AP Physics 1 : Newton's Second Law

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Physics 1

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Example Questions

Example Question #54 : Fundamentals Of Force And Newton's Laws

A truck is pulling a trailer and is accelerating at \(\displaystyle 1\frac{m}{s^2}\). The truck has mass \(\displaystyle 1500kg\) and the trailer has mass \(\displaystyle 2000kg\). Determine the force the truck is applying on the trailer. Ignore friction.

Possible Answers:

None of these

\(\displaystyle 1000N\)

\(\displaystyle 1500N\)

\(\displaystyle 3000N\)

\(\displaystyle 2000N\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 2000N\)

Explanation:

The mass of the truck is irrelevant to this problem.

The trailer has a mass of \(\displaystyle 2000kg\), and is accelerating at \(\displaystyle 1\frac{m}{s^2}\), thus, using

\(\displaystyle F=ma\)

\(\displaystyle F=2000*1\)

\(\displaystyle F=2000N\)

Example Question #881 : Ap Physics 1

A truck is pulling a trailer and is accelerating at \(\displaystyle 1\frac{m}{s^2}\). The truck has mass \(\displaystyle 1500kg\) and the trailer has mass \(\displaystyle 2000kg\). Determine the force and direction the trailer is applying on the truck.

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 2000N\), forwards

\(\displaystyle 2000N\), backwards

\(\displaystyle 1500N\), forwards

\(\displaystyle 3000N\), backwards

\(\displaystyle 1500N\), backwards

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 2000N\), backwards

Explanation:

The mass of the truck is irrelevant to this problem.

The trailer has a mass of \(\displaystyle 2000kg\), and is accelerating at \(\displaystyle 1\frac{m}{s^2}\).

\(\displaystyle F=ma\)

\(\displaystyle F=2000*1\)

\(\displaystyle F=2000N\)

This is the force the truck is applying to the trailer to accelerate it forward. Based on Newton's Laws, the trailer is applying the same force, in the opposite direction.

Example Question #281 : Forces

\(\displaystyle 32N\) force is applied to a block causing it to accelerate at \(\displaystyle 8\frac{m}{s^2}\) across a sheet of ice. What is the mass of the block?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle m=2kg\)

\(\displaystyle m=8kg\)

\(\displaystyle m=32kg\)

\(\displaystyle m=4kg\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle m=4kg\)

Explanation:

We begin by drawing a free body diagram of the block.

Force pushing on a block

\(\displaystyle F\) is the force applied to the block.

\(\displaystyle W\) is the weight of the block, or the force due to gravity. Weight is defined as \(\displaystyle W=mg\) where \(\displaystyle m\) is the mass of the block and \(\displaystyle g\) is the gravitational constant.

\(\displaystyle F_N\) is the normal force acting perpendicular to the contact surface.

Since the block is on ice, there is no friction.

We now apply Newton's second law in the direction of acceleration. In this problem, that is the x-direction.

Newton's second law is \(\displaystyle F_{net}=ma\) where \(\displaystyle F_{net}\) is the net force applied in the direction of acceleration, \(\displaystyle m\) is the mass of the block and \(\displaystyle a\) is the acceleration.

Solving for mass, we have

\(\displaystyle m=\frac{F_{net}}{a}\)

The only force in the direction of acceleration is the applied force \(\displaystyle F\), therefore

\(\displaystyle F_{net}=F=32N\). The problem tells us \(\displaystyle a=8\frac{m}{s^2}\). Substituting in this information gives us

\(\displaystyle m=\frac{F_{net}}{a}=\frac{32}{8}=4kg\)

Example Question #281 : Forces

\(\displaystyle 32N\) force is applied to a \(\displaystyle 10kg\) block sitting on a sheet of ice. What is the acceleration of the block?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle a=5\frac{m}{s^2}\)

\(\displaystyle a=3.2\frac{m}{s^2}\)

\(\displaystyle a=7.2\frac{m}{s^2}\)

\(\displaystyle a=1.8\frac{m}{s^2}\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle a=3.2\frac{m}{s^2}\)

Explanation:

We begin by drawing a free body diagram of the block.

Force pushing on a block

\(\displaystyle F\) is the force applied to the block.

\(\displaystyle W\) is the weight of the block, or the force due to gravity. Weight is defined as \(\displaystyle W=mg\) where \(\displaystyle m\) is the mass of the block and \(\displaystyle g\) is the gravitational constant.

\(\displaystyle F_N\) is the normal force acting perpendicular to the contact surface.

Since the block is on ice, there is no friction.

We now apply Newton's second law in the direction of acceleration. In this problem, that is the x-direction.

Newton's second law is \(\displaystyle F_{net}=ma\) where \(\displaystyle F_{net}\) is the net force applied in the direction of acceleration, \(\displaystyle m\) is the mass of the block and \(\displaystyle a\) is the acceleration.

