MCAT Exam  >  MCAT Notes  >  Formula Sheets  >  Formula Sheet: Translational Motion and Calculations

Formula Sheet: Translational Motion and Calculations

Kinematics: Linear Motion

Fundamental Kinematic Variables

  • Position (x): Location of an object in space; SI unit: meters (m)
  • Displacement (Δx): Change in position; vector quantity; SI unit: meters (m) \[\Delta x = x_f - x_i\] where \(x_f\) = final position, \(x_i\) = initial position
  • Distance: Total path length traveled; scalar quantity; SI unit: meters (m)
  • Velocity (v): Rate of change of position; vector quantity; SI unit: m/s \[v = \frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t}\]
  • Speed: Magnitude of velocity; scalar quantity; SI unit: m/s
  • Acceleration (a): Rate of change of velocity; vector quantity; SI unit: m/s² \[a = \frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t}\]

Kinematic Equations for Constant Acceleration

Valid only when acceleration is constant

  • Equation 1 (Velocity-Time): \[v_f = v_i + at\] where \(v_f\) = final velocity, \(v_i\) = initial velocity, \(a\) = acceleration, \(t\) = time
  • Equation 2 (Position-Time): \[x = x_i + v_i t + \frac{1}{2}at^2\] where \(x\) = final position, \(x_i\) = initial position
  • Equation 3 (Velocity-Position): \[v_f^2 = v_i^2 + 2a\Delta x\] Note: Use when time is unknown or not needed
  • Equation 4 (Average Velocity): \[v_{avg} = \frac{v_i + v_f}{2}\] Valid only for constant acceleration
  • Equation 5 (Displacement using Average Velocity): \[\Delta x = v_{avg} \cdot t = \frac{(v_i + v_f)}{2} \cdot t\]

Free Fall Motion

Special case of constant acceleration where a = g

  • Acceleration due to gravity (g): \[g = 9.8 \text{ m/s}^2 \approx 10 \text{ m/s}^2\] Direction: Always points downward toward Earth's center
  • Free fall equations: Replace \(a\) with \(g\) (or -g depending on coordinate system) \[v_f = v_i + gt\] \[y = y_i + v_i t + \frac{1}{2}gt^2\] \[v_f^2 = v_i^2 + 2g\Delta y\] Convention: Often use y for vertical position; choose + or - for g based on coordinate system
  • At maximum height: \(v = 0\)
  • Time to reach maximum height: \[t_{max} = \frac{v_i}{g}\] (when thrown upward with initial velocity \(v_i\))
  • Maximum height: \[h_{max} = \frac{v_i^2}{2g}\]
  • Symmetry property: Time up = Time down; Speed going up at height h = Speed coming down at height h

Projectile Motion

Fundamental Principles

  • Independence of motion: Horizontal and vertical motions are independent
  • Horizontal motion: Constant velocity (no acceleration, neglecting air resistance)
  • Vertical motion: Constant acceleration due to gravity
  • Time of flight: Same for both horizontal and vertical components

Component Analysis

Initial Velocity Components (launch angle θ from horizontal):

  • Horizontal component: \[v_{ix} = v_i \cos\theta\]
  • Vertical component: \[v_{iy} = v_i \sin\theta\]

Horizontal Motion Equations

  • Horizontal velocity: \(v_x = v_{ix} = \text{constant}\)
  • Horizontal displacement: \[x = v_{ix} \cdot t = v_i \cos\theta \cdot t\]

Vertical Motion Equations

  • Vertical velocity: \[v_y = v_{iy} - gt = v_i \sin\theta - gt\]
  • Vertical displacement: \[y = v_{iy} t - \frac{1}{2}gt^2 = v_i \sin\theta \cdot t - \frac{1}{2}gt^2\]
  • Vertical velocity-position relation: \[v_y^2 = v_{iy}^2 - 2g\Delta y\]

