ABSTRACT
As stated above, when an object is pushed or pulled, a force is applied to the object. This force is measured
At the end of this chapter you should be able to:
• define force and state its unit • appreciate ‘gravitational force’ • state Newton’s three laws of motion • perform calculations involving force F = ma • define ‘centripetal acceleration’ • perform calculations involving centripetal force = mvr
• define ‘mass moment of inertia’
If a change occurs in the motion of the object, that is, its velocity changes from u to v, then the object accelerates. Thus, it follows that acceleration results from a force being applied to an object. If a force is applied to an object and it does not move, then the object changes shape, that is, deformation of the object takes place. Usually the change in shape is so small that it cannot be detected by just watching the object. However, when very sensitive measuring instruments are used, very small changes in dimensions can be detected.
