CHAPTER 4:

FORCES
(5 Hours)
 Learning Outcome:

4.1 Basic of forces and free body diagram (2 hours)

At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
 Identify the forces acting on a body in different
situations:
◦ Weight
◦ Tension
◦ Normal Force
◦ Friction
 Determine weight, static friction and kinetic friction.
 Draw free body diagram.
 Determine the resultant force.

2
 4.1.1 Basic of Forces
A Force is an agent that produces or tends to change
the acceleration in an object.

An object moving with a variable speed in a straight line

is accelerating because the magnitude of the velocity is
changing . Force is required to produce this acceleration.

Force has magnitude and direction, it is a vector quantity

If several forces acts simultaneously on the same object, it is

the net force that determines the motion of the object. The
net force is the vector sum of all the forces acting on the object
and it is often called resultant force.
3
 
Weight (Force), W
Weight is defined as the force with which a body is
attracted towards the center of the earth.

It is dependant on where it is measured, because the

value of g varies at different localities on the earth’s surface.

It always directed toward the centre of the earth or in

the same direction of acceleration due to gravity, g.

It is a vector quantity.
The S.I. unit is kg m s-2 or Newton (N).
 
Equation: W  mg 4
 figure 4.1.1
W

All the W pointing downward as shown in figure 4.1.1 above

5
 
Tension, T

Tension is the magnitude of the pulling force exerted by a

string , on another object. (figure 4.1.2)

Measured in Newton and is always parallel to the string on

which it applies.

Single string system:

T T
ϴ
m1 T m1 m1

Figure 4.1.2
6
 Single string system (smooth pulley)

T The tension T acts for the whole

T one string but it will be different
if it acts on different masses, T1
T and T2 as shown in fig 4.1.3 and
fig 4.1.4

Fig 4.1.3 m1

Multiple string system

m1 T 1 T1 m2 T2 T2

Fig 4.1.4
7
Multiple string system (inclined plane)

T2 T2 T3 T3
T2 m3
T2 T3

m2 T3
T1
T1 m4
T1 T1
m1
fig 4.1.5

The are three different tension T1, T2 and T3

acts on different masses of m1, m2 and m3
as shown in fig 4.1.5.
8
Normal Force, N
is the contact force component , which is perpendicular to the surface
of contact and exerted on an object by preventing the object from
penetrating the surface. (fig 4.1.6) Surface 3

N2

Surface 2 N3
N1 m3
m2
Surface 1
m1

Fig 4.1.6

9
 
Frictional force, f
is defined as a force that resists the motion of one surface relative
to another with which it is in contact.
is independent of the area of contact between the two surfaces

is directly proportional to the reaction force.

where

f N f  N f : frictional force
μ : coefficien t of friction

Coefficient of friction, 
is defined as the ratio between frictional force to normal force.
is dimensionless and depends on the nature of the surfaces. 10
 N N N

F F F
fs fs = max fk

W W W
Block at rest Block about to slide Block is sliding

Figure 4.1.7

There are three different stages of friction acts on a block

which are going to slide as shown in figure 4.1.7.
11
 There are three types of frictional force :

Static, fs (frictional force act on the object before its move)

Kinetic, fk (frictional force act on the object when its move)

Rolling, fr (frictional force act on the object when its rolling)

f s  s N Can be ignored

f k  k N where fr  fk  fs
r  k  s
f r  r N
thus

12
Caution:
The direction of the frictional force exerted by a surface on an
object is always in the opposite direction of the motion

The frictional and the reaction forces are always perpendicular

13
 Free Body Diagram
The free body diagram of a body shows the body alone with
all the external forces on it.
Using the free body diagram, the resultant forces in the
orthogonal directions are then determined.

A single point may represent the object.

A free body diagram for the object in fig 4.1.8 is shown in fig 4.1.9
N N

f F2
F2 F1 F1

f W
W Figure 4.1.9
Figure 4.1.8 14
The magnitude of resultant force will contributes to the
motion of the block in any direction.