Key Projectile Motion Formulas

  • Time of flight (returns to same height): \[t_{total} = \frac{2v_i \sin\theta}{g}\]
  • Maximum height: \[h_{max} = \frac{v_i^2 \sin^2\theta}{2g}\]
  • Range (horizontal distance): \[R = \frac{v_i^2 \sin(2\theta)}{g}\] Maximum range occurs at θ = 45°
  • Velocity magnitude at any time: \[v = \sqrt{v_x^2 + v_y^2}\]
  • Angle of velocity at any time: \[\tan\phi = \frac{v_y}{v_x}\] where φ is measured from horizontal

Newton's Laws of Motion

Newton's First Law (Law of Inertia)

  • Statement: An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion with constant velocity, unless acted upon by a net external force
  • Mathematical expression: If \(\sum \vec{F} = 0\), then \(\vec{v} = \text{constant}\)
  • Inertia: Tendency of an object to resist changes in motion; proportional to mass

Newton's Second Law

  • Fundamental form: \[\sum \vec{F} = m\vec{a}\] where \(\sum \vec{F}\) = net force (N), \(m\) = mass (kg), \(\vec{a}\) = acceleration (m/s²)
  • Component form: \[\sum F_x = ma_x\] \[\sum F_y = ma_y\]
  • Alternative form (momentum): \[\sum \vec{F} = \frac{d\vec{p}}{dt}\] where \(\vec{p}\) = momentum
  • Weight: \[W = mg\] where \(W\) = weight (N), \(g\) = 9.8 m/s²

Newton's Third Law

  • Statement: For every action force, there is an equal and opposite reaction force
  • Mathematical expression: \[\vec{F}_{AB} = -\vec{F}_{BA}\] where \(\vec{F}_{AB}\) is force on object A by object B
  • Key point: Action-reaction pairs act on different objects

Forces and Applications

Friction

Static Friction (object at rest):

  • Maximum static friction: \[f_s \leq \mu_s N\] where \(f_s\) = static friction force, \(\mu_s\) = coefficient of static friction, \(N\) = normal force
  • At the threshold of motion: \(f_s = \mu_s N\)

Kinetic Friction (object in motion):

  • Kinetic friction force: \[f_k = \mu_k N\] where \(f_k\) = kinetic friction force, \(\mu_k\) = coefficient of kinetic friction
  • Important: Generally \(\mu_k <>
  • Direction: Always opposes motion

Inclined Plane

Forces on an inclined plane (angle θ from horizontal):

  • Weight component parallel to incline: \[F_{\parallel} = mg\sin\theta\]
  • Weight component perpendicular to incline: \[F_{\perp} = mg\cos\theta\]
  • Normal force (no acceleration perpendicular to surface): \[N = mg\cos\theta\]
  • Friction force on incline: \[f = \mu N = \mu mg\cos\theta\]
  • Acceleration down frictionless incline: \[a = g\sin\theta\]
  • Acceleration with friction: \[a = g(\sin\theta - \mu_k\cos\theta)\] (down the incline)

Tension

  • Tension in rope/string: Force transmitted through rope; pulls equally on objects at both ends
  • Massless rope: Tension is same throughout the rope
  • Rope with mass: Tension varies along length
  • Over massless, frictionless pulley: Tension is same on both sides

Normal Force

  • Definition: Perpendicular contact force exerted by a surface
  • On horizontal surface (no vertical acceleration): \(N = mg\)
  • In elevator accelerating upward: \(N = m(g + a)\)
  • In elevator accelerating downward: \(N = m(g - a)\)
  • On incline: \(N = mg\cos\theta\)

Circular Motion

Uniform Circular Motion

Constant speed in circular path

  • Centripetal acceleration: \[a_c = \frac{v^2}{r}\] where \(v\) = tangential speed, \(r\) = radius of circular path
  • Alternative form: \[a_c = \omega^2 r\] where \(\omega\) = angular velocity (rad/s)
  • Centripetal force: \[F_c = \frac{mv^2}{r} = m\omega^2 r\] Direction: Always points toward center of circle
  • Period (T): Time for one complete revolution \[T = \frac{2\pi r}{v}\]
  • Frequency (f): Number of revolutions per unit time \[f = \frac{1}{T}\] SI unit: Hz (s-1)
  • Angular velocity: \[\omega = \frac{2\pi}{T} = 2\pi f = \frac{v}{r}\] SI unit: rad/s
  • Relationship between linear and angular velocity: \[v = \omega r\]

