Dynamics
Definition:
Dynamics is the branch of mechanics that deals with the forces and their effects on the motion
of objects. It explains why objects move as they do, focusing on the relationship between force,
mass, and acceleration.
Newton’s Laws of Motion
The foundation of dynamics is based on Newton’s Three Laws of Motion:
1. First Law (Law of Inertia):
An object at rest remains at rest, and an object in motion continues in motion with
constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force.
○ Inertia is the property of matter that resists changes in motion.
○ Example: A book on a table will remain stationary until a force (push or pull) is
applied.
2. Second Law (F = ma):
The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and
inversely proportional to its mass.
Fnet=maF_{\text{net}} = maFnet=ma
Where:
○ FnetF_{\text{net}}Fnet= net force (in newtons, N)
○ mmm = mass of the object (in kilograms, kg)
○ aaa = acceleration (in meters per second squared, m/s²)
○ Example: A car of mass 1000 kg accelerating at 2 m/s² experiences a net force of
2000 N.
3. Third Law (Action-Reaction):
For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
○ Example: When you push against a wall, the wall pushes back with an equal
force in the opposite direction.
Types of Forces
1. Gravitational Force (Weight):
The force of attraction between two masses.
Fg=mgF_g = mgFg=mg
Where:
○ ggg is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s² on Earth).
2. Normal Force (N):
The support force exerted by a surface perpendicular to the object resting on it.
3. Frictional Force (f):
A force that opposes motion between two surfaces in contact.
○ Static Friction: Prevents motion until a threshold force is reached.
○ Kinetic Friction: Acts when the object is already moving.
4. f=μNf = \mu Nf=μN
Where μ\muμ is the coefficient of friction (a dimensionless constant).
5. Tension (T):
A pulling force exerted by a string, rope, or cable.
6. Applied Force (F_{\text{app}}):
Any external force applied to an object.
Free-Body Diagrams (FBDs)
Free-body diagrams are visual representations of the forces acting on an object.
● Draw the object as a point or box.
● Use arrows to represent forces, showing direction and labeling their types.
● Identify all forces (e.g., weight, normal force, friction, tension).
Equations of Motion with Forces
1. Horizontal Motion (with friction):
If an object of mass mmm is pushed with a force FappF_{\text{app}}Fappon a rough
surface,
Fnet=Fapp−fkineticF_{\text{net}} = F_{\text{app}} - f_{\text{kinetic}}Fnet=Fapp−fkinetic
2. Vertical Motion (Free Fall):
In free fall, the only force acting is gravity.
a=g(acceleration is constant, 9.8 m/s²)a = g \quad \text{(acceleration is constant, 9.8
m/s²)}a=g(acceleration is constant, 9.8 m/s²)
3. Inclined Plane:
For an object on a slope of angle θ\thetaθ,
○ Gravitational Force Parallel to the Surface:
F∥=mgsinθF_{\parallel} = mg \sin \thetaF∥=mgsinθ
○ Gravitational Force Perpendicular to the Surface:
F⊥=mgcosθF_{\perp} = mg \cos \thetaF⊥=mgcosθ
Work, Energy, and Power in Dynamics
1. Work (W):
Work is done when a force is applied, and an object moves in the direction of the force.
W=FdcosθW = Fd \cos \thetaW=Fdcosθ
Where:
○ FFF = force applied
○ ddd = displacement
○ θ\thetaθ = angle between the force and displacement
2. Kinetic Energy (KE):
The energy of motion.
KE=12mv2KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2KE=21mv2
3. Potential Energy (PE):
Energy stored due to position.
PE=mghPE = mghPE=mgh
4. Power (P):
The rate of doing work.
P=WtP = \frac{W}{t}P=tW
Friction and Circular Motion
1. Uniform Circular Motion:
○ An object moving in a circle with constant speed experiences centripetal
acceleration directed towards the center of the circle.
○ Centripetal Force (F_c): Fc=mv2rF_c = \frac{mv^2}{r}Fc=rmv2
2. Where mmm is mass, vvv is velocity, and rrr is the radius of the circle.
3. Friction in Circular Motion:
Friction provides the necessary centripetal force for vehicles rounding curves.
Applications of Dynamics
1. Vehicle Design: Understanding dynamics is crucial for safety features like airbags,
brakes, and stability systems.
2. Structural Engineering: Forces and stresses in bridges and buildings are analyzed
using dynamics principles.
3. Space Exploration: Rockets and satellites rely on precise force calculations to achieve
desired orbits.
4. Sports Science: Techniques and equipment design are optimized to improve
performance using dynamics.
Conclusion:
Dynamics connects the concepts of force and motion, providing a deeper understanding of how
objects interact and move. It explains real-world phenomena, from the motion of planets to the
mechanics of machines, making it one of the fundamental areas of physics.
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