| P4.3 What is the connection between forces and motion? |
When forces act on an object the resultant force is the sum of
all the individual forces acting on it, taking their directions into
account.
If a resultant force acts on an object, it causes a
change in momentum in the direction of the force.
The size of the change in momentum of an object is
proportional to the size of the resultant force acting on the
object and to the time for which it acts (Newton's second law).
For an object moving in a straight line:
 if the resultant force is zero, the object will move at
constant speed in a straight line (Newton's first law).
if the resultant force is in the direction of the motion, the
object will speed up (accelerate).
if the resultant force is in the opposite direction to the
motion, the object will slow down.
In situations involving a change in momentum (such as a
collision), the longer the duration of the impact, the smaller
the average force for a given change in momentum.
In situations where the resultant force on a moving object is not
in the line of motion, the force will cause a change in direction.
If the force is perpendicular to the direction of motion the
object will move in a circle at a constant speed – the speed
doesn't change but the velocity does.
For example, a planet in
orbit around the Sun – gravity acts along the radius of the
orbit, at right angles to the planet's path. |
1. Describe examples of the forces acting on an isolated solid object or system
In your practical work you will have:
investigated factors that might affect human reaction times.
investigated the use of crumple zones to reduce the stopping forces. |
2. Describe, using free body diagrams, examples where several forces lead to a resultant force on an object and the special case of balanced forces (equilibrium) when the resultant force is zero (qualitative only) |
| 3. Use scale drawings of vector diagrams to illustrate the addition of two or more forces, in situations when there is a net force, or equilibrium
|
4. Recall and apply the equation for momentum and describe examples of the conservation of momentum in collisions:
momentum (kg m/s) = mass (kg) × velocity (m/s) |
5. Select and apply Newton's second law in calculations relating force, change in momentum and time:
change in momentum (kg m/s) = resultant force (N) × time for which it acts (s) |
6. Apply Newton's first law to explain the motion of objects moving with uniform velocity and also the motion of objects where the speed and/or direction changes |
| 7. Explain with examples that motion in a circular orbit involves constant speed but changing velocity |
In some situations a resultant force acts to make an object rotate about a fixed point (pivot).
The rotational effect is called the moment of the force; the further the force acts from the pivot, the greater the turning effect.
Levers and gears are used to transmit rotational forces. |
8. Describe examples in which forces cause rotation |
9. Define and calculate the moment of examples of rotational forces using the equation:
moment of a force (Nm) = force (N) × distance (m) (normal to direction of the force)
In your practical work you will:
Investigate forces that cause rotation, including the use of levers and gears. |
10. Explain, with examples, how levers and gears transmit the rotational effects of forces
|
The mass of an object can be thought of as the amount of matter in an object – the sum of all the atoms that make it up.
Mass is measured in kilograms.
The mass of an object is also a measure of its resistance to any change in its motion (its inertia); using this definition the inertial mass is the ratio of the force applied to the resulting acceleration.
Newton wrote about how the length of time a force acted on an object would change the object's 'amount of motion', and the way he used the term makes it clear that he is describing what we now call momentum, this has led to Newton's second law being expressed in two ways – in terms of change in momentum and in terms of acceleration.
|
11. Explain that inertial mass is a measure of how difficult it is to change the velocity of an object and that it is defined as the ratio of force over acceleration. |
12. Recall and apply Newton's second law relating force, mass and acceleration:
force (N) = mass (kg) × acceleration (m/s2)
You should be able to explain why Newton's explanation of motion is an example of the need for creative thinking in developing new scientific explanations.
It is one of the great intellectual leaps of humanity and a good example of the need for creativity and imagination to develop a scientific explanation of something. |
| 13. Use and apply equations relating force, mass, velocity, acceleration, and momentum to explain relationships between the quantities. |
Ideas about force and momentum can be used to explain road safety measures, such as stopping distances, car seatbelts, crumple zones, air bags, and cycle and motorcycle helmets.
Improvements in technology based on Newton's laws of motion (together with the development of new materials) have made all forms of travel much safer. |
14. Explain methods of measuring human reaction times and recall typical results.
You should be able to:
Describe and explain examples of how application of Newton's laws of motion have led developments in road safety
Discuss people's willingness to accept risk in the context of car safety and explain ways in which the risks can be reduced. |
15. Explain the factors which affect the distance required for road transport vehicles to come to rest in emergencies and the implications for safety |
16. Explain the dangers caused by large decelerations and estimate the forces involved in typical situations on a public road |
17. Given suitable data, estimate the distance required for road vehicles to stop in an emergency, and describe how the distance varies over a range of typical speeds |
18. In the context of everyday road transport, use estimates of speeds, times and masses to calculate the accelerations and forces involved in events where large accelerations occur |
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