EMPOWERING STUDENTS TO REACH THEIR PEAK POTENTIAL

DYNAMICS
 DYNAMICS

DYNAMICS
Learning Outcomes:

A. state and apply each of Newton’s laws of motion

B. show an understanding that mass is the property of a body which resists
change in motion (inertia)
C. describe and use the concept of weight as the force experienced by a mass
in a gravitational field
D. define and use linear momentum as the product of mass and velocity
E. define and use impulse as the product of force and time of impact
F. relate resultant force to the rate of change of momentum
G. recall and solve problems using the relationship F = ma, appreciating that
resultant force and acceleration are always in the same direction
H. state the principle of conservation of momentum
I. apply the principle of conservation of momentum to solve simple problems
including inelastic and (perfectly) elastic interactions between two bodies in
one dimension (knowledge of the concept of coefficient of restitution is not
required)
J. show an understanding that, for a (perfectly) elastic collision between two
bodies, the relative speed of approach is equal to the relative speed of
separation
K. show an understanding that, whilst the momentum of a closed system is
always conserved in interactions between bodies, some change in kinetic
energy usually takes place.

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NEWTON’S THIRD LAW OF MOTION

Newton’s Third Law of Motion states that if body A exerts a force on body B, body
B will exert a force of equal magnitude but opposite in direction on body A.

It means that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This pair of
forces is known as an action-reaction pair.

In equation form,
FA on B = -FB on A (negative sign indicates opposite in direction)

|FA on B | = |FB on A |

Important Note on Action-Reaction Pair:

● The pair of forces act on different bodies, and thus they do not cancel each
other out. When applying Newton’s Third Law, it is important to identify
exactly which body is the force acting on.
● The forces must be of the same type. If one of the forces is gravitational
force, then the other force of the pair must be gravitational force as well.

Examples of Action-Reaction Pair:

Book Resting on Table

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When a book rests on a table, it exerts a force, F , on the table. By

book on table

Newton’s Third Law, the table will also exert a force, F table on book , of equal magnitude
but opposite in direction on the book. This is known as the action- reaction pair.

Gravitational Attraction

Any object on Earth (e.g. a person) with mass will experience a gravitational force
exerted by earth on the object, Fearth on person, commonly known as weight. According
to Newton’s Third Law, the person will also exert a gravitational force, Fperson on earth,
on Earth and pull the Earth towards himself.

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Example
Consider the following experiment set up, with a box placed on a table.

Determine the forces acting on the box and the table individually, and draw it on
the diagrams below:

Legend:
NTB : Normal reaction force of table on box
WB : Gravitation attraction of Earth on Box , i.e. Weight
NFT: Normal reaction force of floor on table
NBT: Normal reaction force of box on table
WT: Gravitational attraction of Earth on Table

Note:
● WT originates from space under the table as the arrow drawn starts from
centre of gravity
● Magnitude of:
o NTB = WB
o 2 NFT = WT + NBT

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NEWTON’S FIRST LAW OF MOTION

Newton’s First Law of motion states that a body will continue in its state of rest or
uniform motion in a straight line unless a resultant external force acts on it.

This means that:

(a) The state of rest requires no force to maintain it
(b) The state of uniform velocity also requires no resultant force to maintain

Thus, a moving object will have constant velocity unless a resultant external force
acts on it.

Inertia and Mass

Newton’s First Law is also known as the Law of Inertia.
Inertia refers to the tendency of a body to resist changes in its state of motion or
rest.
The mass of the body is a measure of the inertia. The greater the mass of the body,
the greater the inertia, and the greater it is to change its state of rest or motion. For
instance, it is easier to get a marble to start rolling as compared to a bowling ball.
Equilibrium
When the object is acted by more than one force and remains stationary, it is said to
be in equilibrium.
To be in equilibrium, the following 2 conditions must be satisfied:
1) The resultant force acting on the body must be zero. (Translational
Equilibrium)

● ∑ 𝐹𝑥 = ∑ 𝐹𝑦

● Linear acceleration = 0
2) The resultant torque acting about any axis of rotation must be zero
(Rotational Equilibrium)

● ∑ 𝐴𝑛𝑡𝑖 𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 = ∑ 𝐶𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒 𝑀𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 about any axis

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Examples of Equilibrium
Airplane cruising at constant velocity at constant altitude

When the airplane is cruising at constant altitude and velocity, it is in translational

equilibrium.
The lift provided by the wings is equal in magnitude to the weight of the airplane,
and the resultant force in the y axis is zero.
The thrust provided by the airplane engine is equal in magnitude to the drag (air
resistance) of the aircraft, and the resultant force in the x axis is zero.
Thus, resultant force acting on aircraft is zero, and it is in equilibrium.

