GENERAL PHYSICS 1 REVIEWER

EXAMPLES:
PHYSICAL QUANTITIES 6 Nanosecond= 6x10-9 s
 are a characteristic or property of an object 2 µC = 2x10-6 C
that can be measured or calculated from 2 Mhz = 2x106 hz
other measurements. (e.g. Mass )
UNIT CONVERSION
UNIT  Is a ratio expressing how many of one unit
 Units are standards for expressing and are equal to another unit.
comparing the measurement of physical  A conversion factor is simply a fraction
quantities. (e.g. kg) which equals 1.You can multiply any
number by 1 and get the same value. When
you multiply a number by a conversion
factor, you are simply multiplying it by one.
 A conversion factor is simply a fraction
which equals 1.You can multiply any
number by 1 and get the same value. When
you multiply a number by a conversion
factor, you are simply multiplying it by one.

DERIVED QUANTITIES SCIENTIFIC NOTATION

Speed =  is a way of writing numbers that are too

large or small to be conveniently written as
a decimal.
 For example, consider the number
 ⁄ 840,000,000,000,000. It‘s a rather large
 ⁄ number to write out.
 8.40 × 1014
 ⁄
 is a way of writing numbers that are too
 ⁄ large or small to be conveniently written as
a decimal.
SYSTEM OF MEASUREMENT
ACCURACY AND PRECISION
1. SI unit-Metric System
2. English unit-imperial system ACCURACY is the extent to which a measured
value agrees with a standard value.
METRIC PREFIXES
 The metric prefixes offer a simple and quick PRECISION the degree of exactness of a
way to introduce the main principles of measurement that is repeatedly recorded.
decimals and big number calculations, as
well as providing a meaningful reference by TEMPERATURE
which to explore or teach most other
aspects of mathematics. CELCIUS TO FARENHEIGHT
 TF = ( TC) + 32
Table 2 Metric Prefixes and symbols used
to denote the different various factors of 10 FARENHEIGHT TO CELCIUS
in the metric system
 TF = (TF – 32)

CELCIUS TO KELVIN
 K=°C + 273.15

30°C – K
K = °C+273.15
K = 30 + 273.15
K = 303.15 K or 303 K
GENERAL PHYSICS 1 REVIEWER
TYPICAL TEMPERATURE  A compass rose with both
ordinal and cardinal directions
will have eight points: N, NE,
E, SE, S, SW, W, and NW.

EXAMPLES:

Convert 25 0C to 0F SECONDARY INTERCARDINAL

( ) DIRECTIONS

 Directions midway between each

Convert 98.6 0F to 0C cardinal and ordinal direction are
( ) referred to as secondary intercardinal
directions.
 A compass rose with both ordinal and
CARDINAL AND ORDINAL DIRECTIONS OF cardinal directions will have 16 points:
VECTOR N, E of N, NE, N of E, E, S of E, SE, E
of S, S, W of S, SW, S of West, W, N of
ANGLE REVOLUTION OF A CIRCLE W, W of N.

‗OF‖ means it is
CARDINAL DIRECTIONS where started
 are the four main points of a compass:
north, south, east, and west which are also
known by the first letters: N,S,E, and W.
 On a compass rose, which is
a symbol found on maps that
shows directions, there will be
four points indicating north,
south, east, and west.

ORDINAL DIRETIONS
VECTORS
 Ordinal directions refer to the direction
SCALAR
found at the point equally between each
- A SCALAR quantity is any quantity in
cardinal direction.
physics that has MAGNITUDE ONLY.
 Ordinal directions are: northeast (NE),
southeast (SE), southwest (SW), and
Scalar Example
northwest (NW). Ordinal directions are also
Speed = 35 m/s
known as intercardinal directions.
Distance = 35 meters
 On a compass rose, the ordinal directions
Age = 16 years old
are each halfway between each cardinal
direction. For example, NE (northeast) is
VECTOR
halfway between North and East.
- A VECTOR quantity is any quantity in
physics that has BOTH MAGNITUDE and
DIRECTION.
GENERAL PHYSICS 1 REVIEWER
Distance is a scalar quantity. That refers to
“ how much ground an object has covered”
Vector Example during its motion.
Velocity = 35 m/s, North Displacement is a vector quantity. That
Acceleration = 10 m/s2, South refers to “ how far out of place an object is”
Displacement = 20 m, East it is the object overall change in position.

Vectors are
represented by
drawing arrows

The length and direction of a vector should be

drawn to a reasonable scale size and show its
magnitude
Distance=A+B+C
VECTOR APPLICATION

 ADDITION: When two (2) vectors point in

the SAME direction, simply add them
together.
- When vectors are added together they
should be drawn head to tail to determine
the resultant or sum vector.
- The resultant goes from tail of A to head of
B. Displacement=A to C

Ex. A man walks 46.5 m east, then another 20 m

east. Calculate his displacement relative to
where he started.
Graphical Method
+ Aligning vectors head to tail and then drawing
46.5 m, E 20 m, E the resultant from the tail of the first to the
head of the last.

