Unit 1 General physics

Notes
  • Example
    A Formula One car has a mass of 640kg (including the driver). When the engine exerts a driving force of 29000N, the opposing frictional force is 800N. Calculate the acceleration.
    Step 1

    Draw a diagram showing the forces acting on the object and their directions.

    balanced forces
    Step 2

    Calculate the resultant (unbalanced) force.

    resultant force
    F = 29000 − 800
    = 28200N
    Step 3

    List all the information in symbol form and change into appropriate and consistent SI units if required.

    F=28200N

    m=640kg

    a=?
    Step 4

    Use and rearrange the correct formula.

    F=ma => a=  F 
     m 
    Step 5

    Calculate the answer by putting the numbers into the formula.

    a =  F 
     m 
      = 28200
    640
      = 44.06m/s2
      = 44m/s2

ALWAYS REMEMBER TO STATE THE UNIT FOR CALCULATED QUANTITIES.

 
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