Person standing still

When a person is standing still, he is in equilibrium.

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The weight acting on the person is equal in magnitude to the normal reaction force
exerted by the ground on him.
Resultant force acting on him is zero and he is in equilibrium.

MOMENTUM
Every moving object will have a quantity known as momentum. The amount of
momentum that an object has is dependent on its mass and its velocity.

The momentum, p , of a moving object with mass m and velocity v is given by:

p= mv

It is a vector quantity and its unit is kg ms-1 or N s.

Its direction follows the direction of the velocity.

Example
Comparing an airplane that is stationary and a bullet travelling at 700ms-1, which
has:
(a) Greater momentum
(b) Greater Inertia

A 5kg bowling ball is travelling down the lane at a speed of 20 ms-1. Calculate its
momentum.
p = mv
= (5) (20)
= 100 kg ms-1

NEWTON’S SECOND LAW OF MOTION

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Newton’s Second Law of Motion states that the rate of change of momentum of a
body is directly proportional to the resultant force acting on it and the changes
take place in the direction of the resultant force.

𝑑𝑝
Fnet ∝ 𝑑𝑡

𝑑𝑝
Fnet = k 𝑑𝑡
, where k is a constant

When the units of force is in Newtons, k=1

𝑑𝑝
Fnet = 𝑑𝑡

𝑑(𝑚𝑣)
= 𝑑𝑡

𝑑𝑣
=m 𝑑𝑡
(since m is constant)

= ma
Thus,

Fnet = ma

Problem Solving Strategy

- Identify and isolate the body of interest
- Identify the forces acting on it
- Resolve the forces (if necessary) to the direction of motion

- Apply ∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 𝑚𝑎𝑥 and/or ∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 𝑚𝑎𝑦

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Example
A crane is used to lift a heavy concrete block of 2000kg. Calculate the tension in the
cable of the crane when the concrete block is:
(a) Stationary
(b) Accelerating upwards at 5ms-2
(c) Accelerating downwards 5ms-2

(a) When the crane is stationary, according to Newton’s First Law, the resulting
force acting on the crane is zero.
Taking upwards as positive,
Fnet = 0
T= -W
= -mg
=- (2000)(-9.81)
= 19620
= 19 600N

(b) By Newton’s Second Law of Motion,

W = (2000)(-9.81)
= -19 620
Fnet = ma
T+W = (2000)(5)
T – 19 620= (2000)(5)
T= 29 620N

(c) By Newton’s Second Law of Motion,

Fnet = ma
T – 19 620 = (2000)(-5)
T= 9 620N

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Example
The diagram below shows 2 cars, Car A of mass 500kg and Car B of mass 1000kg.
The engine of Car B has stopped working and is pulled by car A using a bar. The
resistive force each car experiences is 200N and they are moving at constant
velocity.

Calculate
(a) The tension in the bar between Car A and B
(b) The forward thrust produced by the engine of car A.
(c) When Car B is accelerating at 2ms-2, calculate the force acting on Car A by
the bar

Take rightwards as positive

Consider Car B,
Since Car B is moving at constant velocity, by Newton’s First Law,
Resultant Force = 0
FAB + R = 0
FAB + (-200) = 0
FAB = 200N

Since Car A is moving at constant velocity, by Newton’s First Law,

Resultant Force = 0
FE + FBA + R = 0 (Note: FBA = - FAB by Newton’s Third Law)

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Example
Two blocks X and Y, each of mass M and 3M respectively, are accelerating along a
smooth surface by a constant force F, acting on block X. Calculate the magnitude of
force acted by block Y on X during the acceleration.

Since block X and Y will remain together during the acceleration, find the acceleration of
both blocks:
F=ma
=(M +3M) a
= (4M) a
𝐹
a= 4𝑀

We can either consider X or Y. Here, Y is considered because it experiences only one

horizontal force.
FX on Y = mya
𝐹
= (3M)( 4𝑀
)

= 0.75F

By Newton’s Third Law,

| FX on Y | = | FY on X |
| FY on X | = 0.75F

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Example
Two objects m1 and m2, of masses 5kg and 10kg respectively are connected by a
light inextensible string that passes over a light frictionless pulley. The 5kg object
lies on a smooth incline of angle 30°. Determine the acceleration of the two objects
and the tension in the string.

