Physics Multiple Choice Concepts

Front

What does it mean for an object to be in equilibrium of forces?

Back

An object is in equilibrium of forces when the net force acting on it is zero, meaning all the forces are balanced. This can occur whether the object is at rest or moving at a constant velocity.

Front

Is it possible for an object in equilibrium to be in motion?

Back

Yes, an object in equilibrium can be in motion if it is moving at a constant velocity. Equilibrium refers to the balance of forces, not the state of motion.

Front

What is impulse and how is it calculated?

Back

Impulse is the change in momentum of an object when a force is applied over a period of time. It is calculated by multiplying force by the time duration the force is applied, not distance.

Front

What is the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration?

Back

According to Newton's second law, the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass (F = ma).

Front

How does mass affect acceleration when the same force is applied?

Back

When the same force is applied to two objects, the object with less mass will accelerate faster than the object with more mass, due to the inverse relationship between mass and acceleration.

Front

What is momentum and how is it generated?

Back

Momentum is the product of an object's mass and its velocity (p = mv). It cannot be generated from within a closed system without an external force acting on it.

Front

What causes friction between two surfaces?

Back

Friction is caused by the microscopic imperfections and roughness on the surfaces of objects in contact, which create resistance to motion.

Front

What is the difference between static and kinetic friction?

Back

Static friction is the force that prevents two surfaces from sliding past each other, while kinetic friction is the force that opposes the motion of two surfaces sliding against each other.

Front

How does the coefficient of friction affect the force of friction?

Back

The force of friction is proportional to the normal force and the coefficient of friction (F_friction = μ * F_normal), where μ is the coefficient of friction for the two surfaces in contact.

Front

What is the principle of conservation of momentum?

Back

The principle of conservation of momentum states that in a closed system, the total momentum before an event (like a collision) is equal to the total momentum after the event.