Let assume that the motion of the block is within the x-axis,
and no motion in the y-axis.
Therefore, the total force at y-axis is equal zero, as ∑ Fy = 0 .
For x-axis , the resultant force that causes the motion need
to be determined.
For y-axis (no motion / static)
∑ Fy = 0 .

N–W=0
N=W
15
First case ; The block moves to the right.
For x-axis:
∑ Fx = +F1 – F2 - f .
the resultant force: FR = +F1 – F2 - f

Second case ; The block moves to the left.

For x-axis:
∑ Fx = + F2 + f - F1 .
the resultant force: FR = + F2 + f - F1

16
Example 4.1
Consider a system of four blocks as shown in figure 4.1.10
Draw a free body diagram for each masses and find
the resultant force FR.
T2 T2 T3 T3
T2 m3
T2 T3

m2 T3
T1
T1 m4
T1 T1
m1
fig 4.1.10

17
Solution:

For m1
N1
y
T1
x
w1

a) Assume that m1 moves to the right.

For x-axis :
∑ F x = +T 1 The resultant force FR = +T1

For y-axis :
∑ Fy = 0 N1 - W1 = 0 N1 = W1
18
Solution:

For m2
N2
y
W2 cos ϴ
T1 T2
ϴ x
W2 W2 sin ϴ

a) Assume that m2 moves to the right.

For x-axis :
∑ Fx = +T2 - T1 - W2 cos ϴ The resultant force
FR = +T2 - T1 - W2 cos ϴ
For y-axis :
∑ Fy = 0 N2 - W2 sin ϴ = 0 N2 = W2 sin ϴ
19
Solution:

For m3
N3
y
T2 T3
x

W3

a) Assume that m3 moves to the right.

For x-axis :
∑ F x = +T 3 - T 2 The resultant force FR = +T3 - T2

For y-axis :
∑ Fy = 0 N3 - W3= 0 N3 = W3
20
Solution:

For m4
T3
y

W4

a) Assume that m4 moves downward.

For x-axis :
∑ Fx = 0 No motion along x-axis

For y-axis :
∑ Fy = W4 - T3 The resultant force FR = W4 - T3
21
Exercise 4.1 :

1. A 10.0 kg block is connected to a 5.0 kg block on a table. They were

connected by inextensible string that passes trough a smooth pulley.
T is the tension in the string, and the friction between the 5.0 kg block
and the table is f.
5.0 kg
T
f

10.0 kg

table
Figure 4.1.11

a) Draw free body diagrams for each of the blocks.

b) Use the free body diagram to find the resultant force on each of the
blocks in terms of T and f.
22
 Learning Outcome:

4.2 Newton's Law of Motion(3 hours)

At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
 State Newton’s First Law
 Define mass as a measure of inertia.
 Define the equilibrium of a particle.
 Apply Newton’s First Law in equilibrium of forces.
 State and apply Newton’s Second Law.

 dm dv 
F  mv    v
d
m 
dt  dt dt 
 State and apply Newton’s Third Law.
23
 4.2 Newton’s laws of motion
Newton’s first law of motion
states “an object at rest will remain at rest, or continues
to move with uniform velocity in a straight line unless it is
acted upon by a external forces”
 
Fnett   F  0

The first law gives the idea of inertia.

Inertia
is defined as the tendency of an object to resist any change
in its state of rest or motion.
is a scalar quantity.
24
• Figures 4.2a and 4.2b show the examples of real experience
of inertia.

Figure 4.2 (a)

Figure 4.2 (b)

25
Equilibrium of object / particle
Equilibrium of object / particle occurs when the net force exerted
on it is zero.
The resultant of forces is zero. (Translational equilibrium)

F 0 Newton’s 1st law of motion

Example 4.2.1 :
Figure 4.2.1 shows a system that is in equilibrium. Let T1 = 30 N
and ϴ = 400 . Calculate T2 and W.

