Centre of mass
In finite objects, the total external force equals the total mass times the acceleration of a point called the centre of mass.
More details | Watch nowCircular motion
Uniform circular motion: angular displacement and velocity are introduced and centripetal acceleration is determined.
More details | Watch nowEnergy and power
The total work done on an object equals the increase in its kinetic energy. For conservative forces, we can define potential energy.
More details | Watch nowGravity
The inverse square law explains planetary motion - and apples falling. Newton's law, measuring G, calculating orbits.
More details | Watch nowLife in Space
Helen Sharman, the UK's first astronaut, gives a vibrant account of her personal experience of life in space using models and film to illustrate the key scientific concepts involved in spaceflight. Among other things she discusses the way Newton's Th....
More details | Watch nowMomentum
p=mv. If external forces are zero, momentum is conserved. In collisions, energy may be conserved (elastic) or not (inelastic).
More details | Watch nowMotion with constant acceleration (kinematics)
Kinematics quantifies motion without explaining the causes of it. Here we study accelerations that are zero, positive or negative.
More details | Watch nowNewton’s laws of motion
F=ma (laws 1&2). Forces come in pairs that add to zero (3). Newton's laws apply in inertial frames of reference. Some common approximations made in applying them.
More details | Watch nowOscillations
Inertia and restoring forces can, with low friction or damping, lead to oscillations and resonance. We analyse the mechanics of vibrations.
More details | Watch nowProjectile motion
Motion with uniform acceleration, such as in a uniform gravitational (or electric) field is projectile motion, analysed here with examples.
More details | Watch nowRotation
Torques produce angular acceleration, moment of inertia 'resists' it. Rotational kinetic energy and angular momentum.
More details | Watch nowSimple harmonic motion
In simple harmonic motion, displacement, velocity and acceleration vary sinusoidally with time, but with different phases.
More details | Watch now