Flowchart for Solving Mechanics Problems

Forces and Torques

Most problems are easier to solve using conservation laws than F = ma
and = I , so your first job is to figure out whether you can use conservation laws.

Select an Origin

Conservation Laws

Is there a fixed point in

the problem, such as an
axle, that will provide
reaction forces?

Yes

No
Is there a net external force on
the system?

No

Momentum is conserved. Use p0 = p f .

Yes
Can I choose a point in an inertia frame such that the sum
of external torques about this
point vanishes?

Yes

Angular momentum is
conserved about this
point. Use L0 = L f .

Is there a point of contact about which an object instantaneously rotates?

Yes

It is usually helpful to
compute torques and
angular momenta
about this point.
It may be easier
to use the point of
contact to calculate
torques and/or
angular momentum.

No

Calculate torques
about the center of mass.

Apply Newtons Laws

No
Is mechanical energy conserved (if friction is present,
does it do no work)?

Yes

Conserve energy using

X1
1
K = MV 2 +
m i v i02
2
2
i
or a simplification.

Isolate each object and draw

a diagram of the forces on it.
Apply F = ma to each object to get
1 or more dynamical equations.

No
Use forces and torques.

Apply = I to each object

to get a dynamical equation.
Develop equations of
constraint as necessary
among dynamical variables.
When you have as many equations as unknowns, solve!

Peter N. Saeta