Physics: Mechanics & Energy
Free MCAT study guide — Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
Kinematics
v = v₀ + at | x = v₀t + ½at² | v² = v₀² + 2ax
Key Point: Projectile motion: horizontal (constant v) and vertical (a = g = 9.8 m/s²) are independent.
Forces
F = ma | W = mg | f = μN | F_spring = −kx
Key Point: On an incline: F_parallel = mg sin θ, F_perpendicular = mg cos θ, N = mg cos θ.
Work, Energy & Power
W = Fd cos θ | KE = ½mv² | PE = mgh | P = W/t = Fv
Key Point: Work-energy theorem: W_net = ΔKE. Conservation: KE₁ + PE₁ = KE₂ + PE₂ (conservative forces only).
Momentum & Collisions
p = mv | J = FΔt = Δp
| Collision Type | Momentum | KE |
|---|---|---|
| Elastic | Conserved | Conserved |
| Inelastic | Conserved | NOT conserved |
| Perfectly inelastic | Conserved | Maximum KE lost (objects stick) |
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