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4. Substitute with the values and solve to nd the

required variable.
1. Modelling Assumptions
If the motion of two particles is required or not enough
Particle → Mass of the object is concentrated at a single
values are given, solve simultaneously using two paths.
point, and the dimensions of it are neglected.
Rod → Rigid, does not bend or buckle. Formulas can only be used when acceleration is constant
Light Object → Mass is 0. If acceleration is zero (constant velocity) use s = ut
Uniform Object → Mass acts at the geometric centre of
the object. 2.3. Vertical Motion
Light String → Tension is the same at both ends of the
string. 1. Draw a diagram to visualise the problem.
Inextensible String → Acceleration is the same at both 2. Write down the values you know and the values you
ends of the string. need to nd.
Smooth and Light Pulley → Tension is the same at both 3. Use the appropriate formula.
sides. 4. Substitute with the values and solve to nd the
Smooth surface → No friction. required variable.
Rough surface → Frictional forces more than 0.

Magnitude of acceleration due to gravity ( g ) is 9.8 ms−2

2. Kinematics (unless otherwise speci ed).
Gravity ( g ) always acts downwards.
A vector quantity has both a magnitude and a direction. Acceleration is equal to -9.8 ms−2 when a particle is in
A scalar quantity only has a magnitude. free fall (if answer is needed in terms of g then a = −g ).
A vector can be positive or negative to indicate the Velocity is equal to 0 ms−1 at the greatest height reached
direction. by the particle.
A scalar is always positive. When a particle is moving upwards consider velocity and
Vectors: (Velocity, Displacement, and Acceleration) displacement positive.
Scalars: (Speed, Distance, and Time) When a particle is moving downwards consider velocity
Motion upwards and motion towards right will be and displacement negative.
considered positive in these notes. When a particle moves upwards then downwards the
Always write your nal answer as a scalar quantity. initial velocity is positive, the nal velocity is negative, and
Deceleration is negative acceleration. the displacement is negative.
Displacement is the distance between the starting point Air resistance is neglected.
and ending point. If the motion of two particles is required or not enough
values are given, solve simultaneously using two paths.

suvat Formulae (Not included in the formula sheet):

Motion Graphs
Formula Used when
v = u + at s is not given and not required Label the required speeds and times clearly (using a scale
v2 = u2 + 2as t is not given and not required is not needed).
You might need to use the suvat formulae to calculate
s = ut + 12 at2 v is not given and not required
values used in the graph.
s = vt − 12 at2 u is not given and not required
s= ( u+v
2 )t
a is not given and not required 2.4. Distance-Time Graph
u = initial velocity | v = nal velocity | s = displacement | Inclined line → Constant velocity
a = acceleration | t = time Horizontal line → At rest (velocity is 0)
Curved line → Changing velocity (acceleration)
2.2. Horizontal Motion
1. Draw a diagram to visualise the problem.
2. Write down the values you know and the values you
need to nd.
3. Use the appropriate formula.

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Displacement-Time Graph Velocity-Time Graph

Inclined line with positive gradient → Constant velocity in Inclined Straight Line With Positive Gradient →
positive direction Constant/Uniform Acceleration In Positive Direction
Inclined line with negative gradient → Constant velocity in Inclined Straight Line With Negative Gradient →
negative direction Constant/Uniform Acceleration In Negative Direction (or
Horizontal line → At rest (velocity is 0) Deceleration)
Curved line → Changing velocity (acceleration) Horizontal Straight Line → Constant/Uniform Speed
Gradient represents the acceleration.
Area Above x-axis + Area Below x-axis = Total Distance
Traveled
If there is negative velocity then the area above the line
and below the x-axis is considered negative displacement.
Area Above x-axis - Area Below x-axis = Total
Displacement

2.5. Speed-Time Graph

Inclined Straight Line With Positive Gradient →
Constant/Uniform Acceleration In Positive Direction
Inclined Straight Line With Negative Gradient →
Constant/Uniform Deceleration
Horizontal Straight Line → Constant/Uniform Speed
Total area under line represents the total distance
traveled.
Gradient represents the acceleration.
2.6. Acceleration Time Graph
Horizontal Straight Line → Constant Acceleration
Area under graph represents change in velocity.
Use dotted lines to indicate change in acceleration

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Use trigonometry rules to calculate the required

angle.
To get the angle between two vectors:
Draw the horizontal and vertical axis.
Draw the rst vector.
Use trigonometry rules to calculate the angle it makes
with horizontal axis.
Draw the second vector.
Use trigonometry rules to calculate the angle it makes
with horizontal axis.
Find the di erence between both angles.