Graphical Vector Addition A + B

66.5 m, E
Step 1 – Draw a start point
Step 2 – Decide on a scale
Step 3 – Draw Vector A to scale
 SUBTRACTION: When two (2) vectors Step 4 – Vector B‘s tail begin at Vector A‘s
point in the OPPOSITE direction, simply head. Draw Vector B to scale.
subtract them. Step 5 – Draw a line connecting the initial start
point to the head of B. This is the resultant.
Ex. A man walks 46.5 m east, then another 20 m
west. Calculate his displacement relative to where √
he started.
1. What is the formula in getting the
magnitude of resultant displacement?
46.5 m, + 20 m, E
E √

2. What is the formula in getting the direction

of resultant displacement?

66.5 m, E

Distance and Displacement

GENERAL PHYSICS 1 REVIEWER
MOTION- the action or process of moving or
of changing place or position; movement.
How FAR did 1 1
this object travel A  bh A  40  20
v = speed t= time d=distance travelled 2 2
during interval c?
Area or x  400 m
VELOCITY FORMULA
How FAR did this A  b  h A  20  20
object travel during Area or x  400 m
interval B?

v
a  v  ta Area  Base x Height
t
t  Base
Acceleration a  Height
- rate at which velocity changes with time, in v  Area
terms of both speed and direction.
meters meters
 seconds
seconds seconds2

VELOCITY is the
SLOPE of a
distance, position, or
displacement
vs. time graph.

x Rise meters
v   slope   m/ s
t Run seconds

What is the slope doing?

INCREASING ALL ABOUT MOTION
What is the velocity doing?
INCREASING - Motion is everywhere. Video and still
cameras provide a visual record and
v Rise meters/second description of moving objects. In physics,
a   slope   m/ s/ s the motion of objects can also be described
t Run seconds
mathematically through the use of
NEW MODEL = AREA equations and graphs. Motion graphs are
useful tools in the study of kinematics that
tell us how far a body has traveled, how fast
x
v  x  tv AREA  BASE x HEIGHT it moves, and all the changes in speed that
t take place. How does graphical analysis
t  BASE describe the motion of objects and predict
v  HEIGHT their future course.
- GRAPH is ―‖worth a thousand numbers‖.
x  AREA
- A great deal of information can be obtained
Looking at it from the point of view of units by looking and interpreting graphs
meters describing motion (displacement, speed,
meters  seconds x velocity, and acceleration).
seconds
- If you plot the displacement against time for
The Area Model a body moving at changing velocities – the
How FAR did this result will be a curved line.
object travel during - The slope of a curved line is defined at any
interval A? point by the slope of the line tangent to the
curve. The value of this slope corresponds
1 1
A  bh A  10  20
2 2
Area or x  100 m
GENERAL PHYSICS 1 REVIEWER
to the magnitude of the instantaneous is neglected. It is found that all freely falling
velocities. bodies are accelerated toward the center of
- Since curved line represents changing the Earth.
velocities, it means that acceleration is  What causes some bodies to fall faster than
present. The body may either be moving others, even though they have the same
from fast to slow or slow to fast mass?
 The answer is air resistance. A falling body
Motion in 1D collides with countless particles of air,
slowing down its fall. Generally, the faster
 Our senses tell us that heavier objects, like the speed and the greater the surface area,
a thick book, fall faster than lighter ones, the more air resistance a falling body
like a sheet of paper. If heavy objects encounters. In the absence of air
indeed fall faster than light objects, then resistance, a falling body, regardless of how
objects of the same mass should fall at the heavy it is, will increase its velocity by 9.80
same rate. m/s after every second. The value of 9.80
 Galileo Galilei was an Italian physicist who m/s2 is called the acceleration due to gravity
performed an experiment on free fall from denoted by the symbol ―g‖.
the Leaning Tower of Pisa and found out  To solve free fall problems using the
that the mass of an object has nothing to do previous equations, simply let a = g = 9.80
with the time it takes to fall from a vertical m/s2. The acceleration due to gravity (g), is
place. always directed downwards

Uniformly Accelerated Motion UAM vs. Free Fall

 The descriptors of motion discussed so
far are time, displacement, acceleration,
and velocity. Using these variables and
other concepts, we will now proceed to
derive the four equations of uniformly
accelerated motion.
 Let a = acceleration (m/s2)
 t = time (s)
 vf = final velocity (m/s) Example : A stone dropped from a bridge
 vi = initial velocity (m/s) splashes into the river below after 3.0 s.
 d = displacement (m) How high is the bridge above the river?
a. Given:
vi = 0.0 m/s (no initial velocity)
t = 3.0 m/s
a = g = 9.80 m/s2
b. Unknown: displacement (d)
c. Missing variable: final velocity (vf)
d. Appropriate equation: Since the missing
Example : A car covers 200.0 m while variable is final velocity (vf), use equation
increasing its velocity from 20.0 m/s to 30.0 no.4
m/s. Compute the acceleration.

