Forces

What is the name given to the single force equivalent to all other forces acting on a given object?

Resultant force

What is Newton’s first law for a stationary object?

If the resultant force in a stationary object is zero, the object will remain at zero

What is Newton’s first law for a moving object?

If the resultant force in a moving object is zero, the object will remain at constant velocity.

What is Newton’s second law?

An objects acceleration is directly proportional to the resultant force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass.

What is weight?

The force that acts on an object due to gravity and the object’s mass

What quantities does weight depend on?

• Object’s mass

• Gravitational field strength at the given position in the field

What piece of equipment can be used to measure an object’s weight?

A newton meter or calibrated spring balance