Physics Flashcard: Newtons Laws, Forces, FBDs

Front

What is Newton's First Law of Motion?

Back

An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by a net external force.

Front

Define net force.

Back

The vector sum of all the forces acting on an object.

Front

What is a free-body diagram (FBD)?

Back

A graphical representation used to visualize the forces acting on an object.

Front

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

Back

The net force acting on the object is zero, resulting in no acceleration.

Front

What is the direction of the force of gravity acting on an object?

Back

Downward, towards the center of the Earth.

Front

Explain the concept of inertia.

Back

Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion.

Front

What is Newton's Second Law of Motion?

Back

The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass (F=ma).

Front

What is the relationship between mass and weight?

Back

Weight is the force of gravity acting on an object, calculated as weight = mass × gravitational acceleration (W=mg).

Front

What is Newton's Third Law of Motion?

Back

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Front

What happens to the forces acting on an object moving at constant velocity?

Back

The net force acting on the object is zero.