Steps:
a) Given:
v = 20.0 m/s
i
v = 30.0 m/s
f
d = 200.0 m

b) Unknown: acceleration (a)

 In the preceding lesson dealt with situations
c) Missing variable: time (t) where an object falls only downward. In this
part of the lesson, an initial upward velocity
d) Appropriate equation: Since the will be given to the object before it falls back
missing variable is time (t), use equation down again. All vector quantities directed
no.3; derive the equation to solve for upward will be considered positive while all
acceleration (a) vector quantities directed downward will be
considered negative. Therefore, in deriving
Solving Free Fall equations in this lesson, we will let a = -g.
 Freely falling bodies are good examples of
uniformly accelerated motion. The body a) The time to reach the maximum height
moves under the action of the gravitational When an object reaches its peak, it stops.
force of the Earth only when air resistance At maximum height, therefore, the velocity
GENERAL PHYSICS 1 REVIEWER
at the top, is zero. Using equation no.1, we - Horizontal velocity, Vx= Vox
will get….. Where:
V – velocity along x-axis
x
V – initial velocity along x-axis
ox
𝑔 – acceleration due to gravity
𝑡 – time taken

Vertical Motion – the motion of the object that

travels along y-axis direction, wherein the
motion changes in the whole travel. The only
force acting on the object is the gravitational
force and it changes by 9.8 m/s/s in each
seconds of fall. The velocity is zero at the
d) The velocity with which the ball returns to its highest point of the projectile.
origin or return velocity The total time T is twice
- Vertical distance, 𝒕 𝒕
the time it takes
- Vertical velocity, 𝒕
Where:
𝑉𝑦 – velocity along y-axis
𝑉𝑜𝑦 – initial velocity along y-axis
MOTION IN 2D 𝑔 – acceleration due to gravity

PROJECTILE MOTION
- It is the motion of an object thrown or
projected into the air, subject only to
acceleration as a result of gravity.

- The path that a projectile follow is called its

trajectory. The trajectory of a projectile is a
parabola. This is the result of two- In projectile motion it is important to take
dimensional motion; combined motions in note of the following:
the horizontal and vertical directions.

- Projectile Motion neglects air resistance,

this means that the object travels at a
c. Projectile motion is uniform motion, the
constant speed horizontally as it falls
acceleration on horizontal direction is equal to
vertically at an acceleration equals to g. So,
zero. The acceleration on the highest point of
the kinematic equations derived from the
trajectory is equal to g (9.8x10m/s2)
lessons on Motion on a Straight line and
Free-fall is being applied on Projectile
• The horizontal distance travelled by the
motion.
projectile is called range, the range will
- Projectile motion has two components: a
always depend on the initial velocity and
horizontal component and a vertical
mostly on the angle it is projected.
component. The horizontal component of
• In solving problem involving Projectile
projectile motion is uniform motion and the
Motion there are many things to solve for to
vertical component is free fall.
fully understand the kinematics on 2
dimensional. Solve for range, time of flight,
COMPONENTS OF PROJECTILE MOTION
and maximum heights of projectiles.
Horizontal Motion- the motion of the object
SAMPLE PROBLEM
that travels along x-axis direction, wherein the
motion is constant in the whole travel. No
A cannonball is horizontally launch above a
horizontal force acting on the object that makes
building with a height of 20m at a rate of 45m/s.
it travel in a constant velocity.
(a) How long will it take the cannonball to reach
the ground? (b) What will be the range of the
- Horizontal distance, dx= Vx t
GENERAL PHYSICS 1 REVIEWER
cannonball as it reaches the ground? (c)What indicate the direction of the velocity as it heats
will be the magnitude of its velocity when it the ground. To find the direction we need to
strikes the ground? (d) At what direction will it calculate at what angle does the projectile will
strike the ground hit the ground using the formula 𝜃 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 | 𝑣𝑦
/𝑣𝑥 |.
(a) How long will it take the cannonball to reach
the ground? We consider the point of release • 𝜃 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛 −1 | 𝑣𝑦 /𝑣𝑥 |
at the top of a building as the origin. • 𝜃 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 | −19.80𝑚/𝑠 / 45𝑚/𝑠 |
Considering the vertical component of motion, • 𝜃 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 | − 0.44|
dy= -20m (we learned that negative sign on • 𝜃 = 23.75°
free fall denotes downward motion) Using the
formula 𝑑𝑦 = 𝑣𝑜𝑦𝑡 + 1/2 𝑔𝑡2 we can solve for the CIRCULAR MOTION
value of t.  Motion is not only a phenomenon on
GIVEN: Vertical: straight path, it may also occur in a circular
dy= -20m voy= vosinθ path. Have you ever tried riding a Ferris
vx = 45 m/s Wheel, a Carousel or a Merry-go-Round?
voy= 45 m/s sin0°
g = -9.8 m/s Have you ever so curious on how the
θ = 0° voy= 0 m/s operator manage not to exceed the speed
of the ride to ensure our safety.
Horizontal:
vox= vocosθ 2 Parts of a circle
vox= 45 m/s cos0° 𝑑� = 1/2 𝑔�𝑡�
vox= 45 m/s 𝑦�

