Course outline

Aim

• To build confidence and understanding of mathematical ideas.
• To enable the student to interpret and solve mathematical problems.
• To improve examination technique and to make the student aware of common examination errors.
• To make the student fully aware of the content and emphasis of the specification.
• To strengthen revision methods.

Key Topics Covered

• Mathematical Models in Mechanics
  • The terms: particle; lamina; rigid body; rod (light, uniform, non-uniform); inextensible string; smooth and rough surface; light smooth pulley; bead; wire; peg.
  • The assumptions made in using these models.

• Vectors in Mechanics
  • Magnitude and direction.
  • Resultant.
  • Application to displacement, velocity and acceleration.

• Kinematics of a particle moving in a straight line
  • s, u, v, a, t equations for constant acceleration.
  • Displacement-time, velocity-time, speed-time and acceleration-time graphs.

• Dynamics of a particle moving in a straight line or plane
  • Newton’s laws of motion.
  • Motion of connected particles.
  • Momentum and impulse.
  • Friction.

• Statics of a particle
  • Equilibrium of a particle under coplanar forces.
  • An understanding of F ≤ µR in a situation of equilibrium.

• Moments
  • Simple problems involving coplanar parallel forces acting on a body and conditions for equilibrium in such situations.