Vertical Circular Motion

  • At the top of circle: \[F_c = mg + N = \frac{mv^2}{r}\] (both weight and normal force point toward center)
  • At the bottom of circle: \[F_c = N - mg = \frac{mv^2}{r}\] (normal force points toward center, weight points away)
  • Minimum speed at top (for N ≥ 0): \[v_{min} = \sqrt{gr}\]

Banked Curves

For a banked curve with angle θ (no friction):

  • Ideal banking angle: \[\tan\theta = \frac{v^2}{rg}\] where \(v\) = speed, \(r\) = radius of curve
  • Ideal speed for given angle: \[v = \sqrt{rg\tan\theta}\]

Work, Energy, and Power

Work

  • Work done by constant force: \[W = \vec{F} \cdot \vec{d} = Fd\cos\theta\] where \(F\) = force magnitude, \(d\) = displacement magnitude, \(\theta\) = angle between force and displacement
    SI unit: Joule (J) = N·m
  • When force parallel to displacement: \(W = Fd\) (θ = 0°)
  • When force perpendicular to displacement: \(W = 0\) (θ = 90°)
  • When force opposite to displacement: \(W = -Fd\) (θ = 180°)
  • Work by variable force: \[W = \int_{x_i}^{x_f} F \, dx\] (Equals area under F vs. x graph)
  • Net work (work-energy theorem): \[W_{net} = \Delta KE = KE_f - KE_i\]

Kinetic Energy

  • Kinetic energy: \[KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2\] where \(m\) = mass (kg), \(v\) = speed (m/s)
    SI unit: Joule (J)
  • Work-Energy Theorem: \[W_{net} = \Delta KE = \frac{1}{2}mv_f^2 - \frac{1}{2}mv_i^2\]

Potential Energy

Gravitational Potential Energy:

  • Near Earth's surface: \[PE_g = mgh\] where \(h\) = height above reference point, \(g\) = 9.8 m/s²
    SI unit: Joule (J)
  • Change in gravitational PE: \[\Delta PE_g = mg\Delta h\]
  • Work by gravity: \[W_g = -\Delta PE_g = -mg\Delta h\]

Elastic Potential Energy:

  • Spring potential energy: \[PE_s = \frac{1}{2}kx^2\] where \(k\) = spring constant (N/m), \(x\) = displacement from equilibrium
    SI unit: Joule (J)
  • Hooke's Law (restoring force): \[F_s = -kx\] Negative sign indicates force opposes displacement

Conservation of Energy

  • Mechanical Energy: \[E = KE + PE\]
  • Conservation of Mechanical Energy (no non-conservative forces): \[E_i = E_f\] \[KE_i + PE_i = KE_f + PE_f\] \[\frac{1}{2}mv_i^2 + mgh_i = \frac{1}{2}mv_f^2 + mgh_f\]
  • With non-conservative forces (friction, air resistance): \[E_i = E_f + W_{nc}\] where \(W_{nc}\) = work done by non-conservative forces (energy lost)
  • Energy dissipated by friction: \[E_{friction} = f_k \cdot d\] where \(d\) = distance traveled

Power

  • Average power: \[P_{avg} = \frac{W}{\Delta t}\] where \(W\) = work done, \(\Delta t\) = time interval
    SI unit: Watt (W) = J/s
  • Instantaneous power: \[P = \frac{dW}{dt} = \vec{F} \cdot \vec{v} = Fv\cos\theta\] where \(\theta\) = angle between force and velocity
  • When force parallel to velocity: \[P = Fv\]
  • Power in terms of energy: \[P = \frac{\Delta E}{\Delta t}\]
  • Efficiency: \[\text{Efficiency} = \frac{P_{out}}{P_{in}} = \frac{W_{out}}{W_{in}}\] Often expressed as percentage

