KINETICS OF A

PARTICLE
ENGR. HEBER JOHN DE VERA
KINETICS OF A
PARTICLE – FORCE
AND ACCELERATION
ENGR. HEBER JOHN DE VERA
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this topic, the student will be able to:
• Write the equation of motion for an accelerating body.
• Draw the free-body and kinetic diagrams for an accelerating
body.
• Apply Newton’s Second Law to determine forces and
accelerations for particles in rectilinear motion.
• Apply the equation of motion using normal and tangential
coordinates.
• Analyze the kinetics of a particle using cylindrical coordinates.
EQUATION OF MOTION

The motion of a particle is governed by Newton’s second law, relating

the unbalanced forces on a particle to its acceleration. If more than one
force acts on the particle, the equation of motion can be written
F = FR = ma
where FR is the resultant force, which is a vector summation of all the
forces.
To illustrate the equation, consider a
particle acted on by two forces.

First, draw the particle’s free-body

diagram, showing all forces acting
on the particle. Next, draw the
kinetic diagram, showing the
inertial force ma acting in the same
direction as the resultant force FR.
INERTIAL FRAME OF REFERENCE

This equation of motion is only valid if the

acceleration is measured in a Newtonian or inertial
frame of reference. What does this mean?

For problems concerned with motions at or near the

earth’s surface, we typically assume our “inertial
frame” to be fixed to the earth. We neglect any
acceleration effects from the earth’s rotation.

For problems involving satellites or rockets, the

inertial frame of reference is often fixed to the stars.
EQUATION OF MOTION FOR A SYSTEM OF PARTICLES

The equation of motion can be extended to include systems of

particles. This includes the motion of solids, liquids, or gas systems.
As in statics, there are internal forces and
external forces acting on the system.

Using the definitions of m = mi as the

total mass of all particles and aG as the
acceleration of the center of mass G of
the particles, then m aG = mi ai .

The text shows the details, but for a system of particles: F = m aG

where F is the sum of the external forces acting on the entire
system.
KEY POINTS

1) Newton’s second law is a “law of nature”-- experimentally

proven, not the result of an analytical proof.

2) Mass (a property of an object) is a measure of the resistance

to a change in velocity of the object.

3) Weight (a force) depends on the local gravitational field.

Calculating the weight of an object is an application of
F = ma, i.e., W = mg.

4) Unbalanced forces cause the acceleration of objects.

PROCEDURE FOR THE APPLICATION OF THE
EQUATION OF MOTION
1) Select a convenient inertial coordinate system. Rectangular,
normal/tangential, or cylindrical coordinates may be used.

2) Draw a free-body diagram showing all external forces

applied to the particle. Resolve forces into their
appropriate components.
3) Draw the kinetic diagram, showing the particle’s inertial
force, ma. Resolve this vector into its appropriate
components.
4) Apply the equations of motion in their scalar component
form and solve these equations for the unknowns.
5) It may be necessary to apply the proper kinematic relations
to generate additional equations.
 EXAMPLE 1

Given: A 25-kg block is subjected to

the force F=100 N. The
spring has a stiffness of k =
200 N/m and is unstretched
when the block is at A. The
contact surface is smooth.

Find: Draw the free-body and kinetic diagrams of the block

when s=0.4 m.
Plan: 1) Define an inertial coordinate system.
2) Draw the block’s free-body diagram, showing all
external forces.
3) Draw the block’s kinetic diagram, showing the inertial
force vector in the proper direction.
 EXAMPLE 1

Solution:
1) An inertial x-y frame can be defined as fixed to the ground.
2) Draw the free-body diagram of the block:

The weight force (W) acts through the

block’s center of mass. F is the applied
W = 25g load and Fs = 200 (N) is the spring
y
force, where  is the spring deformation.
F=100 (N)
x When s = 0.4,
4
3  = 0.5  0.3 = 0.2 m.
Fs= 200  (N)
The normal force (N) is perpendicular to
= 40 (N) N the surface. There is no friction force
since the contact surface is smooth.
 EXAMPLE 1

3) Draw the kinetic diagram of the block.

The block will be moved to the right.

25 a The acceleration can be directed to
the right if the block is speeding up or
to the left if it is slowing down.
RECTANGULAR COMPONENTS

The equation of motion, F = ma, is best used when the problem

requires finding forces (especially forces perpendicular to the
path), accelerations, velocities, or mass. Remember, unbalanced
forces cause acceleration!

Three scalar equations can be written from this vector equation.

