Bataan Heroes Memorial College
Module 2: Applying the Principles of Dynamics
Learning Objectives
After studying the module, you should be able to:
1. Differentiate the different types of rectilinear motion.
2. Solve problems regarding rectilinear motion.
3. Understand the motion characteristics of free falling bodies.
2.1 Uniform Rectilinear Motion
When an object travels at a constant speed with zero acceleration it is known as uniform
rectilinear motion.
𝑑𝑆 𝑑𝑉
𝑉= ;𝑎=
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡
Velocity as a Function of Time
𝑉𝑓 = 𝑉𝑜 + 𝑎𝑡
If: 𝑎 = 0
𝑉𝑓 = 𝑉𝑜
Where: a = acceleration
Vf = final velocity
Vo = initial velocity
t = time elapsed/taken
Position as a Function of Time
1
𝑆 = 𝑉𝑜 𝑡 + 𝑎𝑡 2
2
Module 2: Applying the Principles of Dynamics Page | 1
Engr. Ruel B. Cabahug
Bataan Heroes Memorial College
If: 𝑎 = 0
𝑆 = 𝑉𝑜 𝑡
𝑆
𝑉=
𝑡
Where: a = acceleration
S = displacement
Vo = initial velocity
t = time elapsed/taken
Velocity as a Function of Position
𝑉𝑓 2 − 𝑉𝑜 2 = 2𝑎𝑆
Where: a = acceleration
S = displacement
Vf = final velocity
Vo = initial velocity
t = time elapsed/taken
2.2 Uniformly Accelerated Rectilinear Motion
When an object travels with constant acceleration it is known as uniformly accelerated
rectilinear motion.
Sample Problem 1:
The bike shown in the figure moves in a straight line such that for a short time, its velocity is
defined by V = (3t2+2t) ft/s, where t is in seconds. Determine its position and acceleration after 3
seconds.
a. For the position at t = 3 seconds.
𝑑𝑆
𝑉=
𝑑𝑡
Module 2: Applying the Principles of Dynamics Page | 2
Engr. Ruel B. Cabahug
Bataan Heroes Memorial College
𝑑𝑆 = 𝑉𝑑𝑡
𝑆 3
∫ 𝑑𝑆 = ∫ (3𝑡 2 + 2𝑡)𝑑𝑡
0 0
𝑆 − 0 = [(3)3 + (3)2 ] − [(0)3 + (0)2 ]
𝑆 = 36𝑓𝑡
b. For the acceleration at t = 3 seconds.
𝑑𝑉
𝑎=
𝑑𝑡
𝑉 = 3𝑡 2 + 2𝑡
𝑑𝑉
𝑎= = 6𝑡 + 2
𝑑𝑡
𝑎 = 6𝑡 + 2
𝑎 = 6(3) + 2
𝑓𝑡
𝑎 = 20
𝑠2
As observed in Free Falling Bodies
A free falling body is an object that is falling under the sole influence of gravity. Any
object that is being acted upon only by the force of gravity is said to be in a state of free fall.
There are two important motion characteristics that are true of free-falling bodies:
• Free-falling bodies do not consider air resistance.
• All free-falling bodies (on Earth) accelerate downwards at a rate of 9.81 m/s2 or 32.2 ft/s2
(gravitational acceleration)
Module 2: Applying the Principles of Dynamics Page | 3
Engr. Ruel B. Cabahug
Bataan Heroes Memorial College
DOM – Direction of motion (originally)
Sign Convention: (+) - same direction as the DOM
(–) - opposite direction as the DOM
Sample Problem 2:
A stone is thrown vertically upward from the edge of an overhanging cliff that is 10 m above the
ground. On its downward flight, it missed the edge of the cliff and hits the ground 30 seconds
after it was thrown.
Given: a = g = -9.81 m/s2
s = -10 m
t = 30 sec
Module 2: Applying the Principles of Dynamics Page | 4
Engr. Ruel B. Cabahug
Bataan Heroes Memorial College
a. compute the initial velocity of the stone. (Vo)
1
𝑆 = 𝑉𝑜 𝑡 + 𝑎𝑡 2
2
1
−10 = 𝑉𝑜 (30) + 2 (−9.81)(30)2
𝑚
𝑉𝑜 = 146.82
𝑠
b. compute the velocity of the stone as it hit the ground. (Vf)
𝑉𝑓 = 𝑉𝑜 + 𝑎𝑡
𝑉𝑓 = 146.82 + (−9.81)(30)
𝑉𝑓 = −147.48
𝑚
𝑉𝑓 = 147.48 (opposite the DOM)
𝑠
c. compute the maximum height reached by the stone from the ground. (H)
“at the peak (Vf = 0)”
𝑉𝑓 2 − 𝑉𝑜 2 = 2𝑎𝑆
02 − 146.822 = 2(−9.81)𝑆
𝑆 = 1098.68𝑚
𝐻 = 1098.68𝑚 + 10𝑚
𝐻 = 1108.68𝑚
Sample Problem 3:
Module 2: Applying the Principles of Dynamics Page | 5
Engr. Ruel B. Cabahug
Bataan Heroes Memorial College
A ball was thrown vertically upward with an initial velocity of 3 m/s from the window of a tall
building. The ball strikes the sidewalk at the ground level 4 sec later. Determine:
a. The velocity with which the ball hits the ground.
b. The height of the window above the ground.
a. The velocity with which the ball hits the ground.
𝑉𝑓 = 𝑉𝑜 + 𝑎𝑡
𝑉𝑓 = 3 + (−9.81)(4)
𝑉𝑓 = −36.24
𝑚
𝑉𝑓 = 36.24 (opposite the DOM)
𝑠
b. The height of the window above the ground.
1
𝑆 = 𝑉𝑜 𝑡 + 𝑎𝑡 2
2
1
𝑆 = 3(4) + (−9.81)(4)2 = −66.48
2
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Engr. Ruel B. Cabahug
Bataan Heroes Memorial College
𝑆 = 66.48𝑚 (below the original point)
Concepts
• Free falling bodies have constant acceleration because of gravity.
• Consider the direction of motion as the positive direction.
• Consider the direction of the initial velocity as the direction of motion.
• Acceleration due to gravity is always downward.
Module 2: Applying the Principles of Dynamics Page | 7
Engr. Ruel B. Cabahug
Bataan Heroes Memorial College
References
1. Dynamics of Rigid Bodies.(2020). MECH 2-MODULE 2-UNIT (1&2). Available at:
[Link] Accessed:20October2020).
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Engr. Ruel B. Cabahug
