AH Applied Mathematics: Mechanics

Description of Course

Mechanics is the branch of mathematics concerned with the study of how bodies move, by looking at the forces that act on them any resultant motion that they experience. We consider relative motion, projectiles, momentum, motion in a straight line, energy and power, circular motion, simple harmonic motion and elasticity.

Mechanics is directly relevant to further study or employment in the areas of mathematics, physical sciences and engineering.

It should be taken in addition to Advanced Higher Mathematics, as there is a crossover in the content in the Mathematical Techniques for Mechanics.

Course Content

Forces, energy and momentum

• The effects of forces and how to use mathematical techniques to solve real life problems.

• Newton’s Laws of Motion to understand equilibrium

• Momentum and Impulse

Straight line, periodic and parabolic motion

• Using the equations of motion with calculus and graphically

• Using vectors to study both resultant and relative motion

• Using Newton’s 2nd law of motion

• Exploring Hooke’s Law and simple harmonic motion

Mathematical Techniques for Mechanics

• Partial Fractions

• Differentiation

• Implicit and Parametric Differentiation

• Integration

• Differential equations

Assessment

The course is assessed entirely on the final course exam which will consist of short and extended response questions.