Physics Module: Fundamentals of Mechanics
1. Introduction to Physics
Physics is the branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of
matter and energy. It studies motion, forces, energy, mass, and the
interactions of objects.
Importance of Physics:
Explains natural phenomena.
Basis for engineering and technology.
Helps develop problem-solving skills.
2. Physical Quantities and Units
Scalar Quantity – has magnitude only (e.g., mass, speed,
temperature).
Vector Quantity – has magnitude and direction (e.g., velocity, force,
acceleration).
SI Units:
Symb
Quantity Unit
ol
Length meter m
kilogra
Mass kg
m
Time second s
Temperature kelvin K
amper
Electric current A
e
Luminous candel
cd
intensity a
Amount of
mole mol
substance
3. Motion
Types of Motion:
Translational – movement in a straight or curved path.
Rotational – spinning around an axis.
Oscillatory – repetitive back-and-forth motion.
Kinematics Equations (constant acceleration):
1. v=u+atv = u + atv=u+at
2. s=ut+12at2s = ut + \frac{1}{2}at^2s=ut+21at2
3. v2=u2+2asv^2 = u^2 + 2asv2=u2+2as
Where:
uuu = initial velocity,
vvv = final velocity,
aaa = acceleration,
sss = displacement,
ttt = time.
4. Forces
Newton’s Laws of Motion:
1. First Law (Inertia) – An object remains at rest or in uniform motion
unless acted upon by a force.
2. Second Law – F=maF = maF=ma (Force = mass × acceleration).
3. Third Law – For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Types of Forces:
Gravitational – attraction between masses.
Frictional – opposes motion.
Normal – perpendicular support force from a surface.
Tension – pulling force through a rope/string.
Applied Force – force applied by a person or object.
5. Work, Energy, and Power
Work: W=FdcosθW = Fd\cos\thetaW=Fdcosθ (force × displacement ×
cosine of angle).
Kinetic Energy (KE): KE=12mv2KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2KE=21mv2
Potential Energy (PE): PE=mghPE = mghPE=mgh
Power: P=WtP = \frac{W}{t}P=tW (work per unit time).
Law of Conservation of Energy: Energy cannot be created or destroyed,
only transformed.
6. Momentum
Momentum: p=mvp = mvp=mv (mass × velocity).
Impulse: J=FΔtJ = F\Delta tJ=FΔt = change in momentum.
Conservation of Momentum: Total momentum before collision =
total momentum after collision (in a closed system).
7. Gravity
Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation:
F=Gm1m2r2F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}F=Gr2m1m2
Where GGG is the gravitational constant (6.674×10−11 Nm2/kg26.674
\times 10^{-11} \, \text{Nm}^2/\text{kg}^26.674×10−11Nm2/kg2).
Acceleration due to gravity on Earth: g≈9.8 m/s2g \approx 9.8 \, \
text{m/s}^2g≈9.8m/s2.
8. Simple Machines
Simple machines make work easier by multiplying force or changing its
direction.
Examples:
Lever
Pulley
Inclined Plane
Wheel and Axle
Screw
Wedge
Mechanical Advantage (MA):
MA=Output ForceInput ForceMA = \frac{\text{Output Force}}{\text{Input
Force}}MA=Input ForceOutput Force
9. Sample Problems
Example 1:
A car accelerates from 5 m/s to 15 m/s in 4 seconds. Find its acceleration.
a=v−ut=15−54=2.5 m/s2a = \frac{v - u}{t} = \frac{15 - 5}{4} = 2.5 \, \
text{m/s}^2a=tv−u=415−5=2.5m/s2
Example 2:
A 10 kg box is pushed with a force of 20 N. Find its acceleration.
a=Fm=2010=2 m/s2a = \frac{F}{m} = \frac{20}{10} = 2 \,
\text{m/s}^2a=mF=1020=2m/s2
10. Summary
Physics helps explain motion, forces, and energy.
Units and measurements are essential for accuracy.
Laws of motion describe how objects behave when forces act on them.
Energy and momentum are conserved in isolated systems.