26
 Solution :
ϴ
For x-component
T2
T1 ∑ Fx = 0
=

Figure 4.2.1
W

For y-component
∑ Fy = 0

27
Example 4.2.2 :
The system below is in equilibrium and the pulley is frictionless

(a) Draw and label a free

body diagram at point P.
P ϴ (b) Write the total vertical
force exerted on point P.
(c)Write the total horizontal
C B A force exerted on point P.

(d) Determine the angle ϴ .

(e) Find the tension in each rope.
(f) What is the mass of the block C.
28
(a) The free body diagram at point P.
TA cos ϴ
TA

ϴ
TC TA sin ϴ
P

TB

(b) Total vertical force exerted on point P = 0.

29
(c) Total horizontal force exerted on point P = 0.

(d) The angle ϴ (e) The tension in each rope.

(f) The mass of the block C.

30
State and apply Newton’s Second Law.
states “the rate of change of linear momentum of a moving body
is proportional to the resultant force and is in the same direction
as the force acting on it”

 dp
its can be represented by  F  dt

where
 F : resultant force
dp : Change in momentum
dt : time interval

31
From the Newton’s 2nd law of motion, it also can be written as
 dp
 F
dt
and p  mv


 d mv    dm dv
 F  dt  F  v dt  m dt
Case 1:
 Object at rest or in motion with constant velocity but with
changing mass. For example : Rocket
  dm  

dv dv
F v m and 0
dt dt dt
  dm
 F  v dt
32
Case 2:
Object at rest or in motion with constant velocity
and constant mass.
  dm  

dv dm dv
F v m where 0 and 0
dt dt dt dt

Thus 
F  0 Newton’s 1st law of motion

 dp 
 F  dt  0 p  constant

33
Case 3:
Object with constant mass but changing velocity.
  dm 

dv dm
F v m and 0
dt dt dt
  
 dv

dv
F m and a
dt dt
  
 F  ma where  F : resultant force
m : mass of an object
a : acceleration

The direction of the resultant force always in the same direction of

the motion or acceleration
34
Newton’s 2nd law of motion restates that “The acceleration of an
object is directly proportional to the nett force acting on it and

F
inversely proportional to its mass”.

a
m
One newton(1 N) is defined as the amount of nett force that
gives an acceleration of one metre per second squared to a body
with a mass of one kilogramme. 1 N = 1 kg m s-2

 F is a nett force or effective force or resultant force.
The force which causes the motion of an object.

If the forces act on an object and the object moving at

uniform acceleration (not at rest or not in the
equilibrium) hence   
Fnett   F  ma 35
Example 4.2.3 :

Three wooden blocks connected by a rope of negligible

mass are being dragged by a horizontal force, F in Figure
4.2.2  
 T1 T2
F m1 m2 m3

Figure 4.2,2

Suppose that F = 1000 N, m1 = 3 kg, m2 = 15 kg and m3 = 30

kg. Determine
a. the acceleration of blocks system.
b. the tension of the rope, T1 and T2.
Neglect the friction between the floor and the wooden
blocks.

36
Solution :
a. For the block, m1 = 3 kg

a
 
F m1 T1
(1)
For the block, m2 = 15 kg

 a
T1 
m2 T2
(2)
For the block, m3 = 30 kg

a

T2 m3
(3)
37
Solution :
a. By substituting eq. (3) into eq. (2) thus
(4)

Eq. (1)(4) :

b. By substituting the value of acceleration into equations (4) and

(3), therefore

38
Example 4.2.4 :

Two objects of masses m1 = 10 kg and m2 = 15 kg are connected

by a light string which passes over a smooth pulley as shown in
Figure 4.2.3. Calculate
a. the acceleration of the object of mass 10 kg.
b. the tension in the each string.
(Given g = 9.81 m s2) Simulation 4.1
m1
Solution :
a. For the object m1= 10 kg,
m2

T1
Figure 4.2.3
 where
a
(1)
 
W1  m1 g 39
Solution :
a. For the object m2= 15 kg,

T2

 (2)
a
Eq. (1) + (2) :

 
W2  m2 g
b. Substitute the value of acceleration into equation (1) thus

Therefore
40
Example 4.2.5 :

