What to expect

Mechanics is the study of the interactions between physical bodies and their consequent motion.

After studying this topic, you should be able to:

• Define the quantities used to describe motion (displacement, velocity, acceleration).
• Derive a set of equations that give the relationship between the displacement, velocity, acceleration and time when the acceleration is constant.
• Solve problems involving constant acceleration in 1 and 2-dimensions.
• Understand the effects of forces.
• Relate unbalanced forces to motion.
• Consider energy and the capabilities that this gives to bodies.
• Define power and efficiency.
• Learn about types of collision in terms of conservation of momentum.