3. Further Mechanics
- Syllabus
- 9231–2028–2029
- Section
- 3
- Level
- AS

| modelling assumption | mathematical consequence | limitation |
|---|---|---|
| projectile is a particle | size, shape and rotation are ignored | spin and dimensions cannot affect motion |
| air resistance and wind are ignored | no horizontal force after launch | real horizontal speed may decrease or drift |
| gravity is uniform and vertical | ax=0, ay=−g with constant g | suitable only over ordinary near-Earth distances |
| fixed ground frame | horizontal and vertical axes remain fixed | launch/landing geometry must be stated separately |
With initial speed $u$ at angle $\theta$ above the horizontal,u_x=u\cos\theta,\qquad u_y=u\sin\theta.The components share the same elapsed time, but horizontal velocity stays constant while vertical velocity changes under $-g$.
Gravity acts throughout ascent and descent. At the highest point only the vertical velocity is zero; the horizontal component usually remains non-zero. Vector methods are not required, so solve the two scalar directions and recombine only when needed.
From launch point $O$,x=(u\cos\theta)t,\qquad y=(u\sin\theta)t-\tfrac12gt^2,v_x=u\cos\theta,\qquad v_y=u\sin\theta-gt.At any time, speed is $\sqrt{v_x^2+v_y^2}$ and the direction satisfies $\tan\alpha=|v_y|/v_x$, with ascent/descent stated.
Let $u=20\text{ m s}^{-1}$, $\theta=30^\circ$ and $g=10\text{ m s}^{-2}$ on level ground. Then $v_x=10\sqrt3$ and $v_y=10-10t$. Greatest height occurs at $t=1$:H=10(1)-5(1)^2=5\text{ m}.Returning to $y=0$ gives $t=2$, soR=(10\sqrt3)(2)=20\sqrt3\text{ m}.
Immediately before landing, $(v_x,v_y)=(10\sqrt3,-10)$, so the speed is $20\text{ m s}^{-1}$ and the direction is $30^\circ$ below the horizontal. Equal launch and landing heights create this symmetric speed result.
Do not use 2usinθ/g or u2sin2θ/g when the landing height differs from the launch height. Instead solve the stated vertical position equation for time, discard negative times, and then use the horizontal motion.
Fromx=u\cos\theta,t,\qquad y=u\sin\theta,t-\tfrac12gt^2,use $t=x/(u\cos\theta)$ to obtainy=x\tan\theta-\frac{gx^2}{2u^2\cos^2\theta}=xT-\frac{gx^2}{2u^2}(1+T^2),\qquad T=\tan\theta.Addtheinitialheightifthelaunchpointisnottheorigin.
If a known-speed projectile passes through $(X,Y)$, substitute the point to get a quadratic in $T$:\frac{gX^2}{2u^2}T^2-XT+\left(Y+\frac{gX^2}{2u^2}\right)=0.Each admissible real root gives a possible launch angle $\theta=\tan^{-1}T$; often these are low and high paths.
Iftheangleisknowninstead,rearrangethesamepointcondition:u^2=\frac{gX^2(1+T^2)}{2(XT-Y)},requiring $XT>Y$. Use intersections with ground, walls or targets only on the forward part of the flight, with $t=x/(u\cos\theta)\ge0$.
The trajectory equation assumes the same ideal model as the component equations. Retain every physically valid root and reject roots that violate speed, angle, time or geometry conditions. The bounding parabola for all accessible points is explicitly outside this syllabus.
For a coplanar force $F$, the moment about $O$ isM_O=F d_{\perp}=Fr\sin\phi,where $d_{\perp}$ is the perpendicular distance from $O$ to the force's line of action and $\phi$ is the angle between the position line and force. Units are N m.
Choose clockwise or anticlockwise as positive and keep that convention. A force whose line of action passes through O has zero moment, so taking moments about an unknown reaction can remove it from an equilibrium equation.
