Dynamics

This collection of Nuffield Maths resources explores Dynamics. The demand is roughly equivalent to that in GCE A level. 

They include slide shows to introduce the topics, student sheets and teacher notes, as well as other relevant resources.

The teachers' notes start with a short overview of the activity, who and what it is designed for, and lists the necessary resources. The student sheets have background information where needed, and tasks for the students to work and reflect on. Extensions and solutions are included in the teachers' notes.

The collection contains the following resources:

Newtonian modelling  An introduction to Newton’s Laws of Motion and how they can be applied in modelling real situations.

Solve friction problems  In this activity the friction model F≤μR is used to solve two sets of problems. The first set consists of simple problems involving bodies in limiting equilibrium. Problems in the second set are more complex, and students solve these by combining the friction model with Newton’s Second Law and the constant acceleration equations.

Projectile problems   Students use the equations for motion in a straight line with constant acceleration, and the projectile model, to solve problems involving the motion of projectiles in real contexts

Galileo's projectile model   A practical activity in which students analyse and validate Galileo’s model for the motion of a projectile. Students will need to be familiar with the uniform acceleration equations for motion in a straight line.

Vectors   Basic manipulation of vectors in component form is reviewed, and then vectors are used to solve real-life two-dimensional problems. These involve the use of the uniform acceleration formulae and Newton’s Laws of Motion in vector form.

Model the motion  Students match descriptions of a variety of real scenarios involving motion with the corresponding velocity–time and displacement–time graphs.

Investigating friction   A practical activity in which students investigate the relationship between the normal contact force and limiting friction. They should discover that friction is a variable force and its maximum value is proportional to the normal contact force.

Runaway train  Students collect data about a trolley rolling down a slope. They use this to simulate the motion of a train by fitting a quadratic curve to their data, using a graphic calculator or spreadsheet.The main emphasis of the activity is the modelling cycle.