Force

Newton's First Law of Motion

An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion unless acted on by an outside force.

Net Force

The sum of forces acting on an object, represented as $\text{Net Force} \text{ (}\text{F}_{\text{net}}\text{)} = \text{ΣF}$.

Mass

The resistance to acceleration, typically measured in kilograms (kg).

Acceleration

The rate of change of velocity, calculated as $a = \frac{m}{s^2}$.

Newton

A unit of force defined as $1 \text{ N} = 1 \text{ kg} \times \frac{m}{s^2}$.

Newton's Third Law of Motion

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Free Body Diagram

A diagram that isolates an object and shows all the forces acting on it as vectors.

Normal Force

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

Friction

A resistive force that opposes motion between two surfaces.

Tension

The force that is transmitted through a string, rope, or cable when it is pulled tight by forces acting from opposite ends.

Formula for distance under constant acceleration

$\text{Δ}x = V_i t + \frac{1}{2} a t^2$ where $V_i$ is the initial velocity and $a$ is acceleration.

Equation for Force

$F_{\text{net}} = m a$, which relates net force to mass and acceleration.

Free body diagram components

Includes weight (F_w = mg), applied force, normal force, friction, and tension.

Angle of Force

The force applied at an angle, affecting both horizontal and vertical components of motion.

Kinematics equation example

For constant acceleration, use $10 = \frac{1}{2} \times (3.3) \times t^2$ to find time to move 10 meters.