Dynamics - 1

Solving Problems Involving

Several Collinear Forces
Using Newton’s 2nd Law
 Newton's 2nd Law

“net force” = resultant (or sum) of force vectors acting on a single object
 Basic Dynamics Problem-Solving Procedure

1) Identify all given and required quantities.

Dynamics quantities: force, mass and acceleration

2) Choose an appropriate formula

Dynamics formula: 𝐹⃗!"# = 𝑚 % 𝑎⃗

3) Isolate the unknown quantity*

Here we will substitute 𝐹⃗!"# = 𝐹⃗$ + 𝐹⃗% + 𝐹⃗& …
(this can be done as part of any of the previous steps as well)

4&5) Substitute quantities and solve.

Example 1

A force of 360 N is applied to slide a 50 kg box across the floor. The force
of friction is 340 N. What is the acceleration of the box?
Example 1

A force of 360 N is applied to slide a 50 kg box across the floor. The force
of friction is 340 N. What is the acceleration of the box?
Let the box be moving towards the right, and let us take this as the positive direction.

Note that the force of friction is always An “applied” force such as a push or pull is
OPPOSITE to the direction of motion commonly identified as FA

Step 1 – Identify given and required quantities

FA = +360 N FF = –340 N m = 50 kg a=?

Note the negative sign associated with the value (magnitude) of Ff. A vector has magnitude and direction.
Example 1
Step 1 – Identify given and required quantities

FA = +360 N FF = –340 N m = 50 kg a=?

Step 2 – Choose an appropriate formula

F'() = m % a

Step 3 – Isolate the required quantity(a)(b)(c)

*!"# *$ ,*%
F'() = m % a a= a=
+ +

a) Yes, you may substitute numerical values first, then solve algebraically
b) You may evaluate Fnet at any time
c) Since Fnet is a SUM of forces we express it as Fa + Ff and not Fa – Ff
Example 1

Step 3 – Isolate the required quantity

*!"# *$ ,*%
F'() = m % a a= a=
+ +

Step 4 – Substitute the given (known) quantities

*$ ,*% &-.,(0&1.) %.
a= +
a= 3.
a = 3.
If you express Fnet as Fnet = Fa – Ff then you must express Ff as Ff = +340 N
This is acceptable but will lead to confusion in more complicated situations.

Step 5 – Express the answer with appropriate units

a = 0.4 m/s %