Mechanics 1

Spec coverage

Every spec point, and what actually teaches it

The real numbered content list from the official Pearson specification, each point matched to the lesson that covers it. Click through to a lesson from its spec point below, or rate how confident you feel — saved in this browser so it’s there next time you come back. Any point with no matching lesson is flagged, not hidden.

12 spec points · 12 covered

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1 — Mathematical models in mechanics

  • 1.1

    Mathematical modelling in mechanics

    • The basic ideas of mathematical modelling as applied in Mechanics.
    • Guidance: students should be familiar with the terms: particle, lamina, rigid body, rod (light, uniform, non-uniform), inextensible string, smooth and rough surface, light smooth pulley, bead, wire, peg. Students should be familiar with the assumptions made in using these models.
    Modelling Assumptions in Mechanics, and "Hence Show That" DisciplinePaper Anatomy

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2 — Vectors in mechanics

  • 2.1

    Magnitude and direction of a vector

    • Magnitude and direction of a vector. Resultant of vectors may also be required.
    • Guidance: students may be required to resolve a vector into two components or use a vector diagram. Questions may be set involving the unit vectors i and j.
    Resultant Forces (Resolving vs. Cosine Rule/Lami's Theorem) and Bearings

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  • 2.2

    Application of vectors to displacement, velocity, acceleration and force

    • Application of vectors to displacements, velocities, accelerations and forces in a plane.
    • Guidance: use of velocity = change of displacement / time in the case of constant velocity, and of acceleration = change of velocity / time in the case of constant acceleration, will be required.
    Resultant Forces (Resolving vs. Cosine Rule/Lami's Theorem) and Bearings

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3 — Kinematics of a particle moving in a straight line

  • 3.1

    Motion in a straight line with constant acceleration

    • Motion in a straight line with constant acceleration.
    • Guidance: graphical solutions may be required, including displacement-time, velocity-time, speed-time and acceleration-time graphs. Knowledge and use of formulae for constant acceleration will be required.
    Constant-Acceleration Kinematics and Two-Stage Motion

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4 — Dynamics of a particle moving in a straight line or plane

  • 4.1

    The concept of a force; Newton's laws of motion

    • The concept of a force. Newton's laws of motion.
    • Guidance: simple problems involving constant acceleration in scalar form or as a vector of the form ai + bj.
    Newton's Second Law in Vector Form

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  • 4.2

    Simple applications including the motion of two connected particles

    • Simple applications including the motion of two connected particles.
    • Guidance: problems may include (i) the motion of two connected particles moving in a straight line or under gravity when the forces on each particle are constant; problems involving smooth fixed pulleys and/or pegs may be set (ii) motion under a force which changes from one fixed value to another, e.g. a particle hitting the ground (iii) motion directly up or down a smooth or rough inclined plane.
    Connected particles — pulleys, pegs, lifts, and cars with trailers

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  • 4.3

    Momentum and impulse; conservation of momentum

    • Momentum and impulse. The impulse-momentum principle. The principle of conservation of momentum applied to two particles colliding directly.
    • Guidance: knowledge of Newton's law of restitution is not required. Problems will be confined to those of a one-dimensional nature.
    Momentum, Impulse, and the Sign-Convention Trap

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  • 4.4

    Coefficient of friction

    • Coefficient of friction.
    • Guidance: an understanding of F = μR when a particle is moving.
    Friction — One Unified Model for Equilibrium and Motion on a Rough PlaneConnected particles — pulleys, pegs, lifts, and cars with trailers

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5 — Statics of a particle

  • 5.1

    Forces treated as vectors; resolution of forces

    • Forces treated as vectors. Resolution of forces.
    Equilibrium of a Particle Under Coplanar Forces

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  • 5.2

    Equilibrium of a particle under coplanar forces

    • Equilibrium of a particle under coplanar forces. Weight, normal reaction, tension and thrust, friction.
    • Guidance: only simple cases of the application of the conditions for equilibrium to uncomplicated systems will be required.
    Equilibrium of a Particle Under Coplanar Forces

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  • 5.3

    Coefficient of friction

    • Coefficient of friction.
    • Guidance: an understanding of F ⩽ μR in a situation of equilibrium.
    Friction — One Unified Model for Equilibrium and Motion on a Rough Plane

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6 — Moments

  • 6.1

    Moment of a force

    • Moment of a force.
    • Guidance: simple problems involving coplanar parallel forces acting on a body and conditions for equilibrium in such situations.
    Moments — Rods and Beams on Two Pivots, "About to Tilt"

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