AP Physics Forces and Newtons laws

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 the formula for calculating weight?

Back

Weight (W) = mass (m) × gravitational acceleration (g).

Front

Explain the concept of equilibrium in physics.

Back

An object is in equilibrium when the net force acting on it is zero, resulting in no acceleration.

Front

What does it mean for forces to be balanced?

Back

Balanced forces are equal in size, opposite in direction, and do not cause a change in motion.

Front

What is the significance of the angle θ in inclined plane problems?

Back

The angle θ affects the components of gravitational force acting parallel and perpendicular to the surface of the incline.

Front

What is the relationship between mass and acceleration according to Newton's Second Law?

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 happens to the net force when an object is in free fall at constant velocity?

Back

The net force is zero because the force of gravity is balanced by the air resistance.

Front

Define frictional force.

Back

Frictional force is the force that opposes the relative motion of two surfaces in contact.

Front

What is the difference between static and kinetic friction?

Back

Static friction acts on an object at rest, while kinetic friction acts on an object in motion.