Understanding How Objects Move

Mechanics is the branch of physics that deals with motion and the forces causing it. This is the foundation of many MCAT physics questions and helps you make sense of everything from car crashes to how your muscles work.

Types of Motion

• Linear motion: Movement in a straight line (like a car driving down a road).
• Projectile motion: Curved paths, like a ball being thrown.
• Circular motion: Moving in a circle (think of a ferris wheel).

Newton's Laws

Sir Isaac Newton gave us three laws to describe how objects move:

1. First Law (Inertia): Objects stay at rest or in straight motion unless acted on by a force.
2. Second Law (F=ma): The net force on an object equals its mass times its acceleration (\(F = ma\)).
3. Third Law: Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

Forces in Everyday Life

Forces aren't just pushes and pulls—they include gravity, friction, and tension. Learning to draw free-body diagrams helps you identify all the forces acting in a scenario.

Why It Matters

Mechanics helps explain car safety features, sports techniques, and even how blood moves through vessels.