A $40\text{ N}$ force acts at a point $0.50\text{ m}$ from O and makes $30^\circ$ with the position line. Its moment magnitude is40(0.50)\sin30^\circ=10\text{ N m}.Statethesignfromtheactualturningsense.
The distance to the application point is not automatically the lever arm. Use the perpendicular distance to the infinite line of action; no vector nature of moments is required in this syllabus.
In a uniform gravitational field, all distributed gravitational forces on a rigid body are equivalent, for force and moment calculations, to a single downward force Mg acting through its centre of mass G.
| uniform body symmetry | conclusion for G |
|---|---|
| one line of symmetry in a lamina | G lies somewhere on that line |
| two intersecting symmetry lines | G is at their intersection |
| one plane of symmetry in a solid | G lies in that plane |
| rotational symmetry about an axis | G lies on the axis |
A uniform rectangle has G at the intersection of its two midlines. A uniform circular ring has G at its geometric centre even though that point is not part of the material. Symmetry locates G only under the stated uniform-density model.
One symmetry line does not fix a two-dimensional position by itself. Do not replace distributed weight by Mg at a geometric centre unless symmetry and uniformity justify that centre as G.
For a uniform triangular lamina, G is the centroid: it lies on every median, $\tfrac13$ of the altitude from the base and $\tfrac23$ from the opposite vertex. If the vertices are $(x_1,y_1),(x_2,y_2),(x_3,y_3)$,G=\left(\frac{x_1+x_2+x_3}{3},\frac{y_1+y_2+y_3}{3}\right).
For vertices $(0,0)$, $(6,0)$ and $(2,3)$,G=\left(\frac{0+6+2}{3},\frac{0+0+3}{3}\right)=\left(\frac83,1\right).The vertical coordinate is one third of the height from the base $y=0$.
For any other simple lamina or solid, use the centre-of-mass position supplied in MF19 or the question. Record whether its distance is measured from a base, vertex, centre or flat face, then convert it to the common coordinate origin. Proofs of MF19 results are not required.
The triangular centroid is not halfway up an altitude. A correct numerical fraction used from the wrong reference face gives the wrong mass moment, so annotate the reference before substitution.
For component masses $m_i$ at $(x_i,y_i)$,\bar x=\frac{\sum m_ix_i}{\sum m_i},\qquad \bar y=\frac{\sum m_iy_i}{\sum m_i}.Withcommondensityandthickness,laminamassesareproportionaltoareas;forsolidswithcommondensity,massesareproportionaltovolumes.Aremovedpiececontributesnegativemassandnegativemassmoment.
An L-lamina is a $4\times3$ rectangle with the top-right $2\times1$ rectangle removed. From the lower-left origin, the large rectangle has area 12 and centre $(2,1.5)$; the cut-out has area 2 and centre $(3,2.5)$. Thus\bar x=\frac{12(2)-2(3)}{10}=1.8,\qquad \bar y=\frac{12(1.5)-2(2.5)}{10}=1.3.
Choose one origin and direction, tabulate each component's mass weight and coordinate, then equate total mass moment to total mass times the unknown centre coordinate. For joined solids, use volumes and the supplied centre of each solid along the common axis.
Do not average component coordinates equally. Negative area is only an accounting device for removed material; keep its denominator subtraction and both numerator subtractions consistent.
Forcoplanarforcesononerigidbody,equilibriumrequires\sum F_x=0,\qquad \sum F_y=0,\qquad \sum M_O=0aboutanypointO.Conversely,iftheresultantforceandresultantmomentarebothzero,therigidbodyisinequilibrium.
Draw every external force, including weight at G and contact reactions. Resolve forces in convenient directions. Take moments about a point through one or more unknown reactions, then use force balance for the remaining unknowns.
A horizontal $4\text{ m}$ beam has weight $60\text{ N}$ at its centre, an extra $20\text{ N}$ load $3\text{ m}$ from support A, and vertical reactions $R_A,R_B$. Moments about A give4R_B=60(2)+20(3),so $R_B=45\text{ N}$. Vertical balance gives $R_A+R_B=80$, hence $R_A=35\text{ N}$.
