Teach A Level

Maths

Mechanics
 Yr1/AS Maths: Mechanics

10. Newton’s 2nd Law

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Newton’s 1st Law :–
 We need a (resultant) force to change the
motion of a body.

The 2nd Law :-

 Shows how to calculate what happens when
we have a resultant force.
About the 2nd Law

Newton’s “motion” involved mass as well as velocity,

where mass is a property of the body.

The combination of mass and velocity is defined as

momentum where
momentum = mass  velocity

Mass is a scalar but since velocity is a vector, momentum

is also a vector.
The 2nd Law says that the resultant force, F, is
proportional to the rate of change of momentum ( mv ).
If F and m are constant,
F equals the change of momentum per unit of time.
mv - mu
So, F =
t
m(v - u) - - - - - - (1)
 F =
t
Constant force gives constant acceleration,
so
v= u+a
v- u =a t
Rearranging: t
Subs. in (1),  F = ma
So, from Newton’s 2nd Law we get the equation

F = ma

The standard units are:

 newtons (N) for force,

 kilograms (kg) for mass, and

 metres per second per second (ms-2) for

acceleration.
When a body is dropped in a vacuum the only force
acting on it is the weight. It falls with an acceleration
called the acceleration due to gravity, g.

Show the forces and acceleration?

When a body is dropped in a vacuum the only force
acting on it is the weight. It falls with an acceleration
called the acceleration due to gravity, g.

Show the forces and acceleration?

g particle

W
The resultant force and the acceleration are in the
same direction.
Whilst this is very important, we usually miss out the
vector notation if we know the motion is in a straight
line.

Acceleration is always shown

with a double headed arrow at g particle

one side of the diagram.

W
When a body is dropped in a vacuum the only force
acting on it is the weight. It falls with an acceleration
called the acceleration due to gravity, g.

From Newton’s 2nd Law; g particle

Resultant force = mass  acceleration

W
 W = m g
W = (F = ma )
mg

The magnitude of g varies slightly over the earth’s

surface and some questions ask you to use 10 ms-2 and
others 9.8 ms-2. Both values are modelling assumptions.
Example 1:
A pebble of mass 0·3 kg is dropped from the top of a
cliff. Find the acceleration of the pebble as it falls,
assuming that the pebble falls in a straight line and
there is a constant resistance of 0·06 N. (g = 98 ms-2.)
Example:
A pebble of mass 0·3 kg is dropped from the top of a
cliff. Find the acceleration of the pebble as it falls,
assuming that the pebble falls in a straight line and
there is a constant resistance of 0·06 N. (g = 10 ms-2.)

Hint:
Start with a diagram showing the forces and
acceleration!!!
Example:
A pebble of mass 0·3 kg is dropped from the top of a
cliff. Find the acceleration of the pebble as it falls,
assuming that the pebble falls in a straight line and
there is a constant resistance of 0·06 N. (g = 10 ms-2.)

0·06
Hint:
When we are given mass rather than a particle

weight, it’s a good idea to use W = W

mg to replace W on the diagram. 0·3g
Example:
A pebble of mass 0·3 kg is dropped from the top of a
cliff. Find the acceleration of the pebble as it falls,
assuming that the pebble falls in a straight line and
there is a constant resistance of 0·06 N. (g = 10 ms-2.)
Solution:
0·06
N2L:
Resultant force = mass  acceleration a particle

0·3g - 0·06 =0·3  a 0·3g

 0·3  98- 0·06 = 0·3a
288 = a  a = 96 ms-2
 0·3

Always draw and label a forces diagram!!

Write out newton’s laws in words to avoid

mistakes!!
The previous question asks us to assume that the air
resistance is constant. This is a modelling
assumption.

Air resistance is in fact not constant. It is

proportional to the velocity at low speeds and
proportional to the velocity squared at higher speeds.

In our work we will either ignore air resistance

or be told to assume air resistance is constant.
Example 2:
A child of mass 50 kg stands on the floor of a lift
whilst it is moving up.
Find the reaction between the child and the lift when
(a) it is accelerating,
(b) decelerating, (both at 2 ms-2) and
(c) it is at constant velocity. (Assume g = 10 ms-2)
Example 2:
A child of mass 50 kg stands on the floor of a lift
whilst it is moving up.
Find the reaction between the child and the lift when
(a) it is accelerating, (Assume g = 10 ms-2)

(a) R
2 The lift is moving up, so
I’ll show the arrow for
acceleration upwards.

50g
Solution: N2L: Resultant force = mass  acceleration
600N › than R - 50g = 50  2
child’s W so feels  R = 100 + 50  10
heavier. = 600 newtons
(a) R
2 The lift is moving up, so
I’ll show the arrow for
acceleration upwards.

50g
Solution: N2L: Resultant force = mass  acceleration
R - 50g = 50  2
 R = 100 + 50  10
= 600 newtons

Notice that 600N › than child’s weight so feels

heavier.
e.g.2 A child of mass 50 kg stands on the floor of a
lift whilst it is moving up. Find the reaction between
the child and the lift when (a) it is accelerating,
(b) decelerating, (both at 2 ms-2) and
(c) it is at constant velocity. (Assume g = 10 ms-2)
(a) R
2 The lift is moving up, so
I’ll show the arrow for
acceleration upwards.