Two blocks, A of mass 10 kg and B of mass 30 kg, are side by side

and in contact with each another. They are pushed along a smooth
floor under the action of a constant force F of magnitude 200 N
applied to A as shown in Figure 4.2.4. Determine
a. the acceleration of the blocks,  B
b. the force exerted by A on B. F A

Figure 4.2.4

Solution : mA  10 kg; mB  30 kg; F  200 N

a. Let the acceleration of the blocks is a. Therefore

41
Solution :
 A,
b. For the object
a
 
F A FBA

From the Newton’s 3rd law, thus

OR
For the object B,

a


FAB B

42
Exercise 4.2.1 :

1. A block is dragged by forces, F1 and F2 of the magnitude

20 N and 30 N respectively as shown in Figure 4.2.5. The
frictional force f exerted on the block is 5 N. If the weight of
the block is 200 N and it is move horizontally, determine the
acceleration of the block.
 
(Given g = 9.81 m s2) F1
a
 50 

f 20 F2
Figure 4.2.5

ANS. : 1.77 m s2

43
 Exercise 4.2.2 :
2. One 3.5 kg paint bucket is hanging by a massless cord from
another 3.5 kg paint bucket, also hanging by a massless cord as
shown in Figure 4.2.6. If the two buckets are pulled upward
with an acceleration of 1.60 m s2 by the upper cord, calculate
the tension in each cord.
(Given g = 9.81 m s2)

Figure 4.2.6

ANS. : 39.9 N; 79.8 N44

 Newton’s third law of motion
states “every action force has a reaction force that is equal in
magnitude but opposite in direction”.
For example :
When the student push on the wall it will push back with
the same force. (refer to Figure 4.2.1)

B (wall)

A (hand)
  
FAB FAB   FBA
FBA
Figure 4.2.1

Where FAB is a force by the hand on the wall (action)

FBA is a force by the wall on the hand (reaction)
45
 When a book is placed on the table. (refer to Figure 4.2.2)
Force by the table on the book (reaction)

Figure 4.2.2

Force by the book on the table (action)

If a car is accelerating forward, it is because its tyres are pushing

backward on the road and the road is pushing forward on the tyres.
A rocket moves forward as a result of the push exerted on
it by the exhaust gases which the rocket has pushed out.
In all cases when two bodies interact, the action and reaction
forces act on different bodies.
46
Apparent weight

The motion of an elevator can give rise to the sensation

of being heavier or lighter.

The force exerted on our feet by the floor of the elevator.

If this force is greater than our weight, we felt heavier, if
less than our weight , we felt lighter.

47
 Case 1 : Motion of a lift
 Consider a person standing inside a lift as shown in Figures
4.2.7a, 4.2.7b and 4.2.7c.
a. Lift moving upward at a uniform velocity

Since the lift moving at a

uniform velocity, thus

N ay  0
Therefore

F 0y
N  mg  0
Figure 4.2.7a   N  mg
W  mg
48
b. Lift moving upwards at a constant acceleration, a

By applying the newton’s 2nd

 law of motion, thus
N
F y  ma y
N  mg  ma

a
N  ma  g 
Figure 4.2.7b

 
W  mg

49
c. Lift moving downwards at a constant acceleration, a

By applying the newton’s 2nd

law of motion, thus

F y  ma y

N mg  N  ma

a
N  mg  a 
Figure 4.2.7c  
W  mg
 Caution : N is also known as apparent weight and
W is true weight. 50
 Case 2 : An object on Horizontal surface
 Consider a box of mass m is pulled along a horizontal
surface by a horizontal force, F as shown in Figure 4.2.8
 
a
N

 F
f 
Figure 4.2.8 mg

x-component : F x  Fnett  ma F  f  ma

y-component : F y 0 N  mg
51
Case 3 : An object on an inclined plane
 Consider a box of mass m is pulled along an inclined plane
by a force, F as shown in Figure 4.2.9.
y
   x
a
N F

Wx
  Wy
f
 
Figure 4.2.9
W  mg

52
x-component (parallel to the inclined plane) :

