Application of calculus to mechanics

This topic applies calculus to the study of motion and forces in mechanics, allowing students to model and solve real-world physical problems. Students use calculus to analyse relationships between displacement, velocity, acceleration, and force, applying Newton’s laws of motion to objects moving under constant and variable forces. They study simple harmonic motion, learning how oscillating systems behave and how displacement, velocity, and acceleration change over time. The course also explores motion on inclined planes, pulley systems, and projectile motion, as well as resisted motion where forces such as air resistance affect movement. Through these models, students learn to derive equations of motion, determine quantities such as terminal velocity and maximum height, and use calculus to describe and predict the behaviour of moving objects.