopping face BC is smooth and makes an angle of
300 with the horizontal
Find;
a.)the acceleration of the particles when they are released.
b.)the tension in the string.
36
 Solution

Consider the 2.4kg mass

Since the motion of the object is horizontal, the weight (W) does not have any
influence in this direction.
F =ma
T = ma
T =2.4a…………………………(i)

Now consider the 3.6kg mass

37
 F = ma
mgsinθ - T = ma
mgsinθ - T = 3.6a

3.6x9.81 x sin300 – T =3.6a

17.658 - T = 3.6a…………………………(ii)

sub (i) into (ii)

17.658 - T = 3.6a becomes

17.658 – 2.4a = 3.6a

6a = 17.658

a =3.((

a = 2.943m/s2

from eq (i) T = 2.4a

T = 2.4 x 2.943

T = 7.0632N
T 7.1N

38
ASSIGNMENT TWO

[Link] Newton’s 2n law of motion.

d an easily turned pulley has a 7kg mass hanging from one end and a 9kg
A cord passing over
Hanging from the other as shown. Find the acceleration of the masses and the tension in
the cord.

2. A body of weight 100N rests on a plane which is inclined at 300 to the horizontal.
Calculate the components of the weight parallel and perpendicular to the plane.

39