AP Physics C -- Units 1/2 -- Kinematics/dynamics

Need to know vocab and equations for exam prep

Newtonian Mechanics

A theory which describes the motion of objects in an inertial frame (frame of reference w/ no acceleration)

Contact Forces

Any force that requires contact to occur between two interacting objects, such as friction, tension, and normal force.

Field Forces

A force that can act on an object without physical contact, occurring through a field such as gravitational, electric, or magnetic fields.

Equilibrium

A state in which the net force acting on an object is zero, resulting in no acceleration and a balanced condition.

Inertia

The tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion; an object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by a net external force.

Newtons First Law

States that an object will remain at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by an external force. This principle defines the concept of inertia.

Newtons Second Law

States that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass, usually expressed as F=ma.

Newtons Third Law

States that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This law explains the interactions between two bodies.

Gravitational Force

The attractive force between two masses, proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers. It governs the motion of objects in a gravitational field.

Normal Force

The support force exerted by a surface against the weight of an object resting on it, acting perpendicular to the surface.

Frictional Force

The force that opposes the relative motion or tendency of such motion of two surfaces in contact. It acts parallel to the surfaces and varies with the normal force.