Physics Lecture - Class Notes

Topic: Introduction to Mechanics

Mechanics is the branch of physics that deals with the study of motion and forces.

Key concepts:

Position: The location of an object relative to a reference point.

Displacement: The change in position of an object in a specific direction.
Velocity: The rate of change of displacement over time.
Acceleration: The rate of change of velocity over time.
Newton's Laws of Motion:
First Law: An object at rest tends to stay at rest, and an object in motion tends
to stay in motion unless acted upon by an external force.
Second Law: The force acting on an object is directly proportional to its mass and
acceleration, expressed as F = ma.
Third Law: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Equations to remember:

Displacement: Δx = x_final - x_initial

Velocity: v = Δx / Δt
Acceleration: a = Δv / Δt
Newton's Second Law: F = ma
Examples of calculations:

If an object travels a distance of 50 meters in 10 seconds, what is its average

velocity?

Solution: v = Δx / Δt = 50m / 10s = 5 m/s

A car with a mass of 1000 kg accelerates at a rate of 2 m/s^2. What is the force
applied to the car?

Solution: F = ma = 1000kg * 2m/s^2 = 2000 N