Great!
Here's the full detailed version of the BPHCT-131 Block 2 Notes, formatted for easy
pasting into Google Docs. You can copy all of this and paste it into a blank Google Docs
document, then adjust formatting as needed (e.g., using "Heading 1" for units, bold for formulas,
etc.).
BPHCT-131: Block 2 – Basic Concepts of
Mechanics
Unit 1: Newton’s Laws of Motion and Force
Newton’s First Law (Law of Inertia)
● A body remains in a state of rest or uniform motion unless acted upon by an external
force.
● Defines inertia, the tendency of a body to resist changes in its state of motion.
● Implies the concept of an inertial frame of reference, where this law holds true.
Newton’s Second Law
● Expressed as: F = ma
● The net force acting on an object is directly proportional to the rate of change of its
momentum.
● When mass is constant, this simplifies to force = mass × acceleration.
● SI Unit: Newton (N), where 1 N = 1 kg·m/s².
Newton’s Third Law
● For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
● Forces always come in pairs acting on different bodies.
Concept of Mass
● Inertial Mass: Determines how much an object resists acceleration.
● Gravitational Mass: Determines how strongly an object interacts with gravity.
● In classical mechanics, both are considered equivalent.
Unit 2: Applying Newton’s Laws
Friction
● Friction opposes motion between two surfaces in contact.
● Static friction: Acts when objects are at rest.
● Kinetic friction: Acts when objects are in motion.
● Formula: f = μN, where μ = coefficient of friction and N = normal force.
Free-Body Diagrams
● Diagrams used to represent all forces acting on an object.
● Important for analyzing systems involving pulleys, inclines, and connected masses.
Tension and Normal Force
● Tension: Force transmitted through strings, ropes, or cables.
● Normal force: Perpendicular force exerted by a surface to support the object.
Momentum and Impulse
● Momentum: p = mv (mass × velocity)
● Impulse: J = Δp = F·Δt
● In an isolated system, momentum is conserved during interactions like collisions.
Fictitious Forces (Non-Inertial Frames)
● Centrifugal force: Outward force felt in a rotating frame.
● Coriolis force: Deflection of moving objects in rotating systems.
● These forces appear only when observing from an accelerating or rotating frame.
Unit 3: Gravitation
Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation
● Every particle attracts every other particle with a force:
F=Gm1m2r2
Where:
○ G = Gravitational constant = 6.674×10−11 Nm2/kg2
Gravitational Field and Potential
● Gravitational Field:
g=GMr2
● Gravitational Potential Energy:
U=−GMmr
Satellite Motion
● Orbital speed:
v=GMr
● Orbital period:
T=2πr3GM
● Total mechanical energy:
E=−GMm2r
Escape Velocity
● Minimum velocity to escape a planet’s gravitational pull:
vesc=2GMR
● For Earth: approximately 11.2 km/s
Unit 4: Linear Motion and Energy
Motion in a Straight Line (1D Kinematics)
● Displacement: x, Velocity: v=dxdt, Acceleration: a=dvdt
● Equations of motion (constant acceleration):
1. v=u+at
2. s=ut+12at2
3. v2=u2+2as
Motion in a Plane (2D) – Projectile Motion
● A body moves under gravity in a parabolic path.
● Time of flight:
T=2usinθg
● Maximum height:
H=u2sin2θ2g
● Horizontal range:
R=u2sin2θg
Uniform Circular Motion
● Velocity is constant in magnitude but direction changes.
● Centripetal acceleration:
a=v2r
● Centripetal force:
F=mv2r
Work, Energy, and Power
● Work:
W=F⃗⋅d⃗
● Kinetic Energy:
KE=12mv2
● Potential Energy:
PE=mgh
● Work-Energy Theorem:
Wnet=ΔKE
Conservation of Mechanical Energy
● In absence of non-conservative forces (like friction):
KEi+PEi=KEf+PEf
Let me know if you want:
● Formulas in LaTeX form for Google Docs' "Insert > Equation" feature
● A downloadable Word file
● An example problem set with solutions
I'm happy to help you further!