50g
Solution: N2L: Resultant force = mass  acceleration
R - 50g = 50  2
 R = 100 + 50  10
= 600 newtons
Notice that 600N › than child’s weight so feels
heavier.
e.g.2 A child of mass 50 kg stands on the floor of a
lift whilst it is moving up. Find the reaction between
the child and the lift when (a) it is accelerating,
(b) decelerating, (both at 2 ms-2) and
(c) it is at constant velocity. (Assume g = 10 ms-2)
(b) R If we keep the acceleration
-2 in the direction of the
velocity, since the lift is
slowing down, the
50g acceleration is negative.

Solution: N2L: Resultant force = mass  acceleration

R - 50g = 50  (-2)
 R = -100 + 50  10
= 400 newtons
Now the child feels lighter, (an effect that is more
extreme near the top of a roller coaster).
e.g.2 A child of mass 50 kg stands on the floor of a
lift whilst it is moving up. Find the reaction between
the child and the lift when (a) it is accelerating,
(b) decelerating, (both at 2 ms-2) and
(c) it is at constant velocity. (Assume g = 10 ms-2)
(c) R
At constant velocity (which
is most of the time in a lift)
there is no acceleration.
50g
Solution:
With no acceleration, the forces balance:
R = 500 newtons
e.g.2 A child of mass 50 kg stands on the floor of a
lift whilst it is moving up. Find the reaction between
the child and the lift when (a) it is accelerating and
(b) decelerating, (both at 2 ms-2) and
(c) it is at constant velocity. (Assume g = 10 ms-2)

R How could we find the

Ans: If the support breaks,
10 normal reaction if the rope
the lift drops with the
or chain supporting the lift
acceleration due to gravity.
were to break and the lift
50g lacked a safety device ?

N2L: Resultant force = mass  acceleration

50g - R = 50  10
 - R = 50  10 - 50  10
 R =0
( The child would feel weightless. )
e.g.3. A particle of mass 500 grams
is pulled along a rough horizontal
plane by a horizontal force of
magnitude 3 N.
The particle is accelerating at 3
1·5 ms -2. (Assume g = 9·8 ms -2)

(a) Find the magnitudes of the frictional and

normal components of the contact force.
(b) Find the direction and magnitude of the resultant
of these components.
e.g.3. A particle of mass 500 grams
is pulled along a rough horizontal
plane by a horizontal force of
magnitude 3 N.
The particle is accelerating at 3
1·5 ms -2. (Assume g = 9·8 ms -2)
Solution: 0·5g
(a) We must change the mass from grams to
kilograms: 500 grams = 05 kg.
e.g.3. A particle of mass 500 grams
is pulled along a rough horizontal
1·5 ms -2
plane by a horizontal force of
magnitude 3 N.
The particle is accelerating at 3
1·5 ms -2. (Assume g = 9·8 ms -2)
0·5g
(a) Find the magnitudes of the 1·5 ms -2
R
frictional and normal components
of the contact force. Fr 3
Solution:
Complete the force diagram 0·5g
N2L: Resultant force = mass  acceleration
3 - Fr = 0·5  1·5
=
 3 - 0·75 F
Fr =r

2·25
The frictional component is 2·25 newtons.
 (a) Find the magnitudes of the 1·5 ms -2
frictional and normal components R
of the contact force.
Fr 3
Fr =
2·25
Solution: 0·5g
N2L: Resultant force = mass  acceleration
R - 0·5g =0 is vertical,
The normal reaction
= 0·5 
 R vertically.
so we resolve
 R 9·8
=
4·9
The normal reaction is 4·9 newtons.
(b) Find the direction and magnitude of the total
contact force.
F = 1·5 ms -2
r
R
2·25
R = Fr 3
Solution: 4·9

(b) Draw the vectors head-to-tail: 0·5g

Pythagoras: P 2 = 2·252 + 4·92
 P = 5·39 (3 s.f.)
P
tan a = 4·9
4·9
2·25 a
 a = 65·3o (3 s.f.) 2·25
The contact force is of magnitude 5·39 newtons at
an angle of 65·3o to the plane.
e.g.4. A box of mass 4 kg is lying on the ground
when it is acted on by 2 horizontal forces, F1 and F2
where
F1 = 8 j N and F2 = (16 i - 12 j ) N.
(i) Find the acceleration of the box.
The box is initially at rest at a point A with position
vector (3 i + j ) m relative to the origin, O.
After 2 seconds the box is at a point B.
(ii) What is the position vector of B ?
e.g.4. A box of mass 4 kg is lying on the ground
when it is acted on by 2 horizontal forces, F1 and F2
where
F1 = 8 j N and F2 = (16 i - 12 j ) N.
(i) Find the acceleration of the box.
Solution: The resultant force, F = F1 +
F2 0 16 16
 F +  F = -4
8 -12
=
N2L: Resultant force = mass  acceleration
F = ma
16
 -4 = 4 a
4
 -1 = a or a = (4 i - j ) m s -2
The box is initially at rest at a point A with position
vector (3 i + j ) m relative to the origin, O.
After 2 seconds the box is at a point B.
(ii) What is the position vector of B ?
Solution: 4
a = m s -2
-1
s The
= ut 1 at
+
acceleration
2 is constant so we cany use
A the
equations
So, we
2
What do of
alsowe motion
need
have tofor constant
watch out acceleration.s
for when using this
rB = r A equation
+ ? rA