Let T be the magnitude of the tension in the string

Let a be the magnitude of the acceleration.

Considering m2,
Fnet = ma
m2g –T = m2 a
(10)(9.81) – T = (10)a
98.1 –T = 10a –(1)

Considering m1,
Resolve forces parallel to the slope
Component of weight parallel to slope= mg sinθ
= (5) (9.81) sin 30°
= 24.525 N
T- 24.525 = m1a
T= (5)a + 24.525
T = 5a + 24.525 --(2)
Sub (2) into (1)
98.1 – (5a + 24.525) = 10a
98.1 – 5a -24.525 = 10a=

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APPARENT WEIGHT
Our perception of our own weight is determined by the normal contact force that is
exerted on us by the floor.

Although our weight is constant, there are times when we feel lighter or heavier. For
instance, in an elevator that is accelerating, we would feel heavier.

We can determine the apparent weight by standing on a weighing scale while the
elevator is in motion. The reading on the scale is equal to the normal contact force
exerted on the person.

When elevator is at rest,

● Acceleration = 0
● Fnet = 0
● By Newton’s Second Law, N= W
● Apparent Weight = True Weight

When elevator is accelerating upwards,

● Acceleration is directed upwards
● Fnet directed upwards
● By Newton’s Second Law, N > W
● Apparent Weight > True Weight

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When elevator is decelerating,

● Acceleration is directed downwards
● Fnet directed downwards
● By Newton’s Second Law, N < W
● Apparent Weight < True Weight

Is apparent weight greater/ less than true weight in the following situation?
1) Elevator comes to a stop after a descend
2) Elevator starts to descend

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IMPULSE
The impulse of a force is defined as the product of the force and the time of
impact and is equal to the change in momentum.

By Newton’s Second Law,

∆𝑝
F= ∆𝑡

∆p = F∆t
Since p=mv,
∆p = m∆v
Impulse, ∆p = F∆t = m∆v

Since the unit for impulse follows the unit for momentum, which is N s or kg ms-1 . It
is a vector quantity.
The area under the force-time graph is equal to impulse of the force/ change in
momentum.

During collisions between object, the force is not constant, as shown in the graph
above. In such cases, we can define an average force, <F>, such that the product of
<F> and time of impact, ∆t, gives rise to the same impulse.

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Example
A tennis player hits a tennis ball with an average force of 90N over a period of 0.2s
during a tennis match.
Calculate:
(a) The impulse of the force
(b) The tennis ball was initially travelling at the speed of 25ms-1 towards the
player. Calculate the speed at which the tennis ball leaves the racquet, given
that the mass of the tennis ball is 500g.

(a) Impulse= F∆t

= 90 x 0.2
= 18 N s

(b) Taking the direction towards the player as positive,

Since the force exerted by the racquet on the ball is directed away from the player,
Impulse = -18 Ns

Example
The front of a car is also known as the crumple zone. The crumple zone is made to
crumple easily during a collision. Explain how this helps to protect the passengers.

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Example
An object with 50kg mass is moving with a velocity of 10 ms-1 before it was acted by
a force F, as shown in the graph below. Force F is acting in the same direction as the
initial velocity. Calculate its final velocity.

Impulse= Area under F-t graph

= 0.5 (4 + 8) (100.0)
= 600 Ns
∆ p = m ∆v
600= (50) (v- 10)
v= 22 ms-1

Principle of Conservation of

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MOMENTUM
The Principle of Conservation of Momentum states that the total momentum of a
system of objects remains constant, provided no net external force acts on the
system.

m1u1 + m2u2 = m1v1 + m2v2

Consider a body A, with mass m1 and velocity u1, striking body B, m2 and velocity u2.
The two bodies remain in contact for a small time interval of ∆𝑡. During the collision,
they exert forces of FAB and FBA on each other, as shown in the diagram above. They
then leave with velocities v1 and v2 after the collision.

Change in momentum for body A is:

∆pA = m1∆vA
= m1 (v1 – u1)
Also, ∆pA = FBA ∆𝑡
FBA ∆𝑡 = m1 (v1 – u1)

Change in momentum for body B is:

∆pB = m2∆vB
= m2 (v2 – u2)
Also, ∆pB = FAB ∆𝑡
FAB ∆𝑡 = m2 (v2 – u2)

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By Newton’s Third Law, FAB = -FAB

Since ∆𝑡 is the same,
FBA ∆𝑡 = - FAB ∆𝑡
m1 (v1 – u1) = - m2 (v2 – u2)
m1u1 + m2u2= m1v1 + m2v2

Total Momentum before collision = Total momentum after

collision

The principle of conservation of momentum applies to all forms of collision,

provided no net external force acts on it.