3.4. Position Vectors

To nd a vector passing through two points:
3. Vectors AB = b − a = OB − OA
The vector AB is equal to the position vector B - the
Vectors in 2 directions will be assessed in this unit of
position vector of A
Mechanics 1 (WME01)
To nd the distance between two points (x 1 , y1 ) and
2-dimensional vectors can be represented in two ways:
Column Vectors → ( pq ) (x 2 , y2 ):
i and j vectors → (pi + qj) d = (x 1 − x 2 )2 + (y1 − y2 )2
To nd the position of a particle at time t:
In this example the vector represents p units in the
positive horizontal direction (to the right) and q units
r = r 0 + vt
in the positive vertical direction (upwards). r = position at time t | r 0 = initial position | v =
The magnitude of a vector v is written as ∣v∣. velocity | t = time
Convert i and j vectors to column vectors for simplicity in
manipulations, then convert to i and j vectors in the nal 3.5. Vector Kinematics
answer.
Vectors may be added to each other. suvat equations may be required in some questions.
Ex. (
a
+( c
=( a+b Don’t calculate the magnitude unless asked for a scalar
b) d) c+d )
Vectors may be multiplied by scalars. quantity (eg. Speed or Distance)
Ex. ( pq ) × y = ( py
qy )
When two vectors are parallel cross multiply. 3.6. Forces in Vectors
( ab ) is parallel to ( pq ) → aq = bp
Add the vectors to calculate resultant force.
Resultant force is zero when the object is stationary/in
3.2. Vector Magnitude equilibrium.
Resultant force is equal to mass multiplied by acceleration
To calculate the magnitude of a vector, use Pythagoras’ if the object is moving with a changing velocity (constant
theorem.
acceleration).

Example
a = 6i − 8j, Find |a| 3.7. Solved Example
2 [In this question, i and j are horizontal unit vectors due east
Use Pythagoras’ theorem: 6 2 + (−8 ) = 10
and due north respectively and position vectors are given
with respect to a xed origin.]
Calculate the magnitude of the velocity to get the speed.
Calculate the magnitude of the displacement to get the
A ship S is moving along a straight line with constant velocity.
distance.
At time t hours the position vector of S is s km. When t = 0, s
= 9i - 6j. When t = 4,
3.3. Vector Direction s = 21i + 10j. Find
a) the speed of S ,
To get the angle between the vector and the horizontal b) the direction in which S is moving, giving your answer as a
axis ( i) or the vertical axis ( j ): bearing.
Draw the horizontal and vertical axis.
Draw the vector.

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a) the speed of S

1 - Convert the vectors to column vectors:

9
At t = 0 → s = ( −6 )
21
At t = 4 → S = ( 10 )

2 - Velocity is required to calculate speed:

r = r 0 + vt
The ship moved from position r 0 to position r in 4
seconds
Replace variables by values given
→( 21
10 ) = ( −69
) + ( xy ) × 4
21 9 4x 21 9+4x
Solve → ( 10 ) = ( −6 ) + ( 4y ) → ( 10 ) = ( −6+4y )
9 + 4x = 21 & −6 + 4y = 10 → x = 3 & y = 4
3
The velocity is ( 4 )

3 - Find the speed:

Use Pythagoras’ theorem to nd the magnitude

of the velocity which is speed 3- Use trigonometry rules to calculate the required angle.
Speed = (3)2 + (4)2 = 5 ms−1 Answer is required as a bearing so the angle between the
north and the vector is required.
b) the direction in which S is moving, giving your
answer as a bearing.

s ed and vertical axis.

1- Draw the horizontal

3
tan (θ ) = 4 →θ = tan−1 ( 34 ) = 036.9°

4. Forces
Weight is a downwards force that pulls objects towards
2- Draw the vector. earth.
Weight is calculated using the formula w = mg with m
being the mass and g being the force of gravity (9.8
N kg −1 ).
A reaction force always acts upwards on the object if it is
resting on a surface.
A force acting at an angle can be split into vertical and
horizontal components.

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Newton’s Second Law → F = ma with F being the 2. Draw the weight and reaction forces.
resultant force, m being the mass, and g being the 3. Resolve the weight into its vertical and horizontal
acceleration components
Always draw a diagram and label the forces to 4. Draw other forces (forces that are at an angle) and
understand the problem. resolve them to their vertical and horizontal
Tension is a force the acts away from the particle; Thrust components.
is a force that acts towards a particle. 5. Draw the friction force (opposite to the direction of
If the object is in equilibrium then the resultant force is motion).
zero, meaning that the forces to the right are equal to the 6. Total force upwards = Total Force downwards
forces on the left and that the forces upwards are equal to 7. If the object is stationary, at rest, in limiting
the forces downwards. equilibrium, not accelerating, or moving with a
constant velocity then the Forces to the right = Forces
to the left.
4.2. Resolving Forces Example of a diagram:

When a force is acting at an angle vertical and horizontal

components can be found.
Steps to resolve forces:
Construct a right angle triangle
Use trigonometry to calculate the magnitude of the
horizontal and vertical components.

