Topic 2: Mechanics

2.2 – Forces
Essential idea: Classical physics requires a force to
change a state of motion, as suggested by Newton
in his laws of motion.
Nature of science: (1) Using mathematics: Isaac
Newton provided the basis for much of our
understanding of forces and motion by formalizing
the previous work of scientists through the
application of mathematics by inventing calculus to
assist with this. (2) Intuition: The tale of the falling
apple describes simply one of the many flashes of
intuition that went into the publication of Philosophiæ
Naturalis Principia Mathematica in 1687.
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Understandings:
• Objects as point particles
• Free-body diagrams
• Translational equilibrium
• Newton’s laws of motion
• Solid friction
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Applications and skills:
• Representing forces as vectors
• Sketching and interpreting free-body diagrams
• Describing the consequences of Newton’s first law for
translational equilibrium
• Using Newton’s second law quantitatively and
qualitatively
• Identifying force pairs in the context of Newton’s third
law
• Solving problems involving forces and determining
resultant force
• Describing solid friction (static and dynamic) by
coefficients of friction
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Guidance:
• Students should label forces using commonly
accepted names or symbols (for example: weight or
force of gravity or mg)
• Free-body diagrams should show scaled vector
lengths acting from the point of application
• Examples and questions will be limited to constant
mass
• mg should be identified as weight
• Calculations relating to the determination of resultant
forces will be restricted to one- and two-dimensional
situations
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Data booklet reference:
• F = ma
• Ff ≤ µsR
• Ff = µdR
Theory of knowledge:
• Classical physics believed that the whole of the future
of the universe could be predicted from knowledge
of the present state. To what extent can knowledge
of the present give us knowledge of the future?
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Utilization:
• Motion of charged particles in fields (see Physics sub-
topics 5.4, 6.1, 11.1, 12.2)
• Application of friction in circular motion (see Physics
sub-topic 6.1)
• Construction (considering ancient and modern
approaches to safety, longevity and consideration of
local weather and geological influences)
• Biomechanics (see Sports, exercise and health
science SL sub-topic 4.3)
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Aims:
• Aims 2 and 3: Newton’s work is often described by
the quote from a letter he wrote to his rival, Robert
Hooke, which states: “What Descartes did was a
good step. You have added much [in] several ways.
If I have seen a little further it is by standing on the
shoulders of Giants.” This quote is also inspired, this
time by writers who had been using versions of it for
at least 500 years before Newton’s time.
• Aim 6: experiments could include (but are not limited
to): verification of Newton’s second law; investigating
forces in equilibrium; determination of the effects of
friction.
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Newton’s laws of motion
Mechanics is the branch of physics which concerns
itself with forces, and how they affect a body's motion.
Kinematics is the sub-branch of mechanics which
studies only a body's motion without regard to causes.
Dynamics is the sub-branch of mechanics which
studies the forces which cause a body's motion.

The two pillars of

mechanics

Kinematics Dynamics
Galileo Topic 2.1 Topic 2.2 Newton
 Objective: To calculate resultant force by drawing Date:21/11/2018
free body diagrams

Learning Outcomes:
Homework: Practice problems on
• Developing: Become familiar with free body relative velocity
diagrams
• Securing: Identify different forces and resolve
them. Key Words
• Exceeding: Find the resultant force Scalars
Vectors
Resultant vector

Challenge: Resolve vector on a slope.

Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Representing forces as vectors
A force is a push or a pull measured in Newtons.
One force we are very familiar with is the force of
gravity, AKA the weight.
The very concepts of push and pull imply direction.
Thus forces are vectors.
The direction of the weight is down toward the center
of the earth.
If you have a weight of 90 Newtons (or 90 N), your
weight can be expressed as a vector: 90 N, down.
We will show later that weight has the formula
W = mg where g = 10 m s -2 weight
and m is the mass in kg
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Objects as point particles and Free-body diagrams
W = mg where g = 10 m s -2 weight
and m is the mass in kg
EXAMPLE: Calculate the weight of a 25-kg Free-body
object. diagram
SOLUTION:
· Since m = 25 kg and g = 10 m s-2, mass
W = mg = (25)(10) = 250 N (or 250 n).

force
· Note that W inherits its direction from the fact
that g points downward.
· We sketch the mass as a point particle (dot),
and the weight as a vector in a free-body W
diagram:
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Objects as point particles and Free-body diagrams
Certainly there are other forces besides weight
that you are familiar with.
For example, when you set a mass on a tabletop,
even though it stops moving, it still has a weight.
The implication is that the tabletop applies a
counterforce to the weight, called a normal force.
Note that the weight and the normal forces are the R
W
same length – they balance.
The normal force is called a surface contact force.

FYI The normal force is often called (unwisely)

the reaction force – thus the R designation.
 Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Objects as point particles and Free-body diagrams
Tension T can only be a pull and never a push.
Friction Ff tries to oppose the motion.
Friction Ff is parallel to the contact surface.
Normal R is perpendicular to the contact surface.
Friction and normal are mutually perpendicular. Ff R.
Friction and normal are surface contact forces.
R
Weight W is an action-at-a-distance force.
T
Ff the tension
Contact surface

W
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Sketching and interpreting free-body diagrams
Weight is sketched from the center of an object.
Normal is always sketched perpendicular to the contact
surface.
Friction is sketched parallel to the contact surface.
Tension is sketched at whatever angle is given.

R
T

Ff

W
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Sketching and interpreting free-body diagrams
EXAMPLE: An object has a tension acting on it at 30°
as shown. Sketch in the forces, and draw a free-body
diagram.
R

Free-body diagram
SOLUTION:
· Weight is drawn from the center, down. T
· Normal is drawn perpendicular to the Ff 30°
surface from the surface. R T
· Friction is drawn par- 30°
allel to the surface.F
f W

W
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Solving problems involving forces and resultant force
The resultant (or net) force is just the vector sum of
all of the forces acting on a body.
EXAMPLE: An object has mass of 25 kg. A tension of
50 N and a friction force of 30 N are acting on it as
shown. What is the resultant force?
SOLUTION:
R
· Since the weight and the normal
forces cancel out in the y-
50 n
direction, we only need to worry F T
f
about the forces in the x-direction.
30 n
· The net force is thus
W
50 – 30 = 20 N (+x-dir).
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Solving problems involving forces and resultant force
The resultant (or net) force is just the vector sum of
all of the forces acting on a body.
Fnet = F Fx,net = Fx Fy,net = Fy net force
EXAMPLE: An object has exactly two forces F1 = 50. n
and F2 = 30. n applied simultaneously to it. What is the
resultant force’s magnitude?
SOLUTION: F2
F net

30. n
· Fnet = F = F1 + F2 so we simply
graphically add the two vectors:
· The magnitude is given by
Fnet2 = 502 + 302 50. n F1
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Solving problems involving forces and resultant force
The resultant (or net) force is just the vector sum of
all of the forces acting on a body.
Fnet = F Fx,net = Fx Fy,net = Fy net force
EXAMPLE: An object has exactly two forces F1 = 50. n
and F2 = 30. n applied simultaneously to it as shown.
What is the resultant force’s direction?
SOLUTION: F2
F net

30. n
· Direction is measured from the (+) x-axis.
· Opposite and adjacent are given directly, 
so use tangent. 50. n F1
tan  = opp / adj = 30 / 50 = 0.6
-1
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Solving problems involving forces and resultant force
EXAMPLE: An object has exactly two forces F1 = 50. n
and F2 = 30. n applied simultaneously to it. What is the
resultant force’s magnitude?θ=28̊
SOLUTION:
· Begin by resolving F1 into its x- F2
and y-components.