The equation of motion, being a vector equation, may be
expressed in terms of three components in the Cartesian
(rectangular) coordinate system as

F = ma or Fx i + Fy j + Fz k = m(ax i + ay j + az k)

or, as scalar equations, Fx = max, Fy = may, and Fz = maz.
PROCEDURE FOR ANALYSIS

• Free Body Diagram (is always critical!!)

Establish your coordinate system and draw the particle’s free
body diagram showing only external forces. These external
forces usually include the weight, normal forces, friction
forces, and applied forces. Show the ‘ma’ vector (sometimes
called the inertial force) on a separate kinetic diagram.

Make sure any friction forces act opposite to the direction

of motion! If the particle is connected to an elastic linear
spring, a spring force equal to ‘k s’ should be included on
the FBD.
PROCEDURE FOR ANALYSIS
• Equations of Motion
If the forces can be resolved directly from the free-body
diagram (often the case in 2-D problems), use the scalar
form of the equation of motion. In more complex cases
(usually 3-D), a Cartesian vector is written for every force
and a vector analysis is often the best approach.
A Cartesian vector formulation of the second law is
F = ma or
Fx i + Fy j + Fz k = m(ax i + ay j + az k)
Three scalar equations can be written from this vector
equation. You may only need two equations if the motion is
in 2-D.
PROCEDURE FOR ANALYSIS

• Kinematics
The second law only provides solutions for forces and
accelerations. If velocity or position have to be found,
kinematics equations are used once the acceleration is
found from the equation of motion.

Any of the kinematics tools learned may be needed to

solve a problem.

Make sure you use consistent positive coordinate

directions as used in the equation of motion part of the
problem!
 EXAMPLE 2
Given: The motor winds in the cable
with a constant acceleration such that
the 20-kg crate moves a distance s = 6 m
in 3 s, starting from rest. k = 0.3.

Find: The tension developed in

the cable.
Plan:
1) Draw the free-body and kinetic diagrams of the crate.
2) Using a kinematic equation, determine the acceleration of the
crate.
3) Apply the equation of motion to determine the cable tension.
 EXAMPLE 2
Solution:
1) Draw the free-body and kinetic diagrams of the crate.
W = 20 g 20 a
T
y
x
Fk= 0.3 N
=
30°
N

Since the motion is up the incline, rotate the x-y axes so the
x-axis aligns with the incline. Then, motion occurs only in
the x-direction.
 EXAMPLE 2

2) Using kinematic equation

s = v0 t + ½ a t2
 6 = (0) 3 + ½ a (32)
 a = 1.333 m/s2
s = 6 m at t=3 s
v0 = 0 m/s
3) Apply the equations of motion
+  Fy = 0  -20 g (cos30°) + N = 0
 N = 169.9 N
+  Fx = m a  T – 20g(sin30°) –0.3 N = 20 a
 T = 20 (981) (sin30°) + 0.3(169.9) + 20 (1.333)
 T = 176 N
NORMAL AND TANGENTIAL COORDINATES

When a particle moves along a

curved path, it may be more
convenient to write the equation
of motion in terms of normal
and tangential coordinates.

The normal direction (n) always points toward the path’s center
of curvature. In a circle, the center of curvature is the center of
the circle.

The tangential direction (t) is tangent to the path, usually set as

positive in the direction of motion of the particle.
EQUATION OF MOTION

Since the equation of motion is a

vector equation, F = ma,
it may be written in terms of the n
& t coordinates as
Ftut + Fnun+ Fbub = mat+man

Here Ft & Fn are the sums of the force components acting in
the t & n directions, respectively.
This vector equation will be satisfied provided the individual
components on each side of the equation are equal, resulting in
the two scalar equations: Ft = mat and Fn = man .
Since there is no motion in the binormal (b) direction, we can also
write Fb = 0.
NORMAL AND TANGENTIAL ACCELERATION

The tangential acceleration, at = dv/dt, represents the time rate of

change in the magnitude of the velocity. Depending on the direction
of Ft, the particle’s speed will either be increasing or decreasing.

The normal acceleration, an = v2/r, represents the time rate of change

in the direction of the velocity vector. Remember, an always acts
toward the path’s center of curvature. Thus, Fn will always be
directed toward the center of the path.
/
Recall, if the path of motion is defined
as y = f(x), the radius of curvature at
any point can be obtained from
SOLVING PROBLEMS WITH n-t COORDINATES
• Use n-t coordinates when a particle is moving along a known,
curved path.

• Establish the n-t coordinate system on the particle.