F x  ma F  Wx  f  ma

F  ma  mgsin θ  f

y-component (perpendicular to the inclined plane):

F y 0 N  Wy  0

N  mg cosθ

53
 
F
Example 4.2.6 :
30

Figure 4.2.10

A box of mass 20 kg is on a rough horizontal plane. The box

is pulled by a force, F which is applied at an angle of 30
above horizontal as shown in Figure 4.2.10. If the coefficient
of static friction between the box and the plane is 0.3 and
the box moves at a constant speed, calculate
a. the normal reaction force,
b. the applied force F,
c. the static friction force.
(Given g = 9.81 m s-2)
54
 Solution : m  20 kg; μs  0.3
constant speed 
F
F sin 30

N 30
 F cos30
fs

mg
a. Since the box moves at constant speed thus a0
x-component :
F x 0

(1)

55
Solution : y-component : F y 0

(2)

By substituting eq. (1) into eq. (2), hence

b. Therefore the applied force is given by

c. The static friction force is

f s  μs N
56
 
Example 4.2.7 :
F
20

Figure 4.2.11

30

A block of mass 200 kg is pulled along an inclined plane of

30 by a force, F = 2 kN as shown in Figure 4.2.11. The
coefficient of kinetic friction of the plane is 0.4. Determine
a. the normal force,
b. the net force,
c. the acceleration of the block,
d. the time taken for the block to travel 30 m from rest.
(Given g = 9.81 m s-2) 57
 Solution : m  200 kg; F  2000 N; μk  0.4
y
  x

N a F
F sin 20 20 F cos20
mg sin 30
 
mg cos 30
fk 30 

30 
mg
a. y-component : F y 0

58
Solution :
b. The nett force is directed along the inclined plane surface.
x-component : Fnett 
 Fx

c.

d. Given

59
 Exercise 4.2.3 :

Figure 4.2.12

1. A 5.00 kg object placed on a frictionless, horizontal table is

connected to a string that passes over a pulley and then is
fastened to a hanging 9.00 kg object as in Figure 4.2.12.
a. Sketch free body diagrams of both objects,
b. Calculate the acceleration of the two objects and the
tension in the string.
(Given g = 9.81 m s2) ANS. : 6.30 m s2; 31.5 N
60
 Exercise 4.2.4 :
2. Two object are connected by a light
string that passes over a frictionless
pulley as in Figure 4.2.13.
The coefficient of kinetic friction of the
plane is 0.3 and m1 = 2.00 kg, m2 =
6.00 kg and  = 55.
a. Sketch free body diagrams of
both objects.
b. Determine
i. the accelerations of the objects,
ii. the tension in the string
iii. the speed of each object 2.00 s Figure 4.2.13
after being released from rest.
(Given g = 9.81 m s2) ANS. : 2.31 m s2; 24.2 N; 4.62 m s1 61
Exercise 4.2.5 :

3. A 5.00 g bullet is fired horizontally into a 1.20 kg wooden

block resting on a horizontal surface. The coefficient of
kinetic friction between block and surface is 0.20. The bullet
remains embedded in the block, which is observed to slide
0.230 m along the surface before stopping. Calculate the
initial speed of the bullet.
(Given g = 9.81 m s2)
Tips : Use
 Newton’s second law of motion involving acceleration.

 Principle of conservation of linear momentum.

 Equation of motion for linear motion.

ANS. : 229 m s1

62
 Exercise 4.2.6 :
4. The block shown in Figure 4.2.14, has
mass, m =7.0 kg and lies on a smooth
frictionless plane tilted at an angle, 
= 22.0 to the horizontal.
a. Determine the acceleration of
the block as it slides down the
plane.
b. If the block starts from rest
12.0 m up the plane from its
base, calculate the block’s
Figure 4.2.14
speed when it reaches the
bottom of the incline plane.
(Given g = 9.81 m s2) ANS. : 3.68 m s2; 9.40 m s1
63
THE END…
Next Chapter…
CHAPTER 5 :
Work, Energy and Power