AS-Level Maths:

Mechanics 1
for Edexcel

M1.1 Mathematical
modelling
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Contents The modelling process

The modelling process

Terminology
Examples of models
SI units

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Introduction to mechanics

Mechanics is a branch of applied maths that models physical

situations involving forces and motion.
At this level, it can be broadly divided into three sections:
Kinematics – the study of how objects move.
In kinematics, we consider the motion of objects ignoring any
forces involved.
Dynamics – the study of why objects move.
In dynamics, we consider the forces that act to produce or
change motion.
Statics – the study of objects at rest.
In statics, we examine how forces balance to prevent motion.

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The modelling process

In mechanics, modelling involves simplifying a real world

problem to enable conclusions to be drawn.
The modelling process can be illustrated as follows:

Identify a real Evaluate/improve

world problem the model

make assumptions to compare with the

allow simplification real world problem

Arrive at a
solve the Interpret the
mathematical
problem solution
model

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Common assumptions

In almost all mechanics’ models a diagram should be drawn

indicating any forces and motion.
Assumptions need to be made when modelling to enable a
problem to be simplified.
Common assumptions include:
ignoring friction
ignoring air resistance
treating a body as a particle
ignoring small dimensions (for example, in a lamina)
ignoring the stretching of an inelastic string
when a load is attached

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Contents Terminology

The modelling process

Terminology
Examples of models
SI units

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Terminology

Here are some terms that are often used when modelling
problems in mechanics:
Rough – friction needs to be taken into account when a body
moves on a rough surface.
Smooth – friction can be ignored on a smooth surface.
Thin – of negligible thickness.
Particle – a body whose dimensions are so small compared
with any other distances involved that it can be represented
by a single point.
Lamina – a flat object whose thickness is so small compared
with its length and width that it can be ignored.

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Terminology

Rigid body – a body that is assumed to not change shape

when acted on by a force.

Light rod – a rod is assumed to have length only. A light rod

has a negligible mass compared with other bodies.

Uniform rod – equal lengths have equal masses and so the

mass can be assumed to act at the centre of the rod.

Non-uniform rod – equal lengths do not have equal masses.

Inextensible string – a string whose length does not change.

It can also be referred to as inelastic.

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Terminology

Smooth surface – a surface on which friction can be ignored.

Rough surface – a surface on which friction needs to be
taken into account.
Light smooth pulley – a pulley whose mass is so small
compared with other objects that it can be ignored and, as it
is smooth, friction can also be ignored.
Bead – a particle with a hole drilled through so that it can be
threaded onto a wire or string.
Wire – a rigid body in the form of a strip of metal.
Peg – a support on which a body may rest or be hung. There
is only one point of contact between a peg and a body.

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Contents Examples of models

The modelling process

Terminology
Examples of models
SI units

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Examples of models

Suppose we need to calculate

5 ms–1
the greatest height reached by
a ball that is thrown vertically
upwards with an initial speed
of 5 ms–1.

How can this situation be modelled – what assumptions

can we make and what physical factors can we ignore?
The dimensions of the ball can be ignored and it can be
modelled as a particle.
Air resistance as the ball is thrown into the air can also be
ignored.

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Examples of models

Two particles of mass 3 kg and 5 kg are attached to the ends of

a light inextensible string. The string passes over a smooth
pulley. The system is then released from rest.

What assumptions can we make in modelling the above

situation and what physical factors can we ignore?

The two masses are modelled as particles.

The masses are attached to a light inextensible string. This
assumes that the string has no weight and will not stretch.
Thus tension in the string for each particle is equal.
The pulley being smooth assumes there is no friction.
Also, as the masses move air resistance is ignored.

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Examples of models

A uniform rod of weight 30 N rests horizontally in equilibrium

on two smooth supports at A and B as shown.

RA RB
2m 4m 4m

Suppose we need to calculate the reaction forces at A and B.

How can the fact that the beam is
uniform be used to model the situation?
As the beam is uniform the weight is taken to act at the
centre.

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Examples of models

A parachutist jumps from an aeroplane and falls vertically

from rest towards the ground.

State any assumptions to be made when modelling the initial

motion of the parachutist and any physical factors that have
been ignored.

The parachutist can be modelled as a particle.

In this model the parachutist is taken to be travelling vertically

with no rotational or sideways motion.

Any air resistance can be ignored in the time before the

parachute opens.

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Contents SI units

The modelling process

Terminology
Examples of models
SI units

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SI units

Throughout mechanics the international system of units, or

SI units, are used whenever possible.
The following SI units are most commonly used in M1.
Quantity SI Unit
Distance/displacement metre (m)
Speed/velocity metres per second (ms–1)
Acceleration metres per second per second (ms–2)
Mass kilogram (kg)
Weight/force Newton (N)
Momentum/impulse Newton seconds (Ns)
Moment of a force Newton-metre (Nm)

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