30. n

50 sin 28
F1
· Then Fnet,x = 44 n and . n
50

23 n
· Fnet,y = 23 + 30 = 53 n. 28°
Fnet2 = Fnet,x2 + Fnet,y2 44 n
50 cos 28
Fnet = 44 + 53
2 2 2
 Objective:
• To discuss and compare between
static and dynamic friction Date:14/11/2016

• To solve problems on static and

dynamic friction
Learning Outcomes:
Homework: solve question
• Developing: Can state the importance of friction from text book
and concept of static and dynamic friction

• Securing: Can differentiate between coefficient Key Words

of static and dynamic friction Static friction
dynamic friction
• Exceeding: Solve problems on static and Coefficient of static and
dynamic friction kinetic friction
Angle of repose

Challenge: Resolve vector on a slope.

 Friction
• Friction can be of two types:
• Static friction and
• Kinetic or dynamic friction
 Static friction FS
• It is the friction between two or more solid
bodies that are NOT moving relative to
each other.
• It Is a friction force that needs to be
overcome before a body can move.
• Maximum possible static frictional force is
• FS =μS FN
• Here, FN Here, FN is the net force
compressing two parallel surfaces
together and its direction is perpendicular
to the surfaces and μS is called the
coefficient of static friction
 Kinetic or dynamic friction Fd
• It is the friction that occurs when two
objects are moving relative to each other.
• Fd =μd FN
• Where μd is the coefficient of kinetic
friction.
• The coefficient of friction are
dimensionless quantities and can also be
calculated by plotting a graph of Fd vs FN
• Or FS vs FN.
 Compare static and dynamic
friction
• Usually,
• Coefficient of static friction ≥ coefficient of dynamic
friction
• μS ≥ μd

• Coefficient of friction does not depend on mass and

volume but only on the material
 Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Solid friction
Recall that friction acts opposite to the intended
direction of motion, and parallel to the contact surface.
Suppose we begin to pull a crate to the right, with
gradually increasing force.
We plot the applied force, and the friction force, as
functions of time:

tension static dynamic

Force

friction
friction friction

T
f
Time
static dynamic
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Solid friction Fs,max
During the static phase,

Force
tension
the static friction force Fd
friction
Fs exactly matches the
applied (tension) force.
static Time
dynamic
Fs increases linearly until
it reaches a maximum value Fs,max.
The friction force then almost instantaneously
decreases to a constant value Fd, called the dynamic
friction force.
Take note of the following general properties of the
friction force:
0 ≤ Fs ≤ Fs,max Fd < Fs,max Fd = a constant
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Solid friction
So, what exactly causes friction?
People in the manufacturing sector who work with
metals know that the more you smoothen and polish
two metal surfaces, the more strongly they stick
together if brought in contact.
In fact, if suitably polished in a vacuum,
they will stick so hard that they cannot
be separated.
We say that the two pieces of metal
have been cold-welded.
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Solid friction
At the atomic level, when two surfaces come into
contact, small peaks on one surface cold weld with
small peaks on the other surface. surface 1
Applying the initial sideways force, all
of the cold welds oppose the motion.
If the force is sufficiently large, the cold surface
surface11
welds break, and new peaks contact each
surface 2
other and cold weld.
cold welds
If the surfaces remain in relative
sliding motion, fewer welds have a chance to form.
We define the unitless constant, called the coefficient
of friction μ, which depends on the composition of the
two surfaces, as the ratio of Ff / R.
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Describing solid friction by coefficients of friction
Since there are two types of friction, static and
dynamic, every pair of materials will have two
coefficients of friction, μs and μd.
In addition to the "roughness" or "smoothness" of the
materials, the friction force depends, not surprisingly, on
the normal force R.
The harder the two surfaces are squished together
(this is what the normal force measures) the more cold
welds can form.
Here are the relationships between the friction force Ff,
the coefficients of friction μ, and the normal force R:
Ff ≤ μs R static Ff = μd R dynamic friction
 Angle of friction or angle of
repose
• It is the angle at which the object just
begins to slide.
• Static friction can also be found in terms of
angle of repose as

