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Sheridan College · PHYS12904D

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Help with motion, energy, momentum, rotation, oscillations and ideal fluids in Sheridan PHYS12904D.

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Course overview

PHYS12904D develops mechanics in Sheridan’s engineering degree curriculum at Davis Campus in Brampton. It connects particle motion and force laws with energy, momentum, rigid-body rotation, oscillations and ideal fluids. Start by deciding which system and interval you are studying. An energy equation can reveal a speed, while a force equation explains acceleration at a particular position.

PHYS12904D topics to review

Kinematics, forces, energy and momentumRigid-body rotation and angular momentumSimple harmonic motion and pendulumsHydrostatics, continuity and ideal-fluid motion

Common difficulties

  • Assuming energy gives the direction of velocity automatically
  • Confusing maximum displacement with maximum speed in an oscillation

Preparing for this course

Review vector components, derivatives of position and unit conversions. Keep signed velocity separate from speed. For a spring, measure displacement from equilibrium and state whether friction is neglected. For fluids, identify which pressures, heights and flow areas refer to the same two locations.

Registration requirements

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

Check the official course catalogue

Find velocity and acceleration during a spring oscillation

A 0.50 kg block attached to a horizontal spring with k=50 N/mk=50\text{ N/m} is released from rest at x=0.10 mx=0.10\text{ m}. Neglect friction and measure x from equilibrium. Find its velocity and acceleration on its first passage through x=0.08 mx=0.08\text{ m}.

Show the reasoning

  1. Compare initial and later energy

    Let mm be the block’s mass, kk the spring constant, xx its signed displacement from equilibrium, vv its signed velocity and EE its mechanical energy. The amplitude AA is the maximum distance from equilibrium. Initially all mechanical energy is elastic: E=12kA2E=\tfrac12 kA^2, where A=0.10 mA=0.10\text{ m}. Later, 12kA2=12mv2+12kx2\tfrac12 kA^2=\tfrac12 mv^2+\tfrac12 kx^2. Weight and the normal do no work along this horizontal motion.

  2. Find the speed, then choose its sign

    v2=(k/m)(A2−x2)=100(0.0100−0.0064)=0.36v^2=(k/m)(A^2-x^2)=100(0.0100-0.0064)=0.36. The speed is 0.60 m/s. On the first passage, the block moves toward decreasing x, so v=−0.60 m/sv=-0.60\text{ m/s}.

  3. Use the restoring force for acceleration

    Let aa denote acceleration along the x-axis. Hooke’s law gives ma=−kxma=-kx, so a=−(50/0.50)(0.08)=−8.0 m/s2a=-(50/0.50)(0.08)=-8.0\text{ m/s}^2. Velocity and acceleration are both negative here, so the block is speeding up toward equilibrium.

Try a changed problem

Change the mass to 2.0 kg, keeping the same spring and release position. Find velocity and acceleration at the first passage through x=0.06 mx=0.06\text{ m}.

Check your reasoning

v=−25(0.0100−0.0036)=−0.40 m/sv=-\sqrt{25(0.0100-0.0036)}=-0.40\text{ m/s}, and a=−25(0.06)=−1.5 m/s2a=-25(0.06)=-1.5\text{ m/s}^2. The negative velocity follows from the first-passage direction, not from taking the square root alone.

How tutoring can help

Share a question, even if you do not yet have a force diagram or energy equation. A tutor can help you choose the system, sketch the motion and build the equations. We can then change the mass or initial condition and work through how the model changes.

Exam preparation for PHYS12904D

Practise choosing a physical principle before substituting numbers. Check limiting cases: the oscillating mass’s speed is zero at a turning point, where the magnitude of its restoring acceleration is greatest. Use the announced chapter list to balance mechanics, oscillation and fluid practice.

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 PHYS12904D

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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PHYS12904D · official course reference