• Draw free-body and kinetic diagrams of the particle. The normal

acceleration (an) always acts “inward” (the positive n-direction).
The tangential acceleration (at) may act in either the positive or
negative t direction.

• Apply the equations of motion in scalar form and solve.

• It may be necessary to employ the kinematic relations:

at = dv/dt = v dv/ds an = v2/r

 EXAMPLE 3

Given:The 10-kg ball has a velocity of

3 m/s when it is at A, along the
vertical path.

Find: The tension in the cord and the

increase in the speed of the ball.

Plan: 1) Since the problem involves a curved path and requires

finding the force perpendicular to the path, use n-t
coordinates. Draw the ball’s free-body and kinetic
diagrams.
2) Apply the equation of motion in the n-t directions.
 EXAMPLE 3
Solution:
1) The n-t coordinate system can
be established on the ball at
Point A, thus at an angle of 45°.
Draw the free-body and kinetic
diagrams of the ball.

Free-body diagram Kinetic diagram

n n
T W man

45
=
t mat
t
 EXAMPLE 3

2) Apply the equations of motion in the n-t directions.

(a) Fn = man  T – W sin 45° = m an
Using an = v2/r = 32/2, W = 10(9.81) N, and m = 10 kg
 T – 98.1 sin 45° = (10) (32/2)
 T = 114 N

(b) Ft = mat  W cos 45° = mat

 98.1 cos 45° = 10 at

 at = (dv/dt) = 6.94 m/s2
CYLINDRICAL COORDINATES

This approach to solving problems has

some external similarity to the normal &
tangential method just studied. However,
the path may be more complex or the
problem may have other attributes that
make it desirable to use cylindrical
coordinates.
Equilibrium equations or “Equations of Motion” in cylindrical
coordinates (using r, q , and z coordinates) may be expressed in
scalar form as: .. .
 Fr = mar = m (r – r q 2 ) .
.. .
 Fq = maq = m (r q – 2 r q )
..
 Fz = maz = m z
TANGENTIAL AND NORMAL FORCES

If a force P causes the particle to move along a path defined

by r = f (q ), the normal force N exerted by the path on the
particle is always perpendicular to the path’s tangent. The
frictional force F always acts along the tangent in the opposite
direction of motion. The directions of N and F can be
specified relative to the radial coordinate by using angle y .
DETERMINE OF ANGLE y

The angle y, defined as the angle

between the extended radial line
and the tangent to the curve, can be
required to solve some problems.
It can be determined from the
following relationship.

If y is positive, it is measured counterclockwise from the radial

line to the tangent. If it is negative, it is measured clockwise.
 EXAMPLE 4
Given: The 0.2 kg pin (P) is
constrained to move in the smooth
curved slot, defined by r = (0.6 cos
2q) m.
The slotted arm OA has a constant
angular velocity of = 3 rad/s.
Motion is in the vertical plane.
Find: Force of the arm OA on the
pin P when q = 0.

Plan: 1) Draw the FBD and kinetic diagrams.

2) Develop the kinematic equations using cylindrical
coordinates.
3) Apply the equation of motion to find the force.
 EXAMPLE 4
Solution :
1) Free Body and Kinetic Diagrams:
Establish the r, q coordinate
system when q = 0, and draw
the free body and kinetic
diagrams.

Free-body diagram Kinetic diagram

q
W maq
r mar
=
N
 EXAMPLE 4

2) Notice that , therefore:

Kinematics: at q = 0, = 3 rad/s, = 0 rad/s2.

Acceleration components are

ar = = - 21.6 – (0.6)(-3)2 = – 27 m/s2
aq = = (0.6)(0) + 2(0)(-3) = 0 m/s2
 EXAMPLE 4

3) Equation of motion: q direction

(+)  Fq = maq
N – 0.2 (9.81) = 0.2 (0)
N = 1.96 N 

Free-body diagram Kinetic diagram

q
W maq
r mar
= ar = –27 m/s2

N aq = 0 m/s2
KINETICS OF
PARTICLES – WORK
AND ENERGY
ENGR. HEBER JOHN DE VERA
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this topic, the student will be able to:
• Calculate the work of a force.
• Apply the principle of work and energy to a particle or system of
particles.
• Determine the power generated by a machine, engine, or motor.
• Calculate the mechanical efficiency of a machine.
• Use the concept of conservative forces and determine the
potential energy of such forces.
• Apply the principle of conservation of energy.
WORK AND ENERGY

Another equation for working kinetics problems involving

particles can be derived by integrating the equation of motion
(F = ma) with respect to displacement.
By substituting at = v (dv/ds) into
Ft = mat, the result is integrated to
yield an equation known as the
principle of work and energy.