𝑑
𝑑𝑦 = 𝑣𝑜𝑦𝑡 + 1/2 𝑔𝑡2 t= 1𝑦
𝑔
2
(we can cancel out
𝑣𝑜𝑦𝑡 because ; 0m
mathematically t= 1
;9 8 𝑚/𝑠
2
speaking any
number multiplied
; 0m
by zero is equal to 0) t= ;4 9 m/s
Two- Dimensional motion on Circular
t = 2.02 Motion
(b) What will be the range of the cannonball as
it reaches the ground? Considering the time of
• Uniform motion is a motion of an object that
flight to solve for range using the formula,
moves in a constant pace, thus there is no
𝑑𝑥 = 𝑣𝑥𝑡 acceleration in a uniformly moving object.
𝑑𝑥 = 𝑣𝑥𝑡 • It is possible then to have an acceleration
𝑑𝑥 = (45𝑚/𝑠) (2.02 𝑠) when an object moves on uniform motion?
𝑑𝑥 = 90.9 𝑚 • It would be yes when an object moves in
circular motion that moves on a constant
The magnitude of its velocity is computed using rate, there is because in the change in
the formula direction.
𝑣 = √𝑣𝑥 2 + 𝑣𝑦 2
You learned from the table of formula that Centripetal Acceleration
𝑣𝑥 = 𝑣𝑜 , thus • An object which moves at a constant
𝑣𝑥 = 45𝑚/s velocity with changing direction in a circular
manner, the acceleration attributed to the
We then first solve for the value of v y using the change in direction is defined as Centripetal
formula Acceleration.
• 𝑣𝑦 = 𝑣𝑜𝑦 + 𝑔𝑡
• 𝑣𝑦 = 0𝑚/𝑠 + (−9.8𝑚/𝑠2 )(2.02𝑠) Sample problem
• 𝑣𝑦 = (−9.8𝑚/𝑠2 )(2.02𝑠)
• 𝑣𝑦 = −19.80 𝑚/s • What will be the centripetal acceleration
of a car that turns on a curve path that is
Substituting the value, we obtained and solving travelling at 25 m/s where the radius of
for v curve is 150 m?
• 𝑣 = √𝑣𝑥 2 + 𝑣𝑦 2 𝑎𝑐= 𝑣2
• 𝑣 = √(45𝑚/𝑠) 2 + (−19.80𝑚/𝑠) 2 𝑅
• 𝑣 = √2025𝑚2 /𝑠 2 + 392.04 𝑚2 /𝑠 2 𝑎𝑐= (25𝑚/𝑠)2 /150 𝑚
• 𝑣 = √2417.04𝑚2 /𝑠 2 𝑎𝑐= (625 𝑚2 /𝑠 2 ) /150 𝑚
• 𝑣 = ±45.26𝑚/s ac= 4.17𝑚/𝑠2

(d) At what direction will it strike the ground? Period of motion

Velocity is a vector quantity thus we need to
GENERAL PHYSICS 1 REVIEWER
• The period of motion is defined as the time
required for a moving object to complete 1 NON-INERTIAL FRAME OF REFERENCE
revolution in circular motion. Thus, to solve  A non-inertial frame of reference is a
for centripetal acceleration on period of reference frame in which the law of inertia
motion use the equation: does not hold.
𝑎𝑐 = 4𝜋2𝑅  A frame of reference that accelerates with
𝑇2 respect to an inertial frame of reference.
• Where:  Occur inside the objects which are
• ac is the centripetal acceleration, accelerating.
• R is the radius
• And T is the period of motion. TYPES OF FORCES

Sample problem 1. Weight (w or Fg)