Example
Consider a body A with mass 3kg which strikes body B, initially stationary, with mass
2kg with a speed of 50ms-1. After collision, body B leaves with a speed of 40ms-1 in
the same direction which it was stroked. Find the velocity of body A after collision.

Taking rightwards as positive,

By principle of Conservation of Momentum,
Initial Momentum = Final Momentum
mAuA + mBuB = mAvA + mBvB
(3)(50) + 0 = (3)vA + (2)(40)
VA = 23.3 ms-1

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Types of Collision
1) Elastic Collision
Elastic Collisions often happen between subatomic particles such as atoms.
The defining characteristic of elastic collision is that there is no loss in kinetic
energy of the particles. In elastic collision, total momentum and kinetic
energy is conserved.

2) Inelastic Collision
For inelastic collision, there is a loss of kinetic energy during collision e.g.
converted to sound or heat energy. Total momentum is conserved but kinetic
energy is not conserved.

3) Completely Inelastic
Completely inelastic is similar to inelastic collision, except that particles stick
together after collision. Total momentum is conserved but kinetic energy is
not conserved.

Note:
● We can only use kinetic energy to solve questions only if it is an elastic
collision.
● In inelastic collisions, although kinetic energy is not conserved, total energy is
conserved if we consider other forms of energy e.g. sound / heat.
● The Principle of Conservation of Momentum can be used in all forms of
collision.

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Elastics Collisions

Consider an elastic collision between two masses, M and m as shown above.

U1, u2, v1, v2 are the respective velocities as shown above.

By Principle of Conservation of Momentum,

Total momentum before collision = Total momentum after collision
mu1 + Mu2 = mv1 + Mv2
M (u2 –v2) = m (v1 – u1) … (1)

Since kinetic energy is conserved,

1 1 1 1
2
mu12 + 2
Mu22 = 2
mv12 + 2
Mv22

M (u22 - v22 ) = m (v12 - u12 ) …(2)

(2) divide by (1)

u2 + v 2 = v 1 + u1

u 2 – u 1 = v 1 - v2
Relative speed of approach = relative speed of separation

Note:
● This formula is independent of their masses. It can be used even when the
masses are unknown
● Be aware of the direction of travel and remember to substitute in the signs
for the different velocities in the equation.

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Type of Collision Laws to apply Remarks

Elastic 1. Conservation of
momentum

∑ 𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 = ∑ 𝑝𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙

2. Relative speed of
approach =
Relative speed of
separation
( u1 – u2 = v2 – v1)

OR

3. Conservation of
kinetic energy

∑ 𝐾𝐸𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 = ∑ 𝐾𝐸𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎

Inelastic 1. Conservation of
momentum

∑ 𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 = ∑ 𝑝𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙

Completely Inelastic 1. Conservation of Particles stick together

momentum

∑ 𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 = ∑ 𝑝𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙

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Example
A body A travels at 4.0ms-1 and collides with another body B of a different mass,
travelling towards the left at 10ms-1. Given that body A travels to the left at 6.0ms-1
after the collision, find the velocity of body B after the collision assuming the
collision is elastic.

uA = 4.0
uB = -10
vA = -6.0
Since collision is elastic,
Relative speed of approach = relative speed of separation
uA – uB = v B - v A
4- (-10) = vB – (-6.0)
vB = 8.0 ms-1

Example
A bullet of mass 4.0 x 10-2 kg is fired from a 4kg rifle. The speed of the bullet as it
leaves the rifle is 500ms-1. Calculate the recoil speed of the rifle.

Taking the direction which the bullet travels as positive,

By Principle of Conservation of Momentum,
Total Initial Momentum = total final momentum
0 = mrvr + mBvB
(4) vr + (4.0 x 10-2) (500) = 0
vr = - 5.0ms-1
The recoil speed is 5.0ms-1

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Practice Questions

Level 1
Question 1
Newton’s third law concerns the forces of interaction between two bodies.
Which of the following relating to the third law is not correct?

A. The two forces must be of the same type

B. The two forces must act on different bodies
C. The two forces are always in opposite direction
D. The two forces are equal and opposite so the bodies are in equilibrium.