• TanѲ = μS
 Problems:
• A 30 kg wooden container rests on a dry
concrete floor. Estimate the force needed
to start to move it sideways if the
coefficient of static friction for concrete and
wood is 0.3
• FS =μS FN
• Here FN = mg = 30 x 10 = 300N
• So FS = 300 x 0.3= 90N
• How can you improve the friction of road
under icy conditions?
 Topic 2: Mechanics y
R
2.2 – Forces Ff
x
Describing solid friction by coefficients of friction
EXAMPLE: A piece of wood with a coin on it is mg 15°
raised on one end until the coin just begins to FBD, coin
slip. The angle the wood makes with the
horizontal is θ = 15°. What is the
coefficient of static friction? θ = 15°
∑Fy = 0 ∑Fx = 0
R – mg cos 15° = 0 Ff – mg sin 15° = 0
R = mg cos 15° Ff = mg sin 15°
Ff = μs N μs = mg sin 15° = tan 15°
mg cos 15°
mg sin 15° = μs mg cos 15° = 0.268
Thus the coefficient of static friction between the metal
of the coin and the wood of the plank is 0.268.
 Topic 2: Mechanics y
R
2.2 – Forces Ff
x
Describing solid friction by coefficients of friction
EXAMPLE: Now suppose the plank of wood is mg 12°
long enough so that you can lower it to the point FBD, coin
that the coin keeps slipping, but no longer accelerates
(v = 0). If this new angle is 12°, what is the coefficient of
dynamic friction?
θ = 12°
∑Fy = 0 ∑Fx = 0
R – mg cos 12° = 0 Ff – mg sin 12° = 0
R = mg cos 12° Ff = mg sin 12°
Fd = μd R
 μd = tan 12° = 0.213
mg sin 12° = μd mg cos 12°
Thus the coefficient of dynamic friction between the
metal of the coin and the wood of the plank is 0.213.
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Newton’s laws of motion – The first law
Newton’s first law is related to certain studies made by
Galileo Galilee which contradicted Aristotelian tenets.
Aristotle basically said “The natural state of motion of
LSE
all objects (but the heavenly ones)FA is one of rest.”
A child will learn that if you stop pushing a wagon, the
wagon will eventually stop moving.
This simple observation will lead the child to come
up with a force law that looks something like this:
“In order for a body to be in motion, there must be
L SE
a force acting on it.” FA
As we will show on the next slide, both of
these observations are false!
 Inertia will only
Topic 2: Mechanics change if there
2.2 – Forces is a force.

Newton’s laws of motion – The first law

Here’s how Galileo (1564-1642) thought:
If I give a cart a push on a smooth, level surface, it will
eventually stop.
What can I do to increase the distance it rolls without
pushing it harder or changing the slope?
If I can minimize the friction, it’ll go farther.
In fact, he reasoned, if I eliminate the friction altogether
the cart will roll forever!
Galileo called the tendency of an object to not
change its state of motion inertia.
 A body’s velocity
Topic 2: Mechanics will only change if
there is a net force
2.2 – Forces acting on it.
Describing the consequences of Newton’s first law
for translational equilibrium
Newton’s first law is drawn from his concept of net
force and Galileo’s concept of inertia.
Newton’s first law says that the velocity of an object will
not change if there is no net force acting on it.
v=0
In his words...“Every body continues in its state of rest,
or of uniform motion in a straight line, unless it is
v = CONST
compelled to change that state by forces impressed
thereon.” F
In symbols...
If F = 0, then v = CONST. Newton’s first law
F = 0 is the condition for translational equilibrium.
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Translational equilibrium
As a memorable demonstration of inertia – matter’s
tendency to not change its state of motion (or its state of
rest) - consider this:
A water balloon is cut very rapidly with a knife.
For an instant the water remains at rest!
Don’t try this at home, kids.
 30° 45° T
T1 tT
2
Topic 2: Mechanics kno 3