is a term we use to describe the pull of
If a boy is standing at the edge of a merry- gravity. The direction of this force is down. The
go-round with radius of 2.5 meters and force of gravity on earth is always equal to the
makes one complete revolution in 7.5 weight of the object as expressed in the
seconds. Calculate his centripetal equation:
acceleration. Fg = m x g
where g = 9.8 m/s2
𝑎𝑐 = 4𝜋2𝑅 m = mass expressed in kilogram (kg)
𝑇2 Remember: Weight is different from mass
𝑎𝑐 = 4𝜋2 (2.5𝑚) /(7.5𝑠)2
𝑎𝑐 = (98.70𝑚) (56.25𝑠2) 2. The Normal force (Fn) is the support force
𝑎𝑐 = 1.75𝑚/𝑠2 exerted upon an object that is in contact
with another stable object. It is a contact
WORK AND ENERGY force.
Remember:
ENERGY The normal force (Fn)is a force that is:
- energy is the ability to do work.  perpendicular to the surface,
- Law of Conservation of Energy ―energy a reaction force to presence of other forces
can neither be created nor destroyed but
can only be converted or transform from 3. Friction is a resistive force exerted by a
one form to another‖ surface as an object moves across it or
makes an effort to move across it, an
INERTIA AND THE FIRST LAW example of a contact.
4. Tension (T) exists in any body that is
INERTIA - the tendency of an object to resist pulled by to opposing forces. It is a pulling
changes in its state of motion. force that acts along a stretched flexible
connector, such as a rope or cable.
FIRST LAW OF MOTION: LAW OF INERTIA 5. Applied Force - An applied force is a force
An object at rest will remain at rest and an that is applied to an object by a person or
object in motion will continue moving unless another object. If a person is pushing a
acted upon by an external force. desk across the room, then there is an
Basically, an object will ―keep doing what it was applied force acting upon the object. The
doing‖ unless acted on by an unbalanced force. applied force is the force exerted on the
If the object was sitting still, it will remain desk by the person.
stationary. If it was moving at a constant 6. Air Resistance Force- The air resistance
velocity, it will keep moving. is a special type of frictional force that acts
It takes force to change the motion of an upon objects as they travel through the air.
object.
FREE-BODY DIAGRAM
FRAME OF REFERENCE - A group of - Free-body diagrams are used to have a
physical reference points and an abstract bigger analysis of a given problem in
coordinate system that helps to standardize Physics. This free-body diagrams include
calculations with the given frame. the external forces acting on a body of
interest. We can actually apply the first law
of motion or the second law of motion if we
INERTIAL FRAME OF REFERENCE
have already drawn an accurate free-body
diagram.
 An inertial frame of reference is a frame of
reference in which the law of inertia and
other physics laws are valid. Any frame
moving at a constant velocity relative to
another frame is also an inertial frame of
reference. FREE-BODY DIAGRAM: STEPS
GENERAL PHYSICS 1 REVIEWER
1. Draw the object under consideration; it does
not have to be artistic. At first, you may
want to draw a circle around the object of
interest to be sure you focus on labeling the
forces acting on the object. If you are
treating the object as a particle (no size or
shape and no rotation), represent the object
as a point. We often place this point at the
origin of an xy-coordinate system.
NEWTON’S LAWS OF MOTION
2. Include all forces that act on the object,
representing these forces as vectors. 2nd law of motion
Consider the types of forces described in
Common Forces—normal force, friction, F=ma
tension, and as well as weight and applied Where:
force. Do not include the net force on the F = net force
object. With the exception of gravity, all of a = acceleration
the forces we have discussed require direct m= mass of the body
contact with the object. However, forces
that the object exerts on its environment Force and acceleration are vector quantities .
must not be included. We never include They always have the same direction.
both forces of an action-reaction pair.
SAMPLE PROBLEMS
3. Convert the free-body diagram into a more
detailed diagram showing the x– and y- 1. Neglecting friction, determine the horizontal
components of a given force (this is often force needed to accelerate a 25-kg grocery cart
helpful when solving a problem using from rest to a velocity of 0.45 m/s in 1.35 s.
Newton‘s first or second law). In this case, Remember the Free Body Diagram!
place a wavy line through the original vector
to show that it is no longer in play—it has
been replaced by its x– and y-components.

4. If there are two or more objects, or bodies,

in the problem, draw a separate free-body
diagram for each object.

DRAWING THE WEIGHT'S FORCE ON A

FREE BODY DIAGRAM I. Given
a. m=25kg
On a free-body diagram, Weight (W/Fg) is b. vi = 0
always drawn towards the ground. For c. vf = 0.45 m/s
instance, a book at rest on a tabletop d. t = 1.35 s
II. Unknown Fx (horizontal force)
The normal force is perpendicular to the III. Solution
surface and is a The cart has no vertical motion because there
reaction to the force(s) is no unbalanced force acting in the y direction.
holding you down.
From the example The cart has no vertical motion because there
above: is no unbalanced force acting in the y direction.
W = Fn

If you are standing on an incline the normal

force would be the reaction force keeping you
from sinking into the incline and it would be A 20 kg traveler‘s bag is being pulled by along
perpendicular to the incline's surface. the floor by a tourist with a force of 50 N. The
GENERAL PHYSICS 1 REVIEWER
force is applied on the handle that forms an work can only be done on an object if a
angle of 30o with the horizontal. Neglecting component or all of the force exerted on it is
friction, what is the acceleration of the bag? parallel or antiparallel to the object’s
How much force is exerted by the floor on the displacement; they must not be perpendicular.
bag if the friction is neglected?
For the vector , we can represent it in a
straight line from one point to another point
while having a constant force applied to
an object. Let’s say a displacement from
point A to point B as the object moves:
W= · =| |·| |cos θ = Fd cosθ

UNITS

Given:
F=50N
m=20kg
Ɵ = 30O
Find: a. ax Where
b. Fn F (Force) = newton (N) or 𝑘𝑔.m/s2
The unbalanced force Fx in the horizontal d (displacement) = meter (m)
direction is expressed as W (Work done) = J (Joule) or 𝑘𝑔.m2/s2

Fx=max Sample Problem 1:

The weight of the bag is:
ax= Fx / m A boy is pulling a wagon with a force having a
= 𝟒 . 𝑵 / 𝟎𝒌 W =mg magnitude of 10N on the handle at an angle
ax= 2.16 m/s2 =20 kg (9.8 m/s/s) of 55°. If the boy pulls the wagon
=196N 60 meters, find the work done by the force.

