Physics: Newton's Laws, Forces, and Motion Concepts Review

What is the cause of acceleration?

Acceleration is caused by a net force acting on an object.

State Newton's 2nd Law of Motion.

The acceleration produced by a net force on an object is directly proportional to the magnitude of the net force, in the same direction as the net force, and inversely proportional to the mass of the object.

How are force, mass, and acceleration related?

Force equals mass times acceleration (F = ma).

What is the relationship between friction and applied force?

Friction opposes the applied force and affects the net force acting on an object.

What are the causes of friction?

Friction is caused by the interactions between surfaces in contact and can depend on material properties and surface roughness.

What is a free body diagram?

A diagram showing all the forces acting on an object.

Explain the difference between free fall and falling with air resistance.

Free fall occurs when an object falls under the influence of gravity alone, while falling with air resistance involves the opposing force of air drag.

What is terminal velocity?

Terminal velocity is the speed at which the acceleration of a falling object is zero because friction balances the weight.

How does the mass of an object relate to its weight, rate of acceleration, time of fall, and final velocity?

Weight is the force of gravity on an object, and it affects the acceleration and final velocity during free fall; heavier objects fall faster under gravity until air resistance becomes significant.

What is the effect of frontal area on an object's air resistance?

A larger frontal area increases air resistance, which can decrease the object's velocity and acceleration.

How are vectors used to represent forces?

Vectors are used to show the magnitude and direction of forces acting on an object.

What is the significance of solving for net forces?

Calculating net forces helps determine the overall effect of multiple forces acting on an object.

What are linear forces?

Linear forces act along a straight line and can be summed to find the net force.

What happens to two values that change in opposite directions?

They are said to change inversely; as one value increases, the other decreases.