Momentum and Collisions

Linear Momentum

  • Momentum: \[\vec{p} = m\vec{v}\] SI unit: kg·m/s
    Vector quantity in same direction as velocity
  • Newton's Second Law (momentum form): \[\sum \vec{F} = \frac{d\vec{p}}{dt} = \frac{\Delta \vec{p}}{\Delta t}\]
  • Impulse: \[\vec{J} = \sum \vec{F} \cdot \Delta t = \Delta \vec{p}\] SI unit: N·s = kg·m/s
  • Impulse-Momentum Theorem: \[\vec{J} = \Delta \vec{p} = m\vec{v}_f - m\vec{v}_i\]
  • For variable force: \[J = \int_{t_i}^{t_f} F \, dt\] (Area under F vs. t graph)

Conservation of Momentum

  • Law of Conservation of Momentum: When net external force is zero: \[\vec{p}_{total,i} = \vec{p}_{total,f}\] \[\sum m_i \vec{v}_i = \sum m_f \vec{v}_f\]
  • For two-object system: \[m_1 \vec{v}_{1i} + m_2 \vec{v}_{2i} = m_1 \vec{v}_{1f} + m_2 \vec{v}_{2f}\]
  • Component form: Applies separately to x and y directions \[p_{x,i} = p_{x,f}\] \[p_{y,i} = p_{y,f}\]

Collisions

Elastic Collisions (both momentum and kinetic energy conserved):

  • Momentum conservation: \[m_1 v_{1i} + m_2 v_{2i} = m_1 v_{1f} + m_2 v_{2f}\]
  • Kinetic energy conservation: \[\frac{1}{2}m_1 v_{1i}^2 + \frac{1}{2}m_2 v_{2i}^2 = \frac{1}{2}m_1 v_{1f}^2 + \frac{1}{2}m_2 v_{2f}^2\]
  • Relative velocity relationship: \[v_{1i} - v_{2i} = -(v_{1f} - v_{2f})\] (Relative velocity reverses in elastic collision)
  • Equal mass elastic collision (m1 = m2, object 2 initially at rest):
    Object 1 stops: \(v_{1f} = 0\)
    Object 2 moves with initial velocity of object 1: \(v_{2f} = v_{1i}\)

Inelastic Collisions (only momentum conserved, KE not conserved):

  • Momentum conservation: \[m_1 v_{1i} + m_2 v_{2i} = m_1 v_{1f} + m_2 v_{2f}\]
  • Kinetic energy lost: \[\Delta KE = KE_f - KE_i <>

Perfectly Inelastic Collisions (objects stick together):

  • Final velocity (objects move together): \[m_1 v_{1i} + m_2 v_{2i} = (m_1 + m_2)v_f\] \[v_f = \frac{m_1 v_{1i} + m_2 v_{2i}}{m_1 + m_2}\]
  • Maximum kinetic energy lost (compared to other inelastic collisions)

Center of Mass

  • Center of mass position (one dimension): \[x_{cm} = \frac{m_1 x_1 + m_2 x_2 + ... + m_n x_n}{m_1 + m_2 + ... + m_n} = \frac{\sum m_i x_i}{\sum m_i}\]
  • Center of mass position (two dimensions): \[x_{cm} = \frac{\sum m_i x_i}{M_{total}}\] \[y_{cm} = \frac{\sum m_i y_i}{M_{total}}\]
  • Velocity of center of mass: \[\vec{v}_{cm} = \frac{\sum m_i \vec{v}_i}{M_{total}} = \frac{\vec{p}_{total}}{M_{total}}\]
  • For isolated system: Center of mass moves with constant velocity (or remains at rest)

Rotational Motion (Translational Analogs)

