State Newton's third law.
Answer: For every action force there is an equal and opposite reaction force on the other object.
Explanation
The two forces act on different objects, so they don't cancel.
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Physics: Kinematics and Newton's Laws (High School)
Newton's lawsEnergy & momentumKinematics
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Newton's laws
What provides the centripetal force for an object in circular motion?
Answer: Whatever real force points toward the center: tension, gravity, friction, or normal force.
Explanation
F_c = mv² / r. Centripetal force is not a separate kind of force.
An object moves at constant velocity. What is the net force on it?
Answer: Zero.
Explanation
Constant velocity means zero acceleration (first law).
How do you find the net force from a free-body diagram?
Answer: Add all forces as vectors; forces in opposite directions subtract.
Explanation
Then use a = F_net / m.
Static vs kinetic friction?
Answer: Static friction prevents motion from starting (up to a maximum μs·N); kinetic friction acts on sliding objects (μk·N).
Explanation
μs is usually larger than μk.
What is the normal force?
Answer: The support force a surface exerts perpendicular to an object resting on it.
Explanation
On a flat surface with no other vertical forces, N = mg.
Mass vs weight?
Answer: Mass is the amount of matter (kg); weight is the force of gravity on it: W = mg (newtons).
Explanation
Mass is the same everywhere; weight changes with g.
What is inertia and what does it depend on?
Answer: Resistance to changes in motion; it depends on mass.
Explanation
More mass = more inertia.
State Newton's second law.
Answer: Net force equals mass times acceleration: F_net = ma
Explanation
Units: newtons (kg·m/s²).
State Newton's first law.
Answer: An object stays at rest or in uniform motion unless acted on by a net external force.
Explanation
Also called the law of inertia.
Energy & momentum
Momentum formula and its conservation
Answer: p = mv; in a closed system total momentum before a collision equals total momentum after.
Explanation
Impulse J = FΔt = Δp.
State conservation of mechanical energy.
Answer: Without friction or air resistance, KE + PE stays constant.
Explanation
Energy converts between kinetic and potential forms.
Gravitational potential energy formula
Answer: PE = mgh
Explanation
h measured from a chosen reference level.
Kinetic energy formula
Answer: KE = ½mv²
Explanation
Doubling speed quadruples kinetic energy.
Define work in physics.
Answer: W = F · d · cosθ, the force times the displacement in the direction of the force.
Explanation
Units: joules. No displacement, no work.
Kinematics
Distance vs displacement?
Answer: Distance is the total path length (scalar); displacement is the straight-line change in position with direction (vector).
Explanation
Walk 3 m east then 3 m west: distance 6 m, displacement 0.
In projectile motion, what happens to the horizontal and vertical velocities?
Answer: Horizontal velocity stays constant; vertical velocity changes by g each second.
Explanation
The two components are independent.
On a velocity-time graph, what do the slope and area represent?
Answer: Slope = acceleration; area under the curve = displacement.
Explanation
A horizontal line means constant velocity.
On a position-time graph, what does the slope represent?
Answer: Velocity.
Explanation
A curved line means the velocity is changing (acceleration).
What is the acceleration due to gravity near Earth's surface?
Answer: About 9.8 m/s² downward (often rounded to 10).
Explanation
Ignoring air resistance, all objects fall at the same rate.
Kinematic equation without time
Answer: v² = v0² + 2aΔx
Explanation
Useful when time is unknown.
Kinematic equation: displacement with time
Answer: Δx = v0·t + ½at²
Explanation
Valid for constant acceleration.
Kinematic equation: velocity after time t
Answer: v = v0 + at
Explanation
Valid for constant acceleration.
Define acceleration.
Answer: The rate of change of velocity: a = Δv / Δt
Explanation
Units m/s². Slowing down is a negative (or opposite-direction) acceleration.
Speed vs velocity?
Answer: Speed is how fast (scalar); velocity is speed with direction (vector).
Explanation
Average velocity = displacement / time.
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