The horizontal
component of the force
is
the projection of
onto the positive x-
axis

Given:
WORK F = 10N
d = 60m
Work is done when an object is moved by a θ = 55°
force. Required: W=?
Work done as the product of the force and the Formula: W=Fd cosθ
distance the object travels (W=Fd) when the Solution: W=Fd cosθ
force is constant and applied in the same = (10N) x (60m) cos(55°)
direction the object = (10N) x (60m) x 0.5736
moves. Answer: = 344.15 N· m or
= 344.15 J

PRESENTING WORK AS A GRAPH

• How would you describe the shaded part in

terms of shape?
• As you can see the shaded part is the area
of force and the distance of the movement
of the object.

Two vectors depicting their direction and

described as the product of force and • We can calculate work
displacement done on an object as an
area of a rectangle
𝑾= ∙ = 𝒄 𝒔𝜽 which is:
• Area rectangle = (height)
When a force acts upon an object to cause a x (base)
displacement of the object, it is said that work • W = height x base
was done upon the object. Other than that, • W = F x d = area under
GENERAL PHYSICS 1 REVIEWER
the graph

Where
Base = distance = 2m
Height = force = 4 N

W = height x base
W=Fxd
= (4N) (2m)
=8J

From that equation, we can say that the work

done with a non-constant force could be written Given:
as: ∆𝑥1 = (0.25) − (0.15) = 0.10 𝑚
W = ½ (height) x (base) ∆𝑥2 = (0.50) − (0.25) = 0.25 𝑚
=½Fxd ∆𝑥3 = (0.60) − (0.50) = 0.10 𝑚
= area under the graph Unknown: Wapp = ?
To calculate the values on the figure 5, Formula: Wapp = F1 Δx1 + F2 Δx2 + F3 Δx3
we have: Solution: Wapp = F1 Δx1 + F2 Δx2 + F3 Δx3
W = ½ (height) x (base) = (0.60N)(0.10m) + (0.40N)(0.25m) +
=½Fxd (0.80N)(0.10m)
= ½ (4N) (2m) = 0.06 J + 0.1 J + 0.08 J
= ½ (8 N·m) Answer: = 0.24 J
= 4 N·m = 4 J
SCALAR OR DOT PRODUCT
For such graphs, the area under the line is
the work done by the force. The goal is to - We have ways in which two vectors can be
find the work done by the applied force as combined, one is known as the scalar
the object moves from x = 0 to x = 0.75 m. product and the other is vector product.
When we compute the scalar product of two
vectors, the result is a scalar as the name
suggest, rather than a vector.
- A vector has magnitude and direction:

- The dot product of two vector quantities a

and b is also called scalar product.

We write for the work done by the applied

force:
𝑊𝑎𝑝𝑝 = 𝐹1∆𝑥1 + 𝐹2∆𝑥2 + 𝐹3∆𝑥3 - The two vectors of the scalar product can
be constructed by taking the component of
one vector in the direction of the other and
multiplying it with the magnitude of the other
vector. It can be expressed in the form:

∙ = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃

- We can also express the vectors in terms of

𝑊𝑎𝑝𝑝 = ∆𝑥(𝐹1 + 𝐹2 + 𝐹3) unit vectors i, j, and k along the x, y, and z
= (0.25 m) (0.60 + 0.40 directions:
+0.80 N) ∙ = 𝑎𝑥𝑏𝑥 + 𝑎𝑦𝑏𝑦 + 𝑎𝑧𝑏𝑧
= (0.25 m) (1.8 N)
= 0.45 N·m Where:
= 0.45 J

Work Example Now, look at the

two vectors
Now we are to find the work done by the a and b drawn
applied force as the object moves from xi = in the figure. At one point, their tails are
0.15 m to xf = 0.60 m. The situation is shown in connected and the angle between the two
Figure. vectors has been labeled θ.
GENERAL PHYSICS 1 REVIEWER
Key Point

The scalar product of a and b

is defined to be:
a · b = |a| × |b| × cos(θ)
Where:
|a| is the magnitude (length) of
vector a
|b| is the magnitude (length) of vector b
θ is the angle between a and b

In calculating the scalar

product, we can also use this
way:
a · b = ax × bx + ay × by Another property of the scalar product is
• From this, we multiply the that it is distributive over addition. This
x's, multiply the y's, then add. means that
• Either way of calculating the scalar product a · (b + c) = a · b + a · c
will work