Ans: could
(We s will write thissdisplacement
give the equation
B
( of Basfrom rB x
OB A = )OA
not+the
AB position
) O
vector relative to O.
The box is initially at rest at a point A with position
vector (3 i + j ) m relative to the origin, O.
After 2 seconds the box is at a point B.
(ii) What is the position vector of B ?
Solution: 4
a = m s -2
-1
4 2
s = ut +12 at  s = 0 + 12 2
2
-1
 s = 8
-2
rB = rA +  rB = 3 + 8  rB = (11i -j )
s 1 -2
m
To solve a problem in 3 dimensions we use exactly
the same method. The column vectors just have 3
rows.
 SUMMARY
 From Newton’s 2nd Law we get the equation
Resultant force = mass  acceleration
F = ma
 Method for solving problems:
• Draw a diagram showing forces, acceleration ( and
velocity if given ), using letters for any unknowns.
• Write down Newton’s 2nd Law in words.
• Resolve the forces in the direction of the
acceleration, showing the direction with an arrow.
This gives the l.h.s. of the equation.
• Insert the mass ( NOT WEIGHT ) on the r.h.s.
• Repeat for the perpendicular direction if necessary
( the r.h.s. of this equation is zero ).
cont.
 SUMMARY

 Using Unit Vectors:

• If there is more than one force, just add to
find the resultant.
• If the equations of motion for constant
acceleration are used, remember that s gives
displacement. For the position vector of B,
after finding s, use
rB = rA +
( Reminder: Using column svectors, instead of writing
i and j, reduces sign errors. )
 EXERCISE

1. A suitcase of mass 15 kg is being pulled along a

rough horizontal surface by a horizontal rope.

There is a resistance of
magnitude 20 newtons and
the tension in the rope is 20 23
of magnitude 23 newtons.
Find (a) the acceleration of the suitcase and
(b) the magnitude of the normal reaction.
( Model the suitcase as a particle and the rope as a
light inextensible string. Assume g = 9·8 ms -2)
 EXERCISE
Solution:
(a) a R
20 23

15g

N2L: Resultant force = mass  acc.

23 - 20 = 15  a
 23 - 20 =
15 a
 a = 0·2 ms -2
( direction as in diagram )
 EXERCISE
Solution:
(b) a R
20 23

15g

N2L: Resultant force = mass  acc.

- 15g
R 0
=
 R = 15  9·8
 R = 147 newtons
 EXERCISE
2. A body of mass 2 kg is acted on by a force, F,
given by
F = (8 i - 4 j ) N.
(a) Find the acceleration of the body.
The body is initially at a point P with position
vector 3i m and velocity ( 5 i + 3 j ) m s -1.
After 5 seconds it is at Q.
(b) Find the position vector of Q.
 EXERCISE

mass: 2 kg. F = (8 i - 4 j ) N.
(a) Find the acceleration of the body.
Solution:
N2L: Resultant force = mass  acceleration
F = m
8a
 -4 = 2 a
4
 a =
-2
 a = (4 i - 2 j ) m s -2
 EXERCISE
The body is initially at a point P with position
vector 3 i m and velocity ( 5 i + 3 j ) m s -1.
After 5 seconds it is at Q.
(b) Find the position vector of Q.
Solution: 4
a = m s -2
-2
s = ut +12 at  s = 5 5 + 12 4 52
2 3 -2
 s = 25 + 50  s = 75
15 -25 -10
rB = rA +  rB = 3 + 75
s 0 -10
 rB = (78 i - 10 j ) m
The following page contains the summary in a form
suitable for photocopying.
TEACH A LEVEL MATHS – MECHANICS 1

NEWTON’S 2ND LAW

Summary
 From Newton’s 2nd Law we get the equation
Resultant force = mass  acceleration
F = ma
 Method for solving problems:
• Draw a diagram showing forces, acceleration ( and velocity if given ), using
letters for any unknowns.
• Write down Newton’s 2nd Law in words.
• Resolve the forces in the direction of the acceleration, showing the
direction with an arrow. This gives the l.h.s. of the equation.
• Insert the mass ( NOT WEIGHT ) on the r.h.s.
• Repeat for the perpendicular direction if necessary ( the r.h.s. of this
equation is zero ).
continued
TEACH A LEVEL MATHS – MECHANICS 1

NEWTON’S 2ND LAW

Summary (continued)
 Using Unit Vectors:
• If there is more than one force, just add to find the resultant.
• If the equations of motion for constant acceleration are used,
remember that s gives displacement. For the position vector of B,
after finding s, use
rB = rA + s
( Reminder: Using column vectors, instead of writing i and j, reduces
sign errors. )