2.2 – Forces m

Translational equilibrium
EXAMPLE: An object of mass m is hanging via
three cords as shown. Find the tension in each T3
of the three cords, in terms of m.
SOLUTION:
· Give each tension a name to organize your effort. mg
· Draw a free body diagram of the mass and FBD, m
the knot.
· T3 is the easiest force to find. Why? T1 T2
· Since m is not moving, its FBD tells us that 30° 45°
Fy = 0 or T3 – mg = 0 or T3 = mg . T3
FBD, knot
 30° 45° T
T1 tT
2
Topic 2: Mechanics kno 3

2.2 – Forces m

Translational equilibrium
EXAMPLE: An object of mass m is hanging via
three cords as shown. Find the tension in each T3
of the three cords, in terms of m.
SOLUTION: T3 = mg
· Now we break T1 and T2 down to components. mg
FBD, m
· Looking at the FBD of the knot we see that
T1x = T1 cos 30° = 0.866T1
T1 T2
T1y = T1 sin 30° = 0.500T1
30° 45°
T2x = T2 cos 45° = 0.707T2
T3
T2y = T2 sin 45° = 0.707T2
FBD, knot
 30° 45° T
T1 tT
2
Topic 2: Mechanics kno 3

2.2 – Forces m

Translational equilibrium
EXAMPLE: An object of mass m is hanging via
three cords as shown. Find the tension in each T3
of the three cords, in terms of m.
SOLUTION: T3 = mg
∑Fx = 0 mg
0.707T2 - 0.866T1 = 0 FBD, m
T2 = 1.225T1
∑Fy = 0
T1 T2
0.707T2 + 0.500T1 - T3 = 0
0.707(1.225T1) + 0.500T1 = T3 30° 45°
T1 = mg / 1.366
T3
T2 = 1.225(mg / 1.366)
T = 0.897mg FBD, knot
 30° 45° T
T1 tT
2
Topic 2: Mechanics kno 3

2.2 – Forces m

Solving problems involving forces and resultant force

PRACTICE: A 25-kg mass is hanging via three cords as
shown. Find the tension in each of the three cords, in
Newtons.
SOLUTION:
· Since all of the angles are the same use the formulas
we just derived:
· T3 = mg = 25(10) = 250 n
· T1 = mg / 1.366 = 25(10) / 1.366 = 180 n
· T2 = 0.897mg = 0.897(25)(10) = 220 n
FYI This was an example of using Newton’s first law
with v = 0. The next example shows how to use
Newton’s first law when v is constant, but not zero.
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Solving problems involving forces and resultant force
EXAMPLE: A 1000-kg airplane is flying at a constant
velocity of 125 m s-1. Label and determine the value of
the weight W, the lift L, the drag D and the thrust F if the
drag is 25000 N. L