This principle is useful for solving problems that involve

force, velocity, and displacement. It can also be used to
explore the concept of power.
To use this principle, we must first understand how to
calculate the work of a force.
WORK OF A FORCE

A force does work on a particle when the particle undergoes a

displacement along the line of action of the force.

Work is defined as the product of force

and displacement components acting in
the same direction. So, if the angle
between the force and displacement
vector is q, the increment of work dU
done by the force is
dU = F ds cos q
By using the definition of the dot product r2
and integrating, the total work can be U =
written as
1-2  F • dr
r1
WORK OF A FORCE

If F is a function of position (a common

case) this becomes
s2
U1-2 =
 F cos q ds
s1

If both F and q are constant (F = Fc), this equation further

simplifies to
U1-2 = Fc cos q (s2 - s1)

Work is positive if the force and the movement are in the

same direction. If they are opposing, then the work is
negative. If the force and the displacement directions are
perpendicular, the work is zero.
WORK OF A WEIGHT

The work done by the gravitational force acting on a particle

(or weight of an object) can be calculated by using
y2

U1-2 =  - W dy
y1
U1-2 = - W (y2 − y1) = - W y

The work of a weight is the product of the magnitude of

the particle’s weight and its vertical displacement. If y
is upward, the work is negative since the weight force
always acts downward.
WORK OF A SPRING FORCE

When stretched, a linear elastic spring

develops a force of magnitude Fs = ks, where
k is the spring stiffness and s is the
displacement from the unstretched position.

The work of the spring force moving from position s1 to position

s2 is s2 s2
U1-2 = s F ds
s =  k s ds = 0.5 k (s2)2 – 0.5 k (s1)2
1 s1

If a particle is attached to the spring, the force Fs exerted on the

particle is opposite to that exerted on the spring. Thus, the work
done on the particle by the spring force will be negative or
U1-2 = – [ 0.5 k (s2)2 – 0.5 k (s1)2 ].
SPRING FORCES

It is important to note the following about spring forces.

1. The equations above are for linear springs only! Recall

that a linear spring develops a force according to
F = ks (essentially the equation of a line).

2. The work of a spring is not just spring force times distance

at some point, i.e., (ksi)(si). Beware, this is a trap that
students often fall into!

3. Always double check the sign of the spring work after

calculating it. It is positive work if the force on the object by
the spring and the movement are in the same direction.
PRINCIPLE OF WORK AND ENERGY

By integrating the equation of motion,  Ft = mat = mv(dv/ds), the

principle of work and energy can be written as
 U1-2 = 0.5 m (v2)2 – 0.5 m (v1)2 or T1 +  U1-2 = T2

U1-2 is the work done by all the forces acting on the particle as it
moves from point 1 to point 2. Work can be either a positive or
negative scalar.
T1 and T2 are the kinetic energies of the particle at the initial and final
position, respectively. Thus, T1 = 0.5 m (v1)2 and T2 = 0.5 m (v2)2.
The kinetic energy is always a positive scalar (velocity is squared!).
So, the particle’s initial kinetic energy plus the work done by all the
forces acting on the particle as it moves from its initial to final position
is equal to the particle’s final kinetic energy.
PRINCIPLE OF WORK AND ENERGY

Note that the principle of work and energy (T1 +  U1-2 = T2) is
not a vector equation! Each term results in a scalar value.
Both kinetic energy and work have the same units, that of
energy! In the SI system, the unit for energy is called a joule (J),
where 1 J = 1 N·m. In the FPS system, units are ft·lb.

The principle of work and energy cannot be used, in general, to

determine forces directed normal to the path, since these forces
do no work.

The principle of work and energy can also be applied to a system

of particles by summing the kinetic energies of all particles in the
system and the work due to all forces acting on the system.
WORK OF FRICTION CAUSED BY SLIDING

The case of a body sliding over a rough surface merits special

consideration.
Consider a block which is moving over a
rough surface. If the applied force P just
balances the resultant frictional force k N,
a constant velocity v would be maintained.
The principle of work and energy would be
applied as
0.5m (v)2 + P s – (k N) s = 0.5m (v)2
This equation is satisfied if P = k N. However, we know from
experience that friction generates heat, a form of energy that does
not seem to be accounted for in this equation. It can be shown that
the work term (k N)s represents both the external work of the
friction force and the internal work that is converted into heat.
 EXAMPLE 5

Given: When s = 0.6 m, the spring is

not stretched or compressed, and the
10 kg block, which is subjected to a
force of 100 N, has a speed of 5 m/s
down the smooth plane.

