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LearnEdexcelYMA012018 specificationWME01 · Mechanics 1Statics of a particle
WME01 · Module

Statics of a particle

2 subtopics≈ 75 min in total
Start the module: Resolving forces and equilibriumOpen graphing calculator

  1. Resolving forces and equilibrium

    Any force can be split into two perpendicular components: Fcos⁡θF\cos\theta along a direction and Fsin⁡θF\sin\theta across it. A particle is in equilibrium when the components in every direction add to zero, so you get two equations from two directions.

    ≈ 35 min

  2. Friction and limiting equilibrium

    A particle on a rough surface stays at rest while the friction needed is at most μR\mu R. When it is "on the point of moving" (limiting equilibrium), friction equals μR\mu R and acts against the direction it would move. On a slope, the direction of that friction depends on whether it is about to slip up or down.

    ≈ 40 min