4.4 Newton’s laws of motion

Apply Newton's laws of motion to the linear motion of a particle of constant mass moving under the action of constant forces, which may include friction, tension in an inextensible string and thrust in a connecting rod.

If any other forces resisting motion (e.g. air resistance) are to be considered, the question will say so.

Taught in: Newton's first and second laws: forces and acceleration, Mass and weight: the difference that matters · 4 questions

Use the relationship between mass and weight.

W = mg. Questions in this component are mainly numerical, and the approximate value g = 10 m s⁻² is expected to be used.

Taught in: Mass and weight: the difference that matters · 3 questions

Solve simple problems that may be modelled as the motion of a particle moving vertically or on an inclined plane with constant acceleration.

Includes, for example, motion of a particle on a rough plane where the acceleration while moving up the plane differs from the acceleration while moving down it.

Taught in: Motion on inclined planes: resolving weight · 4 questions

Solve simple problems that may be modelled as the motion of connected particles.

For example, particles connected by a light inextensible string passing over a smooth pulley, or a car towing a trailer by means of either a light rope or a light rigid tow-bar.

Taught in: Connected particles: pulleys and tow-bars · 4 questions