Find: The distance s when the block stops.

Plan: Since this problem involves forces, velocity and
displacement, apply the principle of work and energy to
determine s.
 EXAMPLE 5
Solution:
Apply the principle of work and energy between position 1
(s1 = 0.6 m) and position 2 (s2). Note that the normal force
(N) does no work since it is always perpendicular to the
displacement. T + U = T S =0.6 m
1
1 1-2 2
S2
There is work done by three different forces;
1) work of a the force F =100 N;
UF = 100 (s2− s1) = 100 (s2 − 0.6)
2) work of the block weight;
UW = 10 (9.81) (s2− s1) sin 30 = 49.05 (s2 − 0.6)
3) and, work of the spring force.
US = - 0.5 (200) (s2−0.6)2 = -100 (s2 − 0.6)2
 EXAMPLE 5

The work and energy equation will be

T1 + U1-2 = T2

0.5 (10) 52 + 100(s2 − 0.6) + 49.05(s2 − 0.6) − 100(s2 − 0.6)2 = 0

 125 + 149.05(s2 − 0.6) − 100(s2 − 0.6)2 = 0

Solving for (s2 − 0.6),

(s2 − 0.6) = {-149.05 ± (149.052 – 4×(-100)×125)0.5} / 2(-100)

Selecting the positive root, indicating a positive spring deflection,

(s2 − 0.6) = 2.09 m
Therefore, s2 = 2.69 m
POWER AND EFFICIENCY

Power is defined as the amount of work performed per unit

of time.
If a machine or engine performs a certain amount of work,
dU, within a given time interval, dt, the power generated can
be calculated as
P = dU/dt
Since the work can be expressed as dU = F • dr, the power
can be written
P = dU/dt = (F • dr)/dt = F • (dr/dt) = F • v

Thus, power is a scalar defined as the product of the force

and velocity components acting in the same direction.
POWER

Using scalar notation, power can be written

P = F • v = F v cos q
where q is the angle between the force and velocity vectors.

So if the velocity of a body acted on by a force F is known,

the power can be determined by calculating the dot product
or by multiplying force and velocity components.

The unit of power in the SI system is the Watt (W) where

1 W = 1 J/s = 1 (N · m)/s .
In the FPS system, power is usually expressed in units of
horsepower (hp) where
1 hp = 550 (ft · lb)/s = 746 W.
EFFICIENCY

The mechanical efficiency of a machine is the ratio of the

useful power produced (output power) to the power supplied
to the machine (input power) or
e = (power output) / (power input)

If energy input and removal occur at the same time, efficiency

may also be expressed in terms of the ratio of output energy
to input energy or
e = (energy output) / (energy input)

Machines will always have frictional forces. Since frictional

forces dissipate energy, additional power will be required to
overcome these forces. Consequently, the efficiency of a
machine is always less than 1.
PROCEDURE FOR ANALYSIS

• Find the resultant external force acting on the body causing

its motion. It may be necessary to draw a free-body diagram.

• Determine the velocity of the point on the body at which the

force is applied. Energy methods or the equation of motion
and appropriate kinematic relations, may be necessary.
• Multiply the force magnitude by the component of velocity
acting in the direction of F to determine the power supplied to
the body (P = F v cos q ).
• In some cases, power may be found by calculating the work
done per unit of time (P = dU/dt).
• If the mechanical efficiency of a machine is known, either
the power input or output can be determined.
 EXAMPLE 6
Given: A 50 kg block (A) is hoisted by the
pulley system and motor M. The motor has an
efficiency of 0.8. At this instant, point P on the
cable has a velocity of 12 m/s which is
increasing at a rate of 6 m/s2. Neglect the mass
of the pulleys and cable.