4.3. Horizontal Surfaces

1. Draw a diagram to visualise the problem.
2. Draw the weight and reaction forces.
3. Draw the vertical and horizontal external forces.
4. Draw other forces (forces that are at an angle) and
resolve them to their vertical and horizontal
components.
5. Draw the friction force (opposite to the direction of
motion).
6. Total force upwards = Total Force downwards
7. If the object is stationary, at rest, in limiting
equilibrium, not accelerating, or moving with a
constant velocity then the Forces to the right = Forces
to the left. 4.5. Lifts
Example of a diagram: 1. Draw a diagram to visualise the problem.
2. Draw the weight and reaction forces.
3. Form an equation for the object.
4. Form an equation for the lift.
5. Form an equation for the system by adding both
equations together.

Diagram Example:

4.4. Inclined Surfaces

1. Draw a diagram to visualise the problem.

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4.6. Connected Particles

Car and Caravan

Both particles are connected using a rod

Motor provides a forward driving force For the second type:
Tension in the rod pulls the caravan forwards and pulls 1. Draw a diagram to visualise the problem.
the car backwards 2. Draw the weight. (Resolve if the surface is inclined)
3. Draw the tension forces in the string.
1. Draw a diagram to visualise the problem.
4. Draw the friction force if the surface is rough (not
2. Draw the weight and reaction forces.
smooth).
3. Draw the tension forces in the rod.
5. Form an equation for each object.
4. Form an equation for the car.
6. Form an equation for the system by adding both
5. Form an equation for the caravan.
equations together.
6. Form an equation for the system by adding both
7. If an object falls and hits the ground the string
equations together.
becomes slack and the other objects is thrown
upwards with acceleration equal to g (-9.81 ms−2 )
Pulleys Example of Diagram:

When the string is taught, the acceleration is equal for

both connected particles.
There are two types of pulley scenarios:
1. A pulley with both stings hanging vertically.
2. A pulley at the end of a horizontal table.
For the rst type:
1. Draw a diagram to visualise the problem.
2. Draw the weight.
3. Draw the tension forces in the string.
4. Form an equation for each object.
5. Form an equation for the system by adding both
equations together.
6. If an object falls and hits the ground the string
becomes slack and the other objects is thrown
upwards with acceleration equal to g (-9.81 ms−2 )
Example of Diagram:

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Resultant Force 6. Static equilibrium

Constructions Static equilibrium is attained by a body if :

1. Draw a diagram with both forces The body is stationary

2. Construct a parallelogram The resultant forces on the body are 0
3. Use trigonometry rules to calculate the resultant force The resultant moment is 0
or the angle required.
A body is also stationary when F max ≤ µR and it is on the
Friction force acts opposite to the direction of motion on a point of moving when F max = µR.
rough surface. (Friction is 0 if a smooth surface was used
as μ = 0 )
Maximum Friction Force = μ × R, (where μ is the
7. Moments
coe cient of friction and R is the reaction force) when
Moment of a Force = Force × Perpendicular Distance
the resultant force is zero.
from Pivot
Two conditions are required for the system to be in
5. Momentum equillibrium:
Net force is 0
Velocities are vectors which therefore, in one dimension, Net moment is 0
could be positive or negative depending on their Weight of the beam acts at the centre of mass.
directions; this means that the corresponding momentum The centre of mass of a uniform beam is its midpoint
could also be positive or negative. For a non-uniform beam the centre of mass has to be
Momentum = mass × velocity = mv found
Forces acting on the pivot have no moment.
Law of Conservation of Momentum → Momentum Before
Consider the reaction forces from the pivot and supports.
= Momentum After
Moments can be taken about any point
m1 u 1 + m2 u 2 = m1 v1 + m2 v2
Impulse = Change in Momentum = Momentum After -
Moment Before = mv − mu 7.2. Moments in Equilibrium
v = nal velocity | u = initial velocity | m = mass
m can be taken as a common factor if it is the impulse When a rigid body is in equilibrium, the resultant force in any
on one object (mass did not change) to give: direction is 0N and the resultant moment about any point is
Impulse = m(v − u) 0N m
During a collision each particle receives an impulse.
1. Draw a diagram to visualise the problem.
These impulses are equal in magnitude but opposite in
2. Add the forces and reaction forces to the diagram
direction.
Change in M omentum (Impulse) m(v−u) Example:
Force = T ime of Contact = t = ma
Coalesce means that bodies move o together as one
body after the collision
When two particles coalesce they combine to form 1
particle which has a mass equal to the mass of both
particles combined, and they move with the same
velocity.
Unit for impulse and momentum is newton-second ( N s)
3. Take the moments about the point that makes algebra
5.2. Colliding Particles simple
4. Use the formulas:
1. Draw a diagram to visualise the problem. 1. Total Force Upwards = Total Force Downwards
Example: 2. Total Clockwise Moment = Total Anticlockwise
Moment

When a body is on the point of tilting about a pivot, the

reaction at any other pivot (Or tension in wire/string) is equal
to 0.
2. Add the masses and velocities to your diagram.
Concept applies to both uniform beams and non-uniform
3. Apply the law of conservation of momentum to nd
beams.
the required value.

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