EVALUATING DOT PRODUCT

Recall from trigonometry that the law of

cosines describes the relationship among the
side lengths of the triangle and the angle θ.
Remember that trigonometric functions are
functions of an angle. They are used to relate THE SCALAR PRODUCT OF TWO
the angles of a triangle to the lengths of the PERPENDICULAR VECTORS
sides of a triangle.
The angle between
two vectors can be
acute (< cos θ < 1),
obtuse (−1< cos θ
<0), or straight (cos
θ = −1). If cos θ =
1, then both vectors
have the same
direction. If cos θ =
0, then the vectors, when placed in standard
position, form a right angle. We can formalize
this result into a theorem regarding orthogonal
(perpendicular) vectors.

CALCULATING DOT PRODUCT

SOME PROPERTIES OF THE SCALAR TWO DIMENSIONS
PRODUCT
Sample Problem:
Calculate the dot product of vectors a and b:
Vector a has a magnitude of 10 units and 13
for vector b.
GENERAL PHYSICS 1 REVIEWER

Figure 11. Plot

of vector a and b
in 2 dimensions

Legend:
a = 10 units
b = 13 units
ax = -6 ay = 8
Gravity is also acting on the object as it moves
bx = 5 by = 12
from y1 to y2, and does work on it equal to

𝑊𝐺 = 𝐹𝐺 𝑑 cos 𝜃 = 𝑚𝑔ℎ 𝑐𝑜𝑠 180°

where θ = 180° because 𝐹𝐺 and 𝑑 point in

opposite directions. So

WG = - mgh = - mg (y2 - y1)

The gravitational potential energy stored in the

elevated object is equal to the work done in
raising the object to a certain height. The work
THE WORK – ENERGY THEOREM AND done is equivalent to the weight of the elevated
KINETIC ENERGY object multiplied by the distance to where it is
elevated. So, we define gravitational potential
energy (GPE) mathematically as
𝑷𝑬 𝒓 𝒗 = 𝒎 𝒉

𝐺𝑃𝐸 = 𝑚𝑔ℎ , also in this way:

𝐺𝑃𝐸 = 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑥 ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
where weight: 𝑤 = 𝑚𝑔
The higher an object is above the ground, the
more gravitational potential energy it has. We
have
Wext = mg (y2 – y1)
Wext = PE2 – PE1 = ΔPE.

On the other hand, we can write the change in

potential energy, ΔPE, in terms of the work
done by gravity itself, we obtain
Potential Energy Wgrav = - mg (y2 – y1)
Potential energy is the stored energy of an Wgrav = - (PE2 – PE1) = - ΔPE
object due to its positions (configurations)
within its system. This energy is not an Elastic Potential Energy
individual particle but rather a property of the Whenever an object is moved from one point to
system. a second point, the change in potential energy
associated with a particular force is equal to
Gravitational Potential Energy the negative of the work done by that force. We
The energy possessed by a body as the result can this equation,
of its position or configuration (height) is called W = - (PE2 – PE1) = - ΔPE
gravitational potential energy. Energy can be
stored in an object to be able to do work, we elastic energy, which is the energy possessed
can relate energy and work as a similar entity. or stored in elastic materials as the result of
their stretching or compressing.
𝑊𝑒𝑥𝑡 = 𝐹𝑒𝑥𝑡𝑑 cos 0°=𝑚𝑔ℎ= 𝑚(𝑦2 − 𝑦1).
A simple coil spring is shown in Figure, which
possesses potential energy when compressed
or stretched, it can do work on a ball when it is
released.
In figure, an amount x from its
natural(unstretched) length requires the hand
GENERAL PHYSICS 1 REVIEWER
to exert a force on the spring FP, which is potential-energy function. Regardless of the
directly proportional to x. That is path taken of the object, the only
FP = kx main concern is the initial and the final position
where k is a constant, called spring stiffness of the object.
constant, and is a measure of the stiffness of
the particular spring. 8. It is reversible. Since we're referring to
potential energy, it is stored energy, so
FS = - kx. anything that we deposit in the energy bank
FP is the force exerted by the hand - we can retrieve or withdraw
FS is the resisting force (opposite force exerted the energy without loss.
by the hand)
9. It is independent of the path of the body
In calculating the potential energy of a and depends only on the starting and
stretched spring, take note that the ending points. The body may move from
force is changing or varies over some distance, one point to another by various paths, but
it will also greater as the spring stretched more. the work done by the conservative force is
So let‘s use the average force, F, since FP the same for all of these paths.
varies linearly – from zero at the equilibrium 10. When the starting and ending points are
position (the position in which there is no the same, the total work is zero. An
applied force on it, typically an assumption of object that starts at an initial point or
natural position) to kx; when stretched to x – position and returns at the same
the average force is F = ½ [0+kx] = ½ kx, point under the action of a conservative
where x here is the final amount stretched (i.e. force, that is moving around a closed path,
xi = 0 at equilibrium position and x in kx is the total work done by the gravitational
equal to xf ). The work done is force is always zero.

