General Physics 1

APHY 111
Dynamics

Contents
2.1 Introduction to Forces
2.2 Adding Vectors Graphically
2.3 Newtons First Law
2.4 Newtons Second Law
2.5 The Force of Friction
2.6 Newtons Third Law
2.7 Solving Problems Free-Body Diagrams
2.8 Solving Problems Algebraic Vector Addition
2.9 General Problems
2

2.1 Introduction to Forces

Forces are what
cause any change in
the velocity of an
object
A force is that which
causes an acceleration

Classes of Forces
Contact forces involve physical contact
between two objects
Examples a, b, c

Field forces act through empty space

No physical contact is required
Examples d, e, f

 Common forces

Contact force
Normal force
Frictional force
Tension
Weight

Vector Nature of Forces

A force has both
magnitude and
direction.
Forces are vectors, so
you must use the rules
for vector addition to
find the net force acting
on an object

2.2 Adding Vectors Graphically

Forces can be added in order to obtain
the net or total force.

How can we add two vectors?

2.3 Newtons First Law

Every object continues in its state of rest,
or of uniform velocity in a straight line as
long as no net force acts on it
Newtons First Law describes what happens in the
absence of a force. Does not describe zero net force.
Also tells us that when no force acts on an object, the
acceleration of the object is zero.

2.4 Newtons Second Law

The acceleration of an object is directly
proportional to the net force acting on it
and inversely proportional to its mass
Force is the cause of change in motion, as
measured by the acceleration

Algebraically,

F = ma
10


F

is the net force

This is the vector sum of all the forces acting

on the object

Newtons Second Law can be expressed

in terms of components (see later):

Fx = m ax

Fy = m ay

11

Example: A car of mass 1000 Kg is moving to the right with a velocity of 100
Km/h. When the breaks are used the force of friction stops the car over a distance
of 50m. Estimate the force of friction (direction and magnitude).

12

Gravitational Force

The gravitational force, Fg , is the force that

the earth exerts on an object

This force is directed toward the center of
the earth
FromNewtons
Second Law


Fg = mg
Its magnitude is called the weight of the
object

Weight = Fg= mg
13

2.5 The Force of Friction

Friction is a result of surface
roughness.
The direction of friction is always
opposite to the force tending to give
motion.
Before motion takes place friction is
called static friction.
After motion takes place friction is
called kinetic friction

14

F = N
Direction: opposite to that
of motion or impending
motion

Static Friction, fs

fs Fmax

Kinetic Friction, fk : constant

(no more contact points
available). Deviation only at
very high velocities

s = Coefficient of static friction

k = Coefficient of kinetic friction

15

Different combinations of
materials have a different
coefficients of static friction

The coefficient of friction, , depends entirely on the type of materials that

are in contact.

Type of materials in contact

Aluminum

Aluminum

1.35-1.4

1.05

Aluminum

Steel

0.61

0.47

Glass

Glass

0.94

0.49

16

Example 1: A 1000 kg car is moving horizontally with a velocity of 25 m/s.

The driver steps on the brake. Assuming that the road has a coefficient of
friction equal to 0.7 calculate the velocity of the car 3 s after the driver
applied the brakes.

17

18

2.6 Newtons Third Law

If two objects interact, the force exerted by
object 1 on object 2 is equal in magnitude
and opposite in direction to the force
exerted

 by object 2 on object 1
F12 = F21 ( Note on notation: F is the force exerted on A by B)
AB

Forces always occur in pairs

19

2.7 Solving Problems

Free-body Diagrams
In order to solve Dynamics Problems we need a
Free-Body diagram of our object:
Assume that the body is isolated
Assume that the body is a point particle
Draw all the forces acting on the body alone.
We can the apply Newtons 3rd law for each body
independent of the others

20

Free-body diagram for connected objects

Two boxes and a pulley: Draw Free-Body diagrams
for each box, taking into account the force of friction.
Calculate the common acceleration of the bodies if
the coefficient of friction is 0.1.

21

Free-body diagram on an incline

The normal force is always at right
Angle to the surface. The weight is
always downwards and friction to
the opposite direction of motion.

Example: Draw free-body diagrams for masses

m1 and m2. Take friction into account.

22

Example 2: Three masses, m1=5 kg, m2=7kg and m3=8kg are connected with
light inextensible strings as shown in the following diagram and are placed on a
smooth floor. On mass m1 acts a horizontal force of 40N.
m3

m2

m1
F = 40 N

(a) Draw the free body force diagram for each mass.
(b) Calculate the normal reaction of the floor on each mass.
(c) Apply the Newtons second law for each mass in the horizontal
direction.
(d) Find the acceleration a of the system and the tensions T1 and T2 in
the strings.

23

24

25

2.8 Solving Problems

Vector Components
A vector may be resolved
into components by the
appropriate choice of
axes.
Fx = F Cos
Fy = F Sin

26

Class notes on vectors

27

28

29

30

31

Example: A block of mass m=5kg is released

from rest from the top of an incline of height
1m and =30.
(a)Calculate the acceleration of the block when
there is no friction
(b)Calculate the acceleration of the block when
the coefficient of friction is 0.1
(c)What is the velocity of the block at the
bottom of the incline?

33

Example: If m1=1kg and m2=2kg write down Newtons

second law in terms of components for each body:
Fx = m ax
Fy = m ay
Neglect friction. Use your equations in order to calculate
the common acceleration of the bodies

34

35

2.9 General Problems

Elevator and counterweight (Atwood's machine):
Two bodies, an elevator with mass mE=1150 Kg and a
counterweight of mass mc=1000 kg are connected with a light
string as shown in the diagram. The string passes over the
neck of a smooth pulley, which is not allowed to rotate. The
system is left to move. Evaluate
(a) The common acceleration of the two bodies.
(b) The tension in the string.
(c) The speed each body acquires after they travel a distance
of 1m, starting from rest.

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

A man whose mass is 80kg stands in an elevator. The elevator has a speed of
3m/s. Find the reaction of the floor of the elevator on the standing man in the
following cases:
(a) The elevator is moving upward with an acceleration of 2m/s2.
(b) The elevator is moving downward with an acceleration of 2m/s2.
(c) The elevator is moving upward with a deceleration of 2m/s2.
(d) The elevator is moving downward with a deceleration of 2m/s2.
(e) The elevator is moving upward with constant speed.
(f) The elevator is moving downward with constant speed.

45

46