Newton's Laws and Applications

This set of flashcards covers key terms and definitions related to Newton's Laws of motion, types of forces, and fundamental principles of physics.

Force

A push or pull that is capable of changing an object's state of motion.

Net Force

The vector sum of all forces acting on an object.

Inertia

The tendency of an object to maintain its state of rest or uniform motion in a straight line.

Newton's First Law

In the absence of an unbalanced applied force, a body at rest remains at rest, and a body in motion remains in motion with a constant velocity.

Newton's Second Law

The acceleration of an object is proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass.

Units of Force

The units of force are called newtons (N), where 1 N = 1 kg·m/s².

Static Friction

The frictional force that prevents motion when an object is at rest.

Kinetic Friction

The frictional force that opposes the motion between two surfaces that are sliding past each other.

Normal Force

The force exerted by a surface perpendicular to an object resting on it.

Weight

The force exerted on an object by gravity, calculated as W = mg.

Apparent Weight

The perception of weight based on contact forces between the body and surroundings.

Friction

A force that opposes the direction of motion and depends on the contact surfaces.

Tension

The force transmitted through a string or rope when pulled tight.

Springs

Forces can be variable; Hooke's Law states that the force of a spring is proportional to its displacement.

Free-Body Diagram

A diagram showing all the forces acting on an object at a given point.

Translational Equilibrium

A state where the net force acting on an object is zero.

Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.