Equal opposite forces can have zero resultant yet form a non-zero couple, so force balance alone is insufficient. A moment equation may be taken about any point, but all included lever arms and signs must refer to that same point.
| limiting mode | condition at the threshold | mechanical picture |
|---|---|---|
| sliding | F=μR and force equilibrium | friction has reached its maximum available value |
| toppling | moments balance about the impending pivot edge | resultant support reaction acts through that edge; the other edge reaction is zero |
A rectangular crate of weight $W$, base width $b$ and height $h$ is pushed horizontally at its top on a rough horizontal floor. Before motion, $R=W$. Sliding would begin atP_s=\mu W.TopplingaboutthelowerfaredgewouldbeginwhenP_t h=W\frac b2,\qquad P_t=\frac{Wb}{2h}.
Compare the two positive thresholds. If Ps<Pt, sliding occurs first; if Pt<Ps, toppling occurs first; equality gives simultaneous limiting conditions. Before either threshold, friction is whatever value equilibrium requires and may be strictly less than μR.
High friction can prevent sliding but cannot by itself prevent toppling. 'On the point of toppling' is still limiting equilibrium: angular acceleration has not yet begun, and moments are taken about the contact edge that remains.
Angularspeedistherateofangulardisplacement:\omega=\frac{d\theta}{dt},\qquad \omega=\frac{\theta}{t}\text{ for constant }\omega.Withanglesinradians,v=r\omega,\qquad \omega=\frac{2\pi}{T}=2\pi f.Its unit is rad s$^{-1}$.
Every point on one rigid rotating body completes each revolution in the same time, so the points share omega. Their tangential speeds are proportional to their radii, and each velocity is tangent to its own circular path.
A disc turns at $120$ revolutions per minute. Then $f=2\text{ Hz}$ and\omega=2\pi(2)=4\pi\text{ rad s}^{-1}.A point $0.30\text{ m}$ from the axis hasv=r\omega=0.30(4\pi)=1.2\pi\text{ m s}^{-1}.
Do not insert degrees or revolutions directly into v=r omega. Convert to radians, and do not confuse angular speed omega with the radius-dependent linear speed v.
In constant-speed circular motion, the velocity is tangent to the circle and continually changes direction. The acceleration therefore points towards the centre even though the speed is constant.
Itsmagnitudeisa=r\omega^2=\frac{v^2}{r}.TheresultantoftherealforcecomponentsintheinwardradialdirectionmustthereforebeF_{\text{in,resultant}}=ma.Proofoftheaccelerationformulasisnotrequired.
A $0.50\text{ kg}$ particle moves at $6.0\text{ m s}^{-1}$ in a circle of radius $2.0\text{ m}$. Thena=\frac{6.0^2}{2.0}=18\text{ m s}^{-2},\qquad F_{\text{in,resultant}}=0.50(18)=9.0\text{ N}.
Centripetal force is not an extra arrow on a free-body diagram: it names the inward resultant of tension, reaction, friction, weight components or other real forces. At constant speed there is no tangential acceleration, but the radial acceleration is not zero.
Draw only the real forces. Resolve vertically, where acceleration is zero if height is constant, and horizontally towards the centre, where the resultant equals m v squared over r or m r omega squared. The inward direction rotates with the particle.
For a conical pendulum of string length $l$, let the string make angle $\theta$ with the downward vertical. Its circular radius is $r=l\sin\theta$. If the tension is $T$,T\cos\theta=mg,\qquad T\sin\theta=m\omega^2r.
Dividingtheequationsgives\tan\theta=\frac{\omega^2r}{g}=\frac{\omega^2l\sin\theta}{g},so\omega^2=\frac{g}{l\cos\theta},\qquad T=\frac{mg}{\cos\theta}.A real taut-string model requires $T>0$ and $0<\cos\theta\le 1$.
The whole tension is not the centripetal force: only its horizontal component is inward, while its vertical component balances weight. Never add a separate 'centripetal force' after resolving the actual forces.