ELASTIC POTENTIAL ENERGY is

proportional to the square of the amount
stretched: 𝑷𝑬𝒆𝒍 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒄 = 1/ 𝒌𝒙2

Sample Problem.
A spring has a constant force of 15 N/m. What
Take for example the hiker on the figure. The
is the PEelastic of the spring when it is
process of making at the top of the mountain
stretched a distance of 0.80 m?
may be accompanied by a gravitational force.
Given:
When an object moves from one point or
k = 15 N/m
position to another by a gravitational force, the
x = 0.80 m
work done does not depend on the path taken
Unknown: PEelastic = ?
by the object or hiker. Let us say, two hikers
climbed the same mountain with a height of its
Formula: PEelastic = ½ kx2
peak at 1 kilometer, with the same weight both,
Solution: = ½ (15 N/m) (0.80 m2)
both 600 N. We have
= ½ (15 N/m) (0.64 m2)
W1 = Fd = (600 N) (1000 m) = 600,000 J
= ½ (9.6 N·m)
W2 = Fd = (600 N) (1000 m) = 600,000 J.
= 4.8 N·m
Answer: = 4.8 J
NON-CONSERVATIVE FORCE
CONSERVATIVE AND NON-
The frictional force is one example of a non-
CONSERVATIVE FORCE
conservative force that points opposite to the
direction of the sliding motion, hence, the
Conservative Force
kinetic frictional force is a dragging force. Since
a dragging force, it does negative work.
When we deal with a force that offers a
tendency for two-way conversion between
Refer to the figure below, in moving the crate, it
kinetic and potential energies, this is called a
exhibits friction which is a non-conservative
conservative force.
force, since the work it does depends on the
path. As it moved
The work done by a conservative force always
across a floor from one
has four properties:
point to another, the
work done depends on
7. It can be expressed as the difference
whether the path taken
between the initial and final values of a
is straight, or is curved
GENERAL PHYSICS 1 REVIEWER
or zigzag. MOTION OF THE CENTER OF MASS

A crate is pushed across the floor from position The velocity and acceleration of the center of
1 to position 2 via two paths, one straight and mass of a system is found the same way as the
one curved. The friction force is always in the center of mass:
direction exactly opposed to the direction of
motion. Hence, for a constant magnitude
friction force, Wfriction = -Ffricd, so if d is
greater (as for the curved path), then W is
greater. The work done does not depend only
on points 1 and 2.

The advantage to using the center of mass to

evaluate the motion of a system is that the
center of mass acts the same as a single
particle:

where :
M = total mass of the
CENTER OF GRAVITY system,
vcm = velocity of the
Center of Mass & Geometric Center center of mass
The center of mass of a body or a system of vi = velocity of mass mi,
bodies is a point that moves as though all the acm = acceleration of the center of mass
mass were concentrated there and all external ai = acceleration of mass mi
forces were applied there. The concept of
center of mass is that in of an average of the Linear Momentum of a particle is related to
masses factored by their distances from a the net force acting on that object
reference point. In general equation:
The linear momentum p of an object with mass
m and velocity v is defined as
p = mv

Solving the Center of Mass

Problem 1: Three-point masses are attached to
a massless rigid rod as shown in the drawing
below. Mass m1=2kg is located at x = 1 m,
where: mass m2 = 1.0 kg at x =2.0 m, and mass m3 =
xcm= center of mass distance; 0.5kg at x=2.5m. Find the center of mass of the
m1 =mass of the first object; system.
m2= mass of the second object,
x1=distance1,
x2=distance 2; and
M=total mass

Center of gravity

The center of gravity (cg) of an object is

located at the point from where it can be
suspended without tending to rotate. It is the
point from where all the weight of an object
may be considered to be concentrated. Given:
Further, the center of gravity or geometric m1 = 2 kg at x=1
center of an object is a point in some sense in m2 = 1.0 kg at x = 2.0 m
the middle of the object. m3 = 0.5 kg at x = 2.5 m

How to locate center of gravity? Unknown? xcom

One way of locating the center of gravity
of an irregularly shaped body is with the use of Solution:
( ): ( ):0 ( )
a plumb line and a plumb bob. A string with a xcom = : :0
stone tied to one end can be an improvised
plumb bob.
GENERAL PHYSICS 1 REVIEWER
=
xcom = 1.5 m

Determine the momentum of a :

1) 60 kg halfback moving eastward at 9 m/s;
2) 1000kg car moving northward at 20 m/s;
3) 40 kg freshman moving southward at 2m/s

1. p = mv
=(60 kg)(9 m/s)
=540 kg.m/s, East

2. p = mv
=(1000 kg)(20 m/s)
=20,000 kg.m/s, North

3. p = mv
= (40kg)(2m/s)
=80 kg.m/s, South