SOLUTION: D F
W
· Since the velocity is constant,
Newton’s first law applies. Thus Fx = 0 and Fy = 0.
· W = mg = 1000(10) = 10000 N (down).
Since Fy = 0, L - W = 0, so L = W = 10000 N (up).
D = 25000 N tries to impede the aircraft (left).
Topic 2: Mechanics a = Fnet / m
2.2 – Forces
Newton’s laws of motion – The second law
Newton reasoned: “If the sum of the forces is not zero,
the velocity will change.”
Newton knew (as we also know) that a change in
velocity is an acceleration.
So Newton then asked himself: “How is the sum of the
forces related to the acceleration?”
Here is what Newton said: “The acceleration of an
object is proportional to the net force acting on it, and
inversely proportional to its mass.”
The bigger the force the bigger the acceleration, and
the bigger the mass the smaller the acceleration.
Fnet = ma (or F = ma ) Newton’s second law
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Newton’s laws of motion – The second law
Fnet = ma (or F = ma ) Newton’s second law
Looking at the form F = ma note that
if a = 0, then F = 0.
But if a = 0, then v = CONST.
Thus Newton’s first law is just a special case of his
second – namely, when the acceleration is zero.
FYI
The condition a = 0 can is thus the condition for
translational equilibrium, just as F = 0 is.
Finally, if you take a physics course and you can’t use
notes, memorize the more general formulas.
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Newton’s laws of motion – The second law
Fnet = ma (or F = ma ) Newton’s second law
EXAMPLE: An object has a mass of 25 kg. A tension of
50 n and a friction force of 30 n are acting R
on it as shown. What is its acceleration?
SOLUTION: 50 n
Ff T
· The vertical forces W and R
cancel out. 30 n
· The net force is thus W
Fnet = 50 – 30 = 20 n (+x-dir).
· From Fnet = ma we get 20 = 25 a so that
a = 20 / 25 = 0.8 m s-2 (+x-dir).
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Newton’s laws of motion – The second law
Fnet = ma (or F = ma ) Newton’s second law
PRACTICE: Use F = ma to show that the formula for
weight is correct.
SOLUTION:
· F = ma.
· But F is the weight W.
· And a is the freefall acceleration g.
· Thus F = ma becomes W = mg.
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Newton’s laws of motion – The second law
Fnet = ma (or F = ma ) Newton’s second law
EXAMPLE: A 1000-kg airplane is flying in perfectly level
flight. The drag D is 25000 n and the thrust F is 40000
n. Find its acceleration.
L

D F
SOLUTION: W
· Since the flight is level, Fy = 0.
Fx = F – D = 40000 – 25000 = 15000 n = Fnet.
From Fnet = ma we get 15000 = 1000a, or
a = 15000 / 1000 = 15 m s-2.
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Solving problems involving forces and resultant force
EXAMPLE: A 25-kg object has exactly two forces F1 =
40. n and F2 = 30. n applied simultaneously to it. What
F2
is the object’s acceleration?
SOLUTION:

30 n

40 sin 25
F1
· Resolve F1 into its components: n

17 n
40
· Then Fnet,x = 36 n and 25°
· Fnet,y = 17 + 30 = 47 n. Then 36 n
Fnet2 = Fnet,x2 + Fnet,y2 40 cos 25
Fnet2 = 362 + 472 and Fnet = 59 n.
· Then from Fnet = ma we get 59 = 25a, or
-2
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Solving problems involving forces and resultant force
EXAMPLE: A 25-kg object resting
R
on a frictionless incline is released,

6.0 m
as shown. What is its acceleration?
60

3 0
SOLUTION:
mg cos 30 30°
Begin with a FBD.
mg sin 30 mg
Break down the weight into its components.
Since R and mg cos 30°are perpendicular to the path of
the crate they do NOT contribute to its acceleration.
Thus Fnet = ma
mg sin 30° = ma
a = 10 sin 30° = 5.0 m s-2.
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Solving problems involving forces and resultant force
EXAMPLE: A 25-kg object resting u=0
on a frictionless incline is released, a=
as shown. What is its speed at the 5m