First use conservation of mechanical energy to find the speed at the required height. Then choose inward towards the centre as positive, resolve the real forces at that point and apply radial Newton's second law. Tension or normal reaction must be non-negative while the stated constraint remains active.
For a mass on a light string of radius $r$, let $\theta$ be measured from the downward vertical and let the bottom speed be $u$. At angle $\theta$,v^2=u^2-2gr(1-\cos\theta),andinwardradialbalancegivesT-mg\cos\theta=\frac{mv^2}{r},\qquad T=m\left(\frac{v^2}{r}+g\cos\theta\right).
At the top, $\theta=\pi$ andT+mg=\frac{mv_{\text{top}}^2}{r}.A string just remains taut when $T=0$, so $v_{\text{top}}^2=gr$. Energy from bottom to top gives $u^2=v_{\text{top}}^2+4gr$, hence the minimum bottom speed for a complete circle isu_{\min}=\sqrt{5gr}.
Do not transfer the string condition blindly to a smooth-track problem. For contact, draw the geometry-specific normal reaction and set N=0 at loss of contact; its direction differs for motion inside a circle and on the outside of a surface. A zero tension or reaction is a limiting constraint, not removal of gravity.
For natural length $l$, current length $L$ and extension $x=L-l$, a Hookean elastic element has force magnitudeF=\frac{\lambda x}{l}=kx,where $\lambda$ is the modulus of elasticity in newtons and $k=\lambda/l$ is stiffness in N m$^{-1}$. The model applies within the stated elastic range.
| element | extension x>0 | natural length x=0 | compression x<0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| light elastic string | tension λx/l | zero tension | slack; zero tension |
| spring | restoring tension λx/l | zero elastic force | restoring compression of magnitude λ∣x∣/l |
An elastic string has $l=0.80\text{ m}$ and $\lambda=100\text{ N}$. At length $0.92\text{ m}$,x=0.92-0.80=0.12\text{ m},\qquad T=\frac{100(0.12)}{0.80}=15\text{ N}.
Modulus is a force, not the force per unit extension. Always find x from the current geometry first. A negative calculated string tension means that the assumed taut-string model is invalid and the string is slack.
For a Hookean string or spring of natural length $l$, modulus $\lambda$ and extension or compression magnitude $x$, the stored elastic potential energy isE_{\text{elastic}}=\frac{\lambda x^2}{2l}=\frac12Fx.Proofofthisformulaisnotrequired.
Between extensions $x_1$ and $x_2$, use the endpoint difference\Delta E_{\text{elastic}}=\frac{\lambda}{2l}(x_2^2-x_1^2).Forseveralactiveelasticelements,calculateandaddoneenergytermforeachelementineachstate.
For $l=0.80\text{ m}$, $\lambda=100\text{ N}$ and $x=0.12\text{ m}$,E_{\text{elastic}}=\frac{100(0.12)^2}{2(0.80)}=0.90\text{ J}.At natural length, $x=0$ and the stored elastic energy is zero.
Do not use Fx for a Hookean loading from zero force: the correct energy is one-half Fx. In a state change, square each endpoint's extension from natural length; do not merely square the distance moved.
| stage | decision | equation family |
|---|---|---|
| geometry | find every current length and extension | x=L−l |
| constraint | string taut or slack; spring stretched or compressed | select active elastic forces/energies |
| instantaneous forces | equilibrium, acceleration or maximum speed | resolve forces and use F=ma; at an interior maximum speed, tangential acceleration is zero |
| motion between states | speed or turning position | work-energy, including KE, GPE, elastic energy and non-conservative work |
A particle of mass m is released from rest with a spring at natural length on a smooth plane inclined at angle alpha. The spring lies up the line of greatest slope, has natural length l and modulus lambda, and remains within its Hookean range. Let x be the greatest extension.
