Physics Chapter 3: Forces

Chapter 3.1: Introduction / Vector Addition

1.

A force is a push or a pull. a. b. It is a vector quantity. SI unit: Newton (N).

End Point

2.

Vector Addition

+
Resultant Vector

Starting Point

Chapter 3.2: Newtons 3 Laws on Motion

3. Newtons 1 law of motion: An object at rest will remain at rest and an object in motion will remain in motion at a constant speed and same direction in an absence of net force acting on it. a. b. Also known as law of inertia. Inertia: The tendency of a body to remain at rest, or if moving to continue its motion in a straight line (object is reluctant to change) c. This law applies if the forces acting on an object are balanced (equal). For instance, a car moving at constant speed has no acceleration due to zero resultant force. The frictional force = pulling force of the car to move forward.
nd st

4.

Newtons 2 law of motion: The net force acting on an object is equal to the product of the mass and the acceleration of the object. a. b. c. d. If the resultant force acting on an object is not zero, the forces are unbalanced (1 force is stronger than the other force) This will cause the object to accelerate or decelerate in the direction of the resultant force. Formula: F = ma where m = mass (in kg) and a = acceleration (in m/s ) Weight is also a force that is similar to this equation: W = mg (where g is acceleration due to gravity). This shows that gravity is actually the resultant force acting on the object, causing objects to fall to the ground.
rd 2

5.

Newtons 3 law of motion: Every object has an equal and opposite reaction. a. If object A exerts a force F on object B, there will be a force F exerted in the opposite direction (-F) on body A (not necessarily by object B) b. c. Forces always occur in pairs. Action and reaction forces act on different bodies.

Chapter 3.3: Friction

6. Friction always acts in the opposite direction to the motion of the object.
Direction of motion Frictional Force Frictional Force Direction of motion

7.

Friction can have a positive and negative impact:

Positive Needed for walking / holding chopsticks Used in braking pads to slow down cars

Negative Reduces the efficiency of cars up to 20% Causes wear and tear of moving parts in engines, motors and machines.

8.

There are ways to overcome friction. a. b. c. Moving surfaces are separated by a lubricant: Engine oil and grease used to lubricate engines. Ball and roller bearings are placed between moving parts: E.g. in Bicycle wheels or roller blades. Materials with little frictional resistance used: Slippery graphite used for contact points in motors and dynamos.