Rotational Kinematics

  • Angular displacement (θ): SI unit: radians (rad) \[\Delta\theta = \theta_f - \theta_i\]
  • Angular velocity (ω): \[\omega = \frac{d\theta}{dt} = \frac{\Delta\theta}{\Delta t}\] SI unit: rad/s
  • Angular acceleration (α): \[\alpha = \frac{d\omega}{dt} = \frac{\Delta\omega}{\Delta t}\] SI unit: rad/s²
  • Relationship to linear quantities:
    Arc length: \(s = r\theta\) (θ in radians)
    Linear velocity: \(v = r\omega\)
    Tangential acceleration: \(a_t = r\alpha\)
  • Period and frequency: \[T = \frac{2\pi}{\omega}\] \[f = \frac{1}{T} = \frac{\omega}{2\pi}\]

Rotational Kinematic Equations (Constant Angular Acceleration)

  • Angular velocity: \[\omega_f = \omega_i + \alpha t\]
  • Angular displacement: \[\theta = \theta_i + \omega_i t + \frac{1}{2}\alpha t^2\]
  • Velocity-displacement relation: \[\omega_f^2 = \omega_i^2 + 2\alpha\Delta\theta\]

Moment of Inertia

  • Definition (rotational analog of mass): \[I = \sum m_i r_i^2\] For continuous object: \(I = \int r^2 \, dm\)
    SI unit: kg·m²
  • Common moments of inertia (about center of mass):
    Point mass at distance r: \(I = mr^2\)
    Thin rod (axis through center, perpendicular): \(I = \frac{1}{12}ML^2\)
    Thin rod (axis through end): \(I = \frac{1}{3}ML^2\)
    Solid cylinder/disk (axis through center): \(I = \frac{1}{2}MR^2\)
    Hollow cylinder (axis through center): \(I = MR^2\)
    Solid sphere (axis through center): \(I = \frac{2}{5}MR^2\)
    Hollow sphere (axis through center): \(I = \frac{2}{3}MR^2\)
  • Parallel Axis Theorem: \[I = I_{cm} + Md^2\] where \(I_{cm}\) = moment of inertia about center of mass, \(d\) = distance between parallel axes

Torque

  • Torque (rotational analog of force): \[\tau = r F \sin\theta = rF_{\perp}\] where \(r\) = distance from axis, \(F\) = force, \(\theta\) = angle between r and F
    SI unit: N·m
  • Alternative form: \[\tau = r_{\perp} F\] where \(r_{\perp}\) = perpendicular distance (lever arm)
  • Newton's Second Law for rotation: \[\sum \tau = I\alpha\]
  • Sign convention: Counterclockwise torque typically positive, clockwise negative

Rotational Dynamics and Energy

  • Rotational kinetic energy: \[KE_{rot} = \frac{1}{2}I\omega^2\]
  • Total kinetic energy (rolling object): \[KE_{total} = KE_{trans} + KE_{rot} = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 + \frac{1}{2}I\omega^2\]
  • For rolling without slipping: \[v = r\omega\] \[KE_{total} = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 + \frac{1}{2}I\left(\frac{v}{r}\right)^2\]
  • Work done by torque: \[W = \tau \Delta\theta\]
  • Rotational power: \[P = \tau \omega\]
  • Angular momentum: \[L = I\omega\] SI unit: kg·m²/s
  • Conservation of angular momentum (when net external torque = 0): \[L_i = L_f\] \[I_i \omega_i = I_f \omega_f\]
  • Torque and angular momentum: \[\sum \tau = \frac{dL}{dt}\]

Gravity and Orbital Motion

Universal Gravitation

  • Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation: \[F_g = \frac{Gm_1m_2}{r^2}\] where \(G\) = 6.67 × 10-11 N·m²/kg², \(m_1\) and \(m_2\) = masses, \(r\) = distance between centers
    Force is always attractive
  • Gravitational field strength: \[g = \frac{GM}{r^2}\] where \(M\) = mass of planet/star, \(r\) = distance from center
  • At Earth's surface: \[g = \frac{GM_E}{R_E^2} \approx 9.8 \text{ m/s}^2\] where \(R_E\) = Earth's radius
  • Weight at distance r from Earth's center: \[W = \frac{GM_E m}{r^2}\]
  • Gravitational potential energy (general form): \[PE_g = -\frac{Gm_1m_2}{r}\] Negative sign indicates attractive force; PE = 0 at r = ∞