Atthefirstturningpointthespeedisagainzero,buttheparticleneednotbeinequilibrium.Lossofgravitationalpotentialenergyequalsgaininelasticenergy:mgx\sin\alpha=\frac{\lambda x^2}{2l}.Besides the initial root $x=0$, the turning extension isx=\frac{2mgl\sin\alpha}{\lambda}.The speed is greatest earlier, where tangential acceleration is zero and $\lambda x/l=mg\sin\alpha$.
Instantaneous rest does not imply equilibrium, so a turning point is usually found by energy rather than force balance. For two strings or springs, include both extensions. For an elastic conical pendulum, use the stretched radius in radial dynamics and resolve tension vertically as well.
| force/result variables | acceleration form in ma=∑F | usual next step |
|---|---|---|
| time t and velocity v | a=dv/dt | separate to find v(t), then use dx/dt=v |
| position x and velocity v | a=vdv/dx | separate to find v(x) |
| position only and speed required | a=vdv/dx | integrate directly with the position conditions |
Choose a positive direction and give every real force its signed component. Write Newton's second law before cancelling mass. Separate variables, integrate within Pure Mathematics 3 methods, and use the condition at a known time or position to determine the constant. Only separable differential equations are required.
A particle of mass $m$ moves positively with $v(0)=1$ and experiences resistance $mkv^3$. Thenm\frac{dv}{dt}=-mkv^3,\qquad v^{-3}dv=-k,dt.Hence-\frac{1}{2v^2}=-kt+C.Using $v=1$ at $t=0$ gives $C=-\tfrac12$, sov(t)=\frac{1}{\sqrt{1+2kt}}.Displacement follows from integrating $dx/dt=v(t)$ with its own position condition.
Do not use constant-acceleration formulae when the resultant varies. In v dv/dx, v is signed velocity, so state the motion interval before choosing a root. A stopping point may be approached asymptotically; check the solved expression or definite integral rather than assuming a finite time.
Newton′sexperimentallawactsalongthelineofimpact:e=\frac{\text{relative speed of separation}}{\text{relative speed of approach}},\qquad 0\le e\le1.If A approaches B with signed velocities $u_A>u_B$ and they separate with $v_B>v_A$, thenv_B-v_A=e(u_A-u_B).
| value of e | immediate normal behaviour | kinetic-energy statement |
|---|---|---|
| e=0 | no relative separation; equal normal velocities | perfectly inelastic in the syllabus terminology |
| 0<e<1 | separation speed is a fraction of approach speed | kinetic energy is generally lost |
| e=1 | separation and approach relative speeds are equal | perfectly elastic; with momentum, total KE is conserved |
Two particles have relative approach speed $5\text{ m s}^{-1}$ and relative separation speed $2\text{ m s}^{-1}$. Thereforee=\frac25=0.4.Thisdeterminesonlyonerelationbetweenthetwofinalvelocities;theirmassesandmomentumprovidetheotherrelationforanisolatedpair.
Restitution uses relative normal speeds, not the ratio of one particle's speed after and before. It does not require either particle to reverse direction, and kinetic energy is not generally conserved when e is less than one.
For a direct impact of masses $m$ and $2m$, suppose A approaches stationary B at speed $u$. Let their signed velocities after impact be $w$ and $v$. Momentum and restitution givemu=mw+2mv,\qquad v-w=eu.Hencev=\frac{(1+e)u}{3},\qquad w=\frac{(1-2e)u}{3}.The sign of $w$ decides whether A reverses.
| smooth impact | normal/line-of-impact component | tangential component |
|---|---|---|
| two spheres | conserve total normal momentum and apply restitution | unchanged for each sphere |
| sphere with fixed smooth surface | reverse and multiply the incident normal component's magnitude by e | unchanged |
For spheres, the line of impact is the line joining their centres at contact. For a fixed wall or plane, it is the surface normal. Resolve each incident velocity into normal and tangential components, apply the table, then reconstruct the final speed and direction. Include both components when calculating kinetic energy.
Do not conserve the momentum of a sphere by itself during impact with a fixed surface: the surface supplies an impulse. Do not apply restitution to the full oblique speed; only the relative component along the line of impact enters Newton's law.