Answer: A.
Although it is true that the two forces are equal and opposite, the forces act on
different bodies so the bodies may or may not be in equilibrium

Question 2
A ball of mass 2kg travelling at 8ms-1 strikes a ball of mass 4kg travelling at 2 ms-1. Both balls
are moving along the same straight line as shown.

After collision, both balls move at the same velocity v. What is the magnitude of velocity v?

Taking rightwards as positive,

By Principle of Conservation of Momentum,
Total initial momentum = Total final momentum
(8)(2) + (2)(4) = 6v
v= 4 ms-1

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Level 2
Question 3
A toy car with a rocket engine moves along a horizontal track, as shown in the figure below.

The rocket engine produces a constant forward force of 4.6N. The car loses mass
continuously as exhaust gases are produced by the rocket.

(a) Use momentum conservation to explain why the rocker produces a forward force on
the car.
By Principle of Conservation of Momentum, the total momentum of the car and the
exhaust gas is constant provided no net external force acts on the system.
As the exhaust gas are expelled backwards, its momentum backwards increases. To ensure
that the total momentum is constant, the momentum of the car in the forward
direction increases by the same magnitude.
By Newton’s Second Law, the rate of change of momentum of the car is the resultant force
acting on the car.

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(b) The variation with time t of the speed v of the car is shown in the graph below.

At time t = 2.0s, the mass of the car is 440g.

(i) For the time t= 2.0s,
1. use the graph to determine the acceleration of the car,

At t= 2.0s,
Acceleration = Gradient of v-t graph
= 2.8 ms-1

2. use your answer in (i) part 1 to determine the magnitude of resistive force
acting on the car
By Newton’s Second Law,
Fnet = ma
Forward force- resistive force = ma
4.6 – R = (440 x 10-3) (2.8)
R= 3.368N = 3.4N

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(ii) Explain how it can be deduced that the resistive force acting on the car
increases with increase of speed.
As velocity increases, the gradient of the graph decreases, implying that acceleration
deceases. According to Newton’s Second Law of motion, acceleration is
directly proportional to resultant force. Thus, resultant force decreases as
speed increases. Since the forward force is constant, resistive force must
increase for resultant force to decrease.

(c) The toy car is now refuelled and then rotated so that it is pointing upwards.
It is suggested that the rocket engine produces sufficient force to propel the car
vertically.
By considering the acceleration of the car at time t=0 in the graph, comment on this
suggestion.

At time t=0, acceleration= gradient = 8.89ms-2. Fnet= 8.89m, where m is the mass.
Since there is no resistive force, engine thrust= Fnet = 8.89m. The weight of the rocket
is mg= 9.81m. Since the weight is greater than the engine thrust, the rocket will not
be propelled upwards.
However, as the fuel is used up, the weight decreases and eventually becomes less
than the engine thrust, allowing it to be propelled upwards.

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Question 4
A car of mass 810kg traveling at a steady speed crashes into a rigid wall. From the time at
which the car hits the wall until it stops, the engine compartment is crushed so the main
body of the car continues to move forward. The graph shows how the retarding force on the
main body of the car varies with time from the initial impact.

(a) By how much does the car’s momentum change during impact?
Change in momentum = Impulse
= Area under force- time graph
= 0.5 ( 18 x 104 ) (0.10)
= 9000Ns

(b) Taking the direction of travel of car as positive,

Change in momentum = -9000
Final Momentum –Initial momentum = -9000
1- mu = -9000
810u = 9000
u= -11.1 ms-1

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(c) Sketch a graph of the velocity of the main body of the car against time until it comes
to a rest

Note:
The gradient at every point of the graph is directly proportional to the force-time graph.
Therefore, the gradient is low at the start and end of the graph and the steepest in the
middle.

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Question 5
Two particles with masses and speeds as shown below collide elastically.
Find the final velocity for each mass.

Taking rightwards as positive,

By principle of conservation of momentum,
Total initial momentum = Total final momentum
(4)(5) + (3)(2) = (4)vA + (3)vB
26 = 4vA + 3vB --- (1)

Since the collision is elastic,

Relative speed of approach = Relative speed of separation
uA – uB = vB - vA
5-2 = vB - vA
3 = vB - v A
vB = 3 + vA --- (2)

Sub (2) into (1)

26 = 4vA + 3 (3 + vA )
26= 7 vA + 9
vA = 2.43 ms-1

vB = 3 + vA
= 3 + 2.43
= 5.43 ms-1

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