Orbital Motion

  • Orbital speed (circular orbit): \[v = \sqrt{\frac{GM}{r}}\] where \(M\) = mass of central body, \(r\) = orbital radius
  • Centripetal force equals gravitational force: \[\frac{mv^2}{r} = \frac{GMm}{r^2}\]
  • Orbital period: \[T = \frac{2\pi r}{v} = 2\pi\sqrt{\frac{r^3}{GM}}\]
  • Kepler's Third Law: \[T^2 = \frac{4\pi^2}{GM}r^3\] For objects orbiting same body: \(\frac{T_1^2}{T_2^2} = \frac{r_1^3}{r_2^3}\)
  • Escape velocity: Minimum speed to escape gravitational field \[v_{esc} = \sqrt{\frac{2GM}{r}}\] At Earth's surface: \(v_{esc} \approx 11.2\) km/s
  • Total mechanical energy in orbit: \[E = KE + PE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 - \frac{GMm}{r} = -\frac{GMm}{2r}\] Negative total energy indicates bound orbit

Simple Harmonic Motion

General SHM Equations

  • Displacement in SHM: \[x(t) = A\cos(\omega t + \phi)\] or \[x(t) = A\sin(\omega t + \phi)\] where \(A\) = amplitude, \(\omega\) = angular frequency, \(\phi\) = phase constant
  • Velocity in SHM: \[v(t) = -A\omega\sin(\omega t + \phi)\] or (if using sine for position): \[v(t) = A\omega\cos(\omega t + \phi)\]
  • Maximum velocity: \[v_{max} = A\omega\] Occurs at equilibrium position (x = 0)
  • Acceleration in SHM: \[a(t) = -A\omega^2\cos(\omega t + \phi) = -\omega^2 x\]
  • Maximum acceleration: \[a_{max} = A\omega^2\] Occurs at maximum displacement (x = ±A)
  • Restoring force: \[F = -kx = ma = -m\omega^2 x\] Proportional to displacement, opposite in direction
  • Angular frequency: \[\omega = 2\pi f = \frac{2\pi}{T}\] SI unit: rad/s
  • Period: \[T = \frac{2\pi}{\omega} = \frac{1}{f}\]
  • Frequency: \[f = \frac{1}{T} = \frac{\omega}{2\pi}\]

Mass-Spring System

  • Angular frequency: \[\omega = \sqrt{\frac{k}{m}}\] where \(k\) = spring constant, \(m\) = mass
  • Period: \[T = 2\pi\sqrt{\frac{m}{k}}\]
  • Frequency: \[f = \frac{1}{2\pi}\sqrt{\frac{k}{m}}\]
  • Total energy (conserved in ideal SHM): \[E = \frac{1}{2}kA^2 = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 + \frac{1}{2}kx^2\]
  • Kinetic energy: \[KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 = \frac{1}{2}kA^2\sin^2(\omega t + \phi)\]
  • Potential energy: \[PE = \frac{1}{2}kx^2 = \frac{1}{2}kA^2\cos^2(\omega t + \phi)\]
  • Maximum potential energy: \(PE_{max} = \frac{1}{2}kA^2\) (at x = ±A)
  • Maximum kinetic energy: \(KE_{max} = \frac{1}{2}kA^2\) (at x = 0)

