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Centennial College · PHYS-100

Centennial PHYS-100 tutoring

Help with motion, forces, work, energy and rotation in Centennial PHYS-100.

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Course overview

PHYS-100 introduces kinematics and dynamics through applied engineering problems. Its published scope includes forces, equilibrium, friction, torque, work, energy, conservation laws, rotational motion and gears. Centennial lists it in Energy Systems Engineering Technology, both Mechanical Engineering Technician – Design and Mechanical Engineering Technology - Design and Industrial, and Automation and Robotics - Electromechanical Engineering Technology.

PHYS-100 topics to review

Motion descriptions and force equationsEquilibrium, friction and torqueWork, energy and conservation principlesRotational motion and gears

Common difficulties

  • Assuming mechanical energy is conserved despite friction
  • Writing a normal force equal to weight without checking vertical forces

Preparing for this course

Practise rearranging formulas, resolving vectors and converting units. Before calculating, identify the object, the direction of motion and the forces actually acting on it. Ask whether the question is about acceleration, a change in energy or equilibrium; that choice determines the useful equations.

Registration requirements

The guidance above is study preparation, not an eligibility decision. Confirm current prerequisites, restrictions and availability with Centennial College.

Check the official course catalogue

Account for friction in an energy calculation

A 10 kg10\text{ kg} crate is already sliding at 2.0 m/s2.0\text{ m/s} on a level floor. A horizontal 30 N30\text{ N} pull acts along its motion for 4.0 m4.0\text{ m}. With μk=0.20\mu_k=0.20 and g=9.8 m/s2g=9.8\text{ m/s}^2, find its final speed. Here μk\mu_k is the kinetic friction coefficient.

Show the reasoning

  1. Determine the friction force

    Here mm is the crate’s mass and gg is gravitational acceleration. Let NN denote the upward normal force. With no vertical acceleration and a horizontal pull, N=mg=98 NN=mg=98\text{ N}. Kinetic friction is fk=μkN=19.6 Nf_k=\mu_kN=19.6\text{ N}, opposite the displacement. The crate is already sliding, so static-friction information is unnecessary.

  2. Add the work of all forces

    Let WW denote the net work of all forces, measured in joules. The net work is W=(30−19.6)(4)=41.6 JW=(30-19.6)(4)=41.6\text{ J}. Weight and the normal force do zero work because they are perpendicular to the horizontal displacement. Friction removes some of the energy supplied by the pull.

  3. Convert net work into a speed change

    Let viv_i and vfv_f be the initial and final speeds, measured in metres per second. Using W=12m(vf2−vi2)W=\tfrac12m(v_f^2-v_i^2), obtain vf=4+8.32=12.32≈3.51 m/sv_f=\sqrt{4+8.32}=\sqrt{12.32}\approx3.51\text{ m/s}. Positive net work increases the speed. Work changes kinetic energy, not speed directly.

Try a changed problem

A 5 kg5\text{ kg} crate slides initially at 1 m/s1\text{ m/s}, with a horizontal 20 N20\text{ N} pull over 2 m2\text{ m}. Keep μk=0.20\mu_k=0.20 and the same gg. Find the final speed.

Check your reasoning

Friction is 9.8 N9.8\text{ N}, net work is 20.4 J20.4\text{ J}, and vf=1+2(20.4)/5=9.16≈3.03 m/sv_f=\sqrt{1+2(20.4)/5}=\sqrt{9.16}\approx3.03\text{ m/s}.

How tutoring can help

Share a physics question, even if you are unsure which equation to use. A tutor can help you choose the system, draw the force diagram and resolve the components. We can compare force and energy methods where both apply, then practise interpreting positive, negative and zero work.

Exam preparation for PHYS-100

Use mixed problems so the method is not announced in advance. Include a diagram, assumptions and units in each solution. Check a calculated speed against the sign of net work, and revisit any step that treats a conservation law as automatic.

Use your section’s outline to choose the chapters to review. We work through permitted practice and comparable problems, without completing graded assignments or exams on your behalf.

Independent practice

Free practice and study guides for PHYS-100

90 min

Work, Energy or Momentum: Choose the Method

Choose a system and interval to connect work, energy and momentum. Guided collision and force–position practice, with an optional centre-of-mass and relative-displacement extension.

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PHYS-100 · official course reference