Maths Mech Bicen

• What does kinematics study?

  Kinematics studies how things move
• What is the formula for distance when speed is constant?

  Distance = speed × time
• How do you convert kilometers per hour to meters per second?

  Multiply by 1000 and divide by 3600
• What is the first SUVAT equation for constant acceleration?


  v = u + at
• What does each SUVAT equation have missing?


  One of the variables: s, u, v, a, or t
• How do you differentiate between variable acceleration and constant acceleration in a question?

  Variable acceleration is expressed in terms of time
• What is the area under a speed-time graph used to calculate?

  The distance traveled
• What is the formula for the area of a trapezium?


  Area = \frac{1}{2}(a + b)h
• What should you do if the speed-time graph has variable acceleration?

  You must apply SUVAT equations in different stages
• How do you handle negative areas in a speed-time graph?

  You take the magnitude of the negative area
• What does the gradient of a speed-time graph represent?

  The acceleration
• How do you express the position vector when there is no acceleration?

  Position vector = initial position vector + speed × time
• How do you differentiate the components of a position vector?

  You differentiate the i and j parts separately
• What is the acceleration in vertical motion for projectiles?

  The acceleration is \(-g\)
• How do you find the speed and direction of motion at a point for projectiles?

  Use Pythagoras for speed and inverse tan for direction
• What does it mean if a particle is modeled as a smooth pulley?


  It means there is no friction and tension is equal on both sides
• What does a light string imply in mechanics modeling?

  It means the tension is equal throughout the string
• What does it mean when particles are connected in mechanics?

  Both particles have the same acceleration
• What does it mean when a model states that air resistance can be ignored?

  It means that the effects of air resistance are negligible
• What does it mean when a rod is modeled in mechanics?

  It is rigid and has no thickness
• What does it mean if an object is in equilibrium?

  The forces acting on it are balanced
• What is the equation used in dynamics?

  F = ma
• What does static friction depend on?

  It is less than or equal to \(\mu r\)
• What happens when \(mg \sin \theta\) is greater than the maximum friction?

  The object will move down the slope
• How do you resolve forces along an angle?


  Using \(f \cos \theta\) for adjacent and \(f \sin \theta\) for opposite
• What does tension in a particle represent?

  Tension is the force pulling the particle in the direction of the string
• How does thrust act on a particle?

  Thrust pushes into the particle
• What is the significance of the lift diagram mentioned?

  It represents the forces acting on boxes inside the lift
• What are the two ways to resolve forces?

  Forces can be split into components using $f \cos \theta$ and $f \sin \theta$.
• Why does tension in a particle point inwards or outwards?

  Tension points inwards for a particle being pulled and outwards for a particle feeling the pull away.
• What forces act on box A in a lift scenario?

  • Weight: $mg$
  • Normal reaction from box B pushing upwards
• What forces act on box B in a lift scenario?

  • Weight: $mg$
  • Normal reaction from box A pushing downwards
  • Normal reaction from the floor pushing upwards
• What forces act on the lift itself?

  • Tension pulling upwards
  • Weight of the lift: $lg$
  • Normal reaction from the floor pushing downwards
• What does Newton's law state regarding action and reaction forces?


  Each action has an equal and opposite reaction.
• What is the total weight acting on the entire system in the lift scenario?

  The total weight is $m +$$M +$$l$ multiplied by $g$.
• What is the standard method for solving connected particle problems?

  1. Apply $F =$$ma$ for each particle.
  2. Set up simultaneous equations to find acceleration and tension.
  3. Consider changes when a string breaks or a particle hits the floor.
  4. Use $SUVAT$ equations to find new values.
• What does the term "uniform" mean in the context of rigid bodies?

  Uniform means that the weight acts at the center of the object.
• What happens to the normal reaction at point B when an object is about to tilt about that point?

  The normal reaction at point B is equal to zero.
• What forces act on a ladder resting against a wall?

  • Weight pushing downwards
  • Normal reaction from the wall pushing outwards
  • Normal reaction from the floor pushing upwards
  • Friction opposing motion
• How do you calculate a moment?

  A moment is calculated by multiplying the force by the perpendicular distance from the pivot point.