6.0 m
s -2
bottom? s v=?
SOLUTION: 30°
We found that its acceleration is 5.0 m s-2.
We will use v 2 = u 2 + 2as to find v, so we need s.
We have opposite and we want hypotenuse s so from
trigonometry, we use sin  = opp / hyp.
Thus s = hyp = opp / sin  = 6 / sin 30° = 12 m and
v2 = u2 + 2as = 02 + 2(5)(12) = 120
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Solving problems involving forces and resultant force
EXAMPLE: A 100.-n crate is to be y
dragged across the floor by an applied R F
force F = 60 n, as shown. The Ff 30°
coefficients of static and dynamic friction x
are 0.75 and 0.60, respectively. What is a
mg
the acceleration of the crate?
FBD, crate
SOLUTION:
Static friction will oppose the applied force until it is
overcome. F
N FYI Since friction is proportional to
30° the normal force, be aware of
Ff a problems where an applied force
mg changes the normal force.
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Solving problems involving forces and resultant force
SOLUTION: y
Determine if the crate even moves. R F
Thus, find the maximum value of the Ff 30°
static friction, and compare it to the x
horizontal applied force: a
mg
FH = F cos 30° = 60 cos 30° = 51.96 n.
The maximum static friction force is FBD, crate
Fs,max = μs R = 0.75R
The normal force is found from...
R + F sin 30° - mg = 0
R + 60 sin 30° - 100 = 0 R = 70
Fs,max = 0.75(70) = 52.5 N
Thus the crate will not even begin to move!
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Solving problems involving forces and resultant force
EXAMPLE: If someone gives the crate a y
small push (of how much?) it will “break” R F
loose. What will its acceleration be then?
Ff 30°
SOLUTION: x
The horizontal applied force is still a
mg
F cos 30° = 60 cos 30° = 51.96 n.
The dynamic friction force is FBD, crate
Fd = μd R = 0.60R.
The reaction force is still R = 70. n.
Thus Fd = 0.60(70) = 42 n.
The crate will accelerate.
F cos 30° - Fd = ma
51.96 - 42 = (100 / 10)a
a = 0.996 m/s2
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Newton’s laws of motion – The third law
In words “For every action force there is an equal and
opposite reaction force.”
In symbols
FAB = -FBA Newton’s third law
FAB is the force on body A by body B.
FBA is the force on body B by body A.
In the big picture, if every force in the universe has a
reaction force that is equal and opposite, the sum of all
the forces in the whole universe is zero!
FYI So why are there accelerations all around us?
Because each force of the action-reaction pair acts on
a different mass.
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Identifying force pairs in context of Newton’s third law
EXAMPLE: When you push on a door
with 10 n, the door pushes you back
the u r
with exactly the same 10 n, but in the do yo
or io n
opposite direction. Why does the door r ea s ’ c t
c ti
on
a
move, and not you?
SOLUTION: Even though the forces FBA FAB
are equal and opposite, they are
acting on different bodies. B
A A
· Each body acts in response only to the force
acting on it.
· The door CAN’T resist FAB, but you CAN resist FBA.
Topic 2: Mechanics FBE
2.2 – Forces
Identifying force pairs in context of Newton’s third law
NBT
EXAMPLE:
Consider a baseball resting on a
tabletop. Discuss each of the forces NTB
acting on the baseball, and the
associated reaction force.
SOLUTION: FEB
· Acting on the ball is its weight FBE
prior to contact with the table.
Note that FBE (the weight force) and NBT (the normal
force) are acting on the ball.
· NTB (the normal force) acts on the table.
·F (the weight force) acts on the earth.
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Identifying force pairs in context of Newton’s third law
We define a system as a collection of more than one
body, mutually interacting with each other.
EXAMPLE: Three billiard balls interacting on a pool
table constitute a system.

The action-reaction force pairs between the balls are

called internal forces.
For any system, all internal forces always cancel!
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Identifying force pairs in context of Newton’s third law
We define a system as a collection of more than one
body, mutually interacting with each other.
EXAMPLE: Three colliding billiard balls constitute a
system. Discuss all of the internal forces.
The internal force pairs only exist while the balls
are in contact with one another.
Note that a blue force and a red force act on the white
ball. The white ball responds only to those two forces.
Note that a single white force acts on the red ball. The
red ball responds only to that single force.
Note that a single white force acts on the blue ball. The
blue ball responds only to that single force.
Topic 2: Mechanics
2.2 – Forces
Identifying force pairs in context of Newton’s third law
We define a system as a collection of more than one
body, mutually interacting with each other.
EXAMPLE: Three billiard balls interacting on a pool
table constitute a system. Describe the external forces.

External forces are the forces that the balls feel from
external origins (not each other).
For billiard balls, these forces are the balls’ weights,
their reaction forces, the cushion forces, and the cue
stick forces.