Simple Pendulum

Valid for small angles (θ <>

  • Period: \[T = 2\pi\sqrt{\frac{L}{g}}\] where \(L\) = length of pendulum, \(g\) = gravitational acceleration
    Independent of mass and amplitude (for small angles)
  • Frequency: \[f = \frac{1}{2\pi}\sqrt{\frac{g}{L}}\]
  • Angular frequency: \[\omega = \sqrt{\frac{g}{L}}\]
  • Restoring force (small angles): \[F = -mg\sin\theta \approx -mg\theta = -mg\frac{x}{L}\] where \(x\) = horizontal displacement
  • Maximum speed (at bottom): \[v_{max} = \sqrt{2gL(1 - \cos\theta_0)} \approx \sqrt{gL\theta_0^2}\] where \(\theta_0\) = maximum angular displacement

Physical Pendulum

  • Period (extended object): \[T = 2\pi\sqrt{\frac{I}{mgd}}\] where \(I\) = moment of inertia about pivot, \(d\) = distance from pivot to center of mass

Fluids at Rest (Hydrostatics)

Pressure

  • Pressure definition: \[P = \frac{F}{A}\] SI unit: Pascal (Pa) = N/m²
    Also: 1 atm = 101,325 Pa ≈ 1.01 × 105 Pa
  • Pressure vs. depth in fluid: \[P = P_0 + \rho gh\] where \(P_0\) = pressure at surface, \(\rho\) = fluid density (kg/m³), \(g\) = 9.8 m/s², \(h\) = depth
  • Gauge pressure: \[P_{gauge} = P - P_{atm} = \rho gh\] Pressure above atmospheric
  • Absolute pressure: \[P_{abs} = P_{atm} + P_{gauge}\]
  • Pressure difference between two points: \[\Delta P = \rho g\Delta h\]

Density and Specific Gravity

  • Density: \[\rho = \frac{m}{V}\] SI unit: kg/m³
    Water: \(\rho_{water} = 1000\) kg/m³ = 1 g/cm³
  • Specific gravity (SG): \[SG = \frac{\rho_{substance}}{\rho_{water}}\] Dimensionless ratio

Pascal's Principle

  • Statement: Pressure applied to enclosed fluid is transmitted undiminished to every point in the fluid
  • Hydraulic lift: \[\frac{F_1}{A_1} = \frac{F_2}{A_2}\] \[F_2 = F_1 \frac{A_2}{A_1}\] where subscript 1 = input, subscript 2 = output
  • Displacement relationship: \[A_1 d_1 = A_2 d_2\] where \(d\) = displacement

Buoyancy

  • Archimedes' Principle: Buoyant force equals weight of displaced fluid \[F_b = \rho_{fluid} V_{displaced} g\] where \(V_{displaced}\) = volume of object submerged
  • For floating object (equilibrium): \[F_b = W_{object}\] \[\rho_{fluid} V_{submerged} g = m_{object} g = \rho_{object} V_{object} g\]
  • Fraction submerged: \[\frac{V_{submerged}}{V_{total}} = \frac{\rho_{object}}{\rho_{fluid}}\]
  • Apparent weight in fluid: \[W_{apparent} = W_{actual} - F_b = mg - \rho_{fluid} V_{object} g\]
  • For object denser than fluid (sinking): \(F_b <>
  • For object less dense than fluid (floating): \(F_b = W\) (partially submerged)
  • For object with same density as fluid: \(F_b = W\) (suspended at any depth)

Fluids in Motion (Fluid Dynamics)

Continuity Equation

Conservation of mass for incompressible fluid:

  • Equation of continuity: \[A_1 v_1 = A_2 v_2\] or \[Av = \text{constant}\] where \(A\) = cross-sectional area, \(v\) = fluid velocity
  • Volume flow rate (Q): \[Q = Av = \frac{V}{t}\] SI unit: m³/s
  • Mass flow rate: \[\frac{dm}{dt} = \rho Av\]
  • Interpretation: Fluid flows faster in narrower sections

Bernoulli's Equation

Conservation of energy for ideal fluid flow (incompressible, non-viscous, streamline flow):