Find: The power supplied to the motor at this

instant.
Plan: 1) Relate the cable and block velocities by defining position coordinates.
Draw a FBD of the block.
2) Use the equation of motion to determine the cable tension.
3) Calculate the power supplied by the motor and then to the motor.
 EXAMPLE 6
Solution:
1) Define position coordinates to relate velocities.
Datum sm Here sP is defined to a point on the cable. Also
SP sB sA is defined only to the lower pulley, since the
block moves with the pulley. From kinematics,
SA
sP + 2 s A = l
 aP + 2 aA = 0
 aA = − aP / 2 = −3 m/s2 = 3 m/s2 ()

Draw the FBD and kinetic diagram of the block:

2T
mA aA
A = A

W = 50 (9.81) N
 EXAMPLE 6

2) The tension of the cable can be obtained by applying

the equation of motion to the block.
+↑ Fy = mA aA
2T − 50 (9.81) = 50 (3)  T = 320.3 N

3) The power supplied by the motor is the product of the

force applied to the cable and the velocity of the cable.
Po = F • v = (320.3)(12) = 3844 W
The power supplied to the motor is determined using the
motor’s efficiency and the basic efficiency equation.
Pi = Po/e = 3844/0.8 = 4804 W = 4.8 kW
CONSERVATIVE FORCE

A force F is said to be conservative if the work done is

independent of the path followed by the force acting on a particle
as it moves from A to B. This also means that the work done by
the force F in a closed path (i.e., from A to B and then back to A)
is zero. z F
 F · dr = 0 B

Thus, we say the work is conserved.

A
The work done by a conservative y
force depends only on the positions
of the particle, and is independent of x
its velocity or acceleration.
CONSERVATIVE FORCE

A more rigorous definition of a conservative force makes

use of a potential function (V) and partial differential
calculus, as explained in the text. However, even without
the use of the these more complex mathematical
relationships, much can be understood and accomplished.

The “conservative” potential energy of a particle/system is

typically written using the potential function V. There are two
major components to V commonly encountered in mechanical
systems, the potential energy from gravity and the potential
energy from springs or other elastic elements.
Vtotal = Vgravity + Vsprings
POTENTIAL ENERGY

Potential energy is a measure of the amount of work a

conservative force will do when a body changes position.

In general, for any conservative force system, we can define

the potential function (V) as a function of position. The work
done by conservative forces as the particle moves equals the
change in the value of the potential function (e.g., the sum of
Vgravity and Vsprings).

It is important to become familiar with the two types of

potential energy and how to calculate their magnitudes.
POTENTIAL ENERGY DUE TO GRAVITY

The potential function (formula) for a gravitational force, e.g.,

weight (W = mg), is the force multiplied by its elevation from a
datum. The datum can be defined at any convenient location.

Vg = ± W y

Vg is positive if y is above the

datum and negative if y is
below the datum. Remember,
YOU get to set the datum.
ELASTIC POTENTIAL ENERGY

Recall that the force of an elastic spring is F = ks. It is

important to realize that the potential energy of a spring, while
it looks similar, is a different formula.

Ve (where ‘e’ denotes an

elastic spring) has the distance
“s” raised to a power (the
result of an integration) or
1 2
Ve = k s
2
Notice that the potential
function Ve always yields
positive energy.
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY

When a particle is acted upon by a system of conservative

forces, the work done by these forces is conserved and the
sum of kinetic energy and potential energy remains
constant. In other words, as the particle moves, kinetic
energy is converted to potential energy and vice versa.
This principle is called the principle of conservation of
energy and is expressed as

T1 + V1 = T2 + V2 = Constant
T1 stands for the kinetic energy at state 1 and V1 is the
potential energy function for state 1. T2 and V2
represent these energy states at state 2. Recall, the
kinetic energy is defined as T = ½ mv2.
 EXAMPLE 7

Given: The 4 kg collar, C, has a

velocity of 2 m/s at A.
The spring constant is 400
N/m. The unstretched length
of the spring is 0.2 m.

Find: The velocity of the collar at

B.

Plan: Apply the conservation of energy equation between A and

B. Set the gravitational potential energy datum at point A
or point B (in this example, choose point A).
 EXAMPLE 7

Solution:
. Datum Note that the potential energy at B has two
parts.
0.3 m
0.5 m VB = (VB)e + (VB)g
. VB = 0.5 (400) (0.5 – 0.2)2 – 4 (9.81) 0.4
The kinetic energy at B is
TB = 0.5 (4) vB2
Similarly, the potential and kinetic energies at A will be
VA = 0.5 (400) (0.1 – 0.2)2, TA = 0.5 (4) 22
The energy conservation equation becomes TA + VA = TB + VB.
[ 0.5(400) (0.5 – 0.2)2 – 4(9.81)0.4 ] + 0.5 (4) vB2
= [0.5 (400) (0.1 – 0.2)2 ]+ 0.5 (4) 22
 vB = 1.96 m/s
Engr. Heber John de Vera
09178370439
hjdevera.ce@tip.edu.ph

Contact hours: 11:00AM –

05:00PM (T-Th-S)