Mechanics: Class Notes Overview
Mechanics is the branch of physics that deals with the motion of objects and the
forces that cause this motion. It is divided into two primary areas: kinematics
(study of motion without considering forces) and dynamics (study of motion
considering forces). Here's a breakdown:
1. Kinematics
Key Concepts:
Scalars and Vectors:
Scalar: Quantities with magnitude only (e.g., distance, speed).
Vector: Quantities with magnitude and direction (e.g., displacement, velocity,
acceleration).
Equations of Motion (for constant acceleration):
𝑢
=
𝑎
+
𝑠
v=u+at
𝑢
=
𝑡
+
1
𝑎
2
𝑡
2
s=ut+
2
1
at
2
𝑣
2
𝑢
=
2
+
𝑎
2
𝑠
v
2
=u
2
+2as
𝑢
Where:
𝑣
u: initial velocity
𝑎
v: final velocity
𝑠
a: acceleration
𝑡
s: displacement
t: time
Projectile Motion:
𝑔
Motion in two dimensions under constant acceleration due to gravity (
g).
Key results for horizontal projection:
𝑥
Horizontal motion:
𝑣
=
𝑡
x=vt
𝑦
Vertical motion:
=
1
𝑔
2
𝑡
2
y=
2
1
gt
2
Relative Velocity:
Velocity of one object as observed from another.
𝑣
Formula:
⃗
𝐴
𝐵
𝑣
=
⃗
𝐴
𝑣
−
⃗
𝐵
v
AB
=
v
−
v
B
.
2. Dynamics
Newton’s Laws of Motion:
First Law (Inertia): An object remains at rest or in uniform motion unless acted
upon by an external force.
𝐹
Second Law (Force and Acceleration):
𝑚
=
𝑎
⃗
F
=m
a
𝐹
Where:
⃗
F
𝑚
: net force
𝑎
m: mass
⃗
a
: acceleration
Third Law (Action-Reaction): For every action, there is an equal and opposite
reaction.
Free-Body Diagrams: A graphical representation of forces acting on a body.
Friction:
𝑓
Static Friction: Prevents motion (
𝜇
≤
𝑠
𝑁
f
s
≤μ
s
N).
𝑓
Kinetic Friction: Opposes motion (
𝜇
=
𝑘
𝑁
f
k
=μ
k
𝜇
N).
𝜇
,
𝑘
μ
s
,μ
k
𝑁
: coefficients of static and kinetic friction.
N: normal force.
3. Work, Energy, and Power
𝑊
Work:
𝐹
=
𝑑
⋅
𝐹
=
𝑑
cos
𝜃
W=
F
⋅
d
=Fdcosθ
Where:
𝐹
W: work
𝑑
F: force
𝜃
d: displacement
θ: angle between force and displacement.
𝐾
Kinetic Energy:
𝐸
=
1
𝑚
2
𝑣
2
KE=
2
1
mv
2
𝑃
Potential Energy:
𝑚
=
𝑔
ℎ
PE=mgh
Where:
ℎ
h: height above a reference point.