Lesson Plan: Connected Particles Mathematics
This lesson plan includes the objectives, prerequisites, and exclusions of the lesson teaching students how to solve problems with systems of multiple connected particles.
Objectives
Students will be able to
- resolve a system of forces acting on two objects, joined by stacking or by light,
- resolve a system of forces acting on two particles connected by a light rod or inextensible string,
- use Newton’s third law to determine unknown forces,
- use Newton’s second law to solve problems with connected particles in motion.
Prerequisites
Students should already be familiar with
- basic trigonometry (sine, cosine, and tangent),
- vector addition,
- resolving forces in two dimensions,
- Newton’s laws of motion.
Exclusions
Students will not cover
- forces in three dimensions,
- inclined planes.