Physics » A. Motion and Forces » A.4. Forces and Newton’s Laws of Motion

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Newton’s First Law of Motion

• Overview
• Applying Newton’s First Law of Motion

Types of Forces and Free-body Diagrams

• Overview
• Identifying and naming forces
• Drawing and interpreting basic free-body diagrams

Newton’s Second Law of Motion

• Overview
• Solving problems using F_net = ma
• Determining the net force acting on an object from a free-body diagram
• Calculating the acceleration of an object using free-body diagrams and F_net = ma

Newton’s Third Law of Motion

• Overview
• Identifying action-reaction force pairs
• Solving problems involving Newton’s Third Law of Motion

Force of Gravity (Weight) and Normal Force

• Overview
• Distinguishing between mass and weight
• Determining the weight or mass of an object using F_g = mg
• Determining the normal force for an object in static equilibrium

Frictional Force

• Overview
• Solving for static friction using the equation f_s = μ_s F_N
• Solving for kinetic friction using the equation f_k = μ_k F_N
• Determining the minimum force required to move an object in static equilibrium
• Determining the force of kinetic friction by Newton’s Second Law

Inclined Planes

• Overview
• Drawing and interpreting free-body diagrams for incline planes
• Determining the force of gravity-component parallel to the incline
• Determining the force of gravity-component perpendicular to the incline
• Determining the normal force acting on an object on an incline
• Determining the force of static friction acting on an object in static equilibrium on an incline
• Determining the force of kinetic friction acting on an object in equilibrium
• Determining the net force and acceleration of an object on an incline

Blocks and Pulley Systems and Tension Force

• Overview
• Determining the acceleration for a standard pulley system
• Determining the acceleration for a pulley on a frictionless table system
• Determining the acceleration for a pulley on a table system with friction