  • Bernoulli's equation: \[P_1 + \frac{1}{2}\rho v_1^2 + \rho g h_1 = P_2 + \frac{1}{2}\rho v_2^2 + \rho g h_2\] or \[P + \frac{1}{2}\rho v^2 + \rho gh = \text{constant}\] where \(P\) = pressure, \(\rho\) = density, \(v\) = velocity, \(h\) = height
  • Terms:
    \(P\) = pressure energy per unit volume
    \(\frac{1}{2}\rho v^2\) = kinetic energy per unit volume
    \(\rho gh\) = potential energy per unit volume

Special Cases of Bernoulli's Equation

Horizontal flow (h1 = h2):

  • \[P_1 + \frac{1}{2}\rho v_1^2 = P_2 + \frac{1}{2}\rho v_2^2\]
  • Interpretation: Pressure decreases where velocity increases

Static fluid (v1 = v2 = 0):

  • \[P_1 + \rho gh_1 = P_2 + \rho gh_2\]
  • Reduces to: \(P = P_0 + \rho gh\)

Torricelli's theorem (efflux from opening):

  • Speed of fluid exiting hole at depth h below surface: \[v = \sqrt{2gh}\] Same as free fall velocity from height h

Viscosity and Poiseuille's Law

  • Viscous force: Resistance to flow in real fluids
  • Poiseuille's Law (flow through cylindrical pipe): \[Q = \frac{\pi r^4 \Delta P}{8\eta L}\] where \(Q\) = volume flow rate, \(r\) = pipe radius, \(\Delta P\) = pressure difference, \(\eta\) = viscosity coefficient, \(L\) = pipe length
  • Key relationships:
    Flow rate proportional to \(r^4\) (very sensitive to radius)
    Flow rate proportional to pressure difference
    Flow rate inversely proportional to viscosity and length

Reynolds Number

  • Reynolds number (determines flow type): \[Re = \frac{\rho v D}{\eta}\] where \(D\) = characteristic length (e.g., diameter), \(\eta\) = viscosity
  • Laminar flow: Re < 2000="" (smooth,="" orderly="">
  • Turbulent flow: Re > 4000 (chaotic flow)
  • Transitional flow: 2000 < re=""><>

Additional Important Relationships

Coefficient of Restitution

  • Definition (for collisions): \[e = \frac{|v_{1f} - v_{2f}|}{|v_{1i} - v_{2i}|}\] Ratio of relative speeds after and before collision
  • Elastic collision: e = 1
  • Perfectly inelastic collision: e = 0
  • Real collisions: 0 < e=""><>

Hooke's Law Applications

  • Work to stretch/compress spring: \[W = \int_0^x F \, dx = \int_0^x kx \, dx = \frac{1}{2}kx^2\]
  • Average force during compression/extension: \[F_{avg} = \frac{kx}{2}\]

Terminal Velocity

  • Terminal velocity (free fall with air resistance): When drag force equals weight: \[F_{drag} = mg\] For spherical object: \(v_{terminal} \propto \sqrt{\frac{mg}{r^2}}\)
    At terminal velocity: \(a = 0\)

Surface Tension

  • Surface tension (γ): Force per unit length at liquid surface
    SI unit: N/m
  • Excess pressure in bubble: \[\Delta P = \frac{4\gamma}{r}\] where \(r\) = bubble radius
  • Capillary rise: \[h = \frac{2\gamma\cos\theta}{\rho gr}\] where \(\theta\) = contact angle, \(r\) = capillary radius
The document Formula Sheet: Translational Motion and Calculations is a part of the MCAT Course Formula Sheets for MCAT.
All you need of MCAT at this link: MCAT
Explore Courses for MCAT exam
Get EduRev Notes directly in your Google search
Related Searches
Free, mock tests for examination, practice quizzes, Important questions, Summary, Formula Sheet: Translational Motion and Calculations, Previous Year Questions with Solutions, Formula Sheet: Translational Motion and Calculations, Viva Questions, shortcuts and tricks, Exam, past year papers, Extra Questions, study material, video lectures, Formula Sheet: Translational Motion and Calculations, Objective type Questions, Sample Paper, pdf , MCQs, ppt, Semester Notes;