Newton's Second Law Quiz
Authored by ELIZABETH WOODARD
Physics
11th Grade
NGSS covered
Used 4+ times
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This quiz comprehensively covers Newton's Second Law of Motion and its applications across increasingly complex scenarios, making it appropriate for 11th-grade physics students. The questions assess students' understanding of the fundamental relationship F = ma and require them to apply this principle to multi-step problems involving forces, acceleration, and mass. Students need solid skills in vector analysis, free-body diagrams, and mathematical manipulation of equations to succeed on this assessment. The problems range from straightforward computational exercises using F = ma to sophisticated conceptual scenarios involving variable mass systems, center of mass motion, friction forces, and inclined planes. Students must demonstrate their ability to analyze force components, understand the relationship between net force and acceleration in different reference frames, and apply Newton's laws to systems of connected objects. Created by Elizabeth Woodard, a Physics teacher in the US who teaches grade 11. This quiz serves as an excellent formative assessment tool to gauge student understanding of Newton's Second Law before moving into more advanced dynamics topics. Teachers can use this as a comprehensive review assignment after completing the Newton's Laws unit, or break it into smaller sections for targeted practice on specific concepts like force analysis or elevator problems. The varied difficulty levels make it suitable for differentiated instruction, with some problems serving as enrichment challenges for advanced students while others provide essential practice with core concepts. The quiz aligns with Next Generation Science Standards HS-PS2-1 (analyzing data to support claims about forces and motion) and supports Common Core mathematical practices through its emphasis on mathematical modeling and problem-solving strategies.
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13 questions
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1.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
15 mins • 1 pt
A spacecraft in deep space fires its thruster, which ejects fuel from the spacecraft. The ejected fuel exerts a constant force on the spacecraft and the total mass of the spacecraft decreases at a constant rate. Which of the following graphs best represents the acceleration of the spacecraft as a function of time while the thruster is firing?
Answer explanation
Tags
NGSS.HS-PS2-1
2.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
15 mins • 1 pt
Two stars in deep space are very far from any other objects. The two stars orbit the center of mass of the two-star system in circular orbits at constant speed. Which of the following claims is correct about the motion of the center of mass of the two-star system?
The center of mass also moves in circular motion.
The center of mass does not accelerate.
The acceleration of the center of mass depends on the relative masses of the stars.
The acceleration of the center of mass depends on the relative speeds of the stars.
Answer explanation
Tags
NGSS.HS-PS2-1
NGSS.HS-ESS1-4
NGSS.HS-PS2-4
3.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
15 mins • 1 pt
A box of mass M slides along a horizontal surface. The forces exerted on the box are indicated in the figure. There is negligible friction between the box and the horizontal surface. Which of the following expressions is equal to the magnitude of the acceleration of the box?
Answer explanation
Tags
NGSS.HS-PS2-1
4.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
15 mins • 1 pt
At time t = 0, a car is traveling on a straight, level road and the driver begins to apply the brakes. The car slows down and eventually stops at time ts. The magnitude of the acceleration of the car as a function of time is equal to Ct, where C is a positive constant. Which of the following graphs could represent the magnitude Fnet of the net force on the car as a function of time?
Answer explanation
Tags
NGSS.HS-PS2-1
5.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
15 mins • 1 pt
A system consists of two identical blocks connected by a rod of negligible mass. At the instant shown, the velocity of the center of mass is zero and the system has a nonzero acceleration to the right. Which of the following statements must be true?
The net force on the system is zero.
The net force on the right block is greater than the net force on the left block.
There is a net force exerted on the system directed to the left.
There is a net force exerted on the system directed to the right.
Answer explanation
Tags
NGSS.HS-PS2-1
6.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
15 mins • 1 pt
A 60 kg person is riding in an elevator. At time t₁, the elevator is accelerating downward with a magnitude of 2 m/s². A short time later, at time t₂, the elevator is accelerating upward with a magnitude of 2 m/s². The ratio of the normal force exerted by the elevator on the person at time t₁ to that at time t₂ is most nearly
(A) 2 : 3
(B) 4 : 5
(C) 5 : 6
(D) 1 : 1
Answer explanation
This is a little beyond our current level, but I left the question as a challenge!
Tags
NGSS.HS-PS2-1
7.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
15 mins • 1 pt
Crate 1 of mass m1 is connected to Crate 2 of mass m2 by a string with negligible mass. The crates are on a rough, horizontal surface. Crate 2 is pulled to the right with constant acceleration by a force of constant magnitude F. Crate 1 experiences a friction force f1 and Crate 2 experiences a friction force f2, both of which are less than F. After a short period of time, the string breaks. The force F continues to be exerted on Crate 2. Which of the following are correct expressions for the magnitude a1 of the acceleration of Crate 1 and the magnitude acm of the acceleration of the two-crate system’s center of mass after the string breaks?
Answer explanation
We haven't really talked about center of mass yet so this it a little outside of your knowledge. I left it in as a challenge, but you don't need to understand this yet.
Tags
NGSS.HS-PS2-1
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