Mechanics

Last updated on: 12/02/2009

Mechanics

since 7/11/09

~~Topic 2 Outline (syllabus statements)~~

Unit Objectives: This is a summary of the syllabus statements that are detailed on the topic outline.

	Understand the fundamentals of kinematics: distance vs. displacement, speed vs. velocity, acceleration
	Know when and how to use the fundamental kinematic equations of motion
	Understand and apply the concepts of scalars, vectors, and vector addition
	Be able to create and analyze various graphical representations of linear motion
	Explain the difference between weight and mass; know when to use each quantity
	Understand and apply Newton's three laws of motion, including knowing the difference between balanced forces and action/reaction forces
	Understand and use the vector characteristics of forces when analyzing systems of forces that may or may not be in equilibrium
	Understand the concepts of impulse, linear momentum, and the conservation of momentum
	Know and use the concepts of kinetic energy, gravitational potential energy, and the conservation of energy
	Explain the different forms of energy (not just mechanical!) and explain how energy transformations can occur
	Understand and apply the concepts of work and power
	Analyze situations where an object is in uniform circular motion

Units of Study:

Topic 1: Physics and physical measurement

Unit Activities

	Graph matching with motion detectors
	Uniform Accelerated Motion
	Ticker-timer analysis
	Free-fall acceleration

Key Terms

...

	Newton's first law of motion
	Newton's second law of motion
	Newton's third law of motion
	action/reaction force pair
	Linear momentum
	impulse
	impulse-momentum theorem
	conservation of linear momentum
	work
	energy
	kinetic energy
	gravitational potential energy
	conservation of energy
	mechanical energy
	radiant energy
	electrical energy
	nuclear energy
	chemical energy
	thermal energy
	elastic collision
	inelastic collision
	explosion
	power
	efficiency
	uniform circular motion
	centripetal force
	centripetal acceleration

Unit Equations--Note: the following equations are using variables as seen in the IB data booklet.

The equations used in class will either be exactly like these, or the variables will match your textbook.

Variable reference:

Unit Notes

	Introduction to mechanics (pdf) ~~ notes from 10-5-09
	Lab: Uniform accelerated motion: Uniform Accelerated Motion
	Uniform accelerated motion (pdf) ~~ notes from 10.19.09
	Kinematic equations (pdf) ~~ notes from 10.19.09 - 10.20.09
	Newton's 1st and 2nd law of motion (pdf) ~~ notes from 11.03.09-11.04.09
	Linear momentum and impulse (pdf) ~~ notes from 11.12.09 - 11.13.09
	Collisions (pdf)
	Energy and Work (pdf) ~~ notes from 11.30.09 - 12.01.09

the following are notes from the 2008-09 school year:

Linear motion practice problems (pdf)

Work and Energy (ppt)