Solving for acceleration, we have

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{F_{net}}{m}\)

The only force in the direction of acceleration is the applied force \(\displaystyle F\), therefore

\(\displaystyle F_{net}=F=32N\). The problem tells us \(\displaystyle m=10kg\). Substituting in this information gives us

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{F_{net}}{m}=\frac{32}{10}=3.2\frac{m}{s^2}\)

Example Question #41 : Newton's Second Law

\(\displaystyle 105N\) force is applied to a \(\displaystyle 45kg\) block sitting on a sheet of ice. What is the acceleration of the block?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle a=3.2\frac{m}{s^2}\)

\(\displaystyle a=5.13\frac{m}{s^2}\)

\(\displaystyle a=2.33\frac{m}{s^2}\)

\(\displaystyle a=1.52\frac{m}{s^2}\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle a=2.33\frac{m}{s^2}\)

Explanation:

We begin by drawing a free body diagram of the block.

Force pushing on a block

\(\displaystyle F\) is the force applied to the block.

\(\displaystyle W\) is the weight of the block, or the force due to gravity. Weight is defined as \(\displaystyle W=mg\) where \(\displaystyle m\) is the mass of the block and \(\displaystyle g\) is the gravitational constant.

\(\displaystyle F_N\) is the normal force acting perpendicular to the contact surface.

Since the block is on ice, there is no friction. 

We now apply Newton's second law in the direction of acceleration.  In this problem, that is the x-direction.

Newton's second law is \(\displaystyle F_{net}=ma\) where \(\displaystyle F_{net}\) is the net force applied in the direction of acceleration, \(\displaystyle m\) is the mass of the block and \(\displaystyle a\) is the acceleration.

Solving for acceleration, we have

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{F_{net}}{m}\)

The only force in the direction of acceleration is the applied force \(\displaystyle F\), therefore

\(\displaystyle F_{net}=F=105N\).  The problem tells us \(\displaystyle m=45kg\).  Substituting in this information gives us

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{F_{net}}{m}=\frac{105}{45}=2.33\frac{m}{s^2}\)

Example Question #284 : Forces

\(\displaystyle 64N\) force is applied to a block causing it to accelerate at \(\displaystyle 4\frac{m}{s^2}\) across a sheet of ice. What is the mass of the block?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle m=32kg\)

\(\displaystyle m=8kg\)

\(\displaystyle m=4kg\)

\(\displaystyle m=16kg\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle m=16kg\)

Explanation:

We begin by drawing a free body diagram of the block.

Force pushing on a block

\(\displaystyle F\) is the force applied to the block.

\(\displaystyle W\) is the weight of the block, or the force due to gravity. Weight is defined as \(\displaystyle W=mg\) where \(\displaystyle m\) is the mass of the block and \(\displaystyle g\) is the gravitational constant.

\(\displaystyle F_N\) is the normal force acting perpendicular to the contact surface.

Since the block is on ice, there is no friction.

We now apply Newton's second law in the direction of acceleration. In this problem, that is the x-direction.

Newton's second law is \(\displaystyle F_{net}=ma\) where \(\displaystyle F_{net}\) is the net force applied in the direction of acceleration, \(\displaystyle m\) is the mass of the block and \(\displaystyle a\) is the acceleration.

Solving for mass, we have

\(\displaystyle m=\frac{F_{net}}{a}\)

The only force in the direction of acceleration is the applied force \(\displaystyle F\), therefore

\(\displaystyle F_{net}=F=64N\).  The problem tells us \(\displaystyle a=4\frac{m}{s^2}\).  Substituting in this information gives us

\(\displaystyle m=\frac{F_{net}}{a}=\frac{64}{4}=16kg\)

Example Question #61 : Fundamentals Of Force And Newton's Laws

\(\displaystyle 10kg\) block accelerates at \(\displaystyle 7\frac{m}{s^2}\) across a sheet of ice. How much force was applied to the block?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle F=70N\)

\(\displaystyle F=55N\)

\(\displaystyle F=90N\)

\(\displaystyle F=35N\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle F=70N\)

Explanation:

We begin by drawing a free body diagram of the block.

Force pushing on a block

\(\displaystyle F\) is the force applied to the block.

\(\displaystyle W\) is the weight of the block, or the force due to gravity. Weight is defined as \(\displaystyle W=mg\) where \(\displaystyle m\) is the mass of the block and \(\displaystyle g\) is the gravitational constant.

\(\displaystyle F_N\) is the normal force acting perpendicular to the contact surface.

Since the block is on ice, there is no friction.

We now apply Newton's second law in the direction of acceleration.  In this problem, that is the x-direction.

Newton's second law is \(\displaystyle F_{net}=ma\).

Where \(\displaystyle F_{net}\) is the net force applied in the direction of acceleration, \(\displaystyle m\) is the mass of the block and \(\displaystyle a\) is the acceleration.

The only force in the direction of acceleration is the applied force \(\displaystyle F\), therefore \(\displaystyle F_{net}=F\).  The problem tells us \(\displaystyle m=10kg\) and \(\displaystyle a=7\frac{m}{s^2}\). Substituting in this information gives us:

\(\displaystyle F=ma=10*7=70N\)

Example Question #286 : Forces

\(\displaystyle 8kg\) block accelerates at \(\displaystyle 3\frac{m}{s^2}\) across a sheet of ice. How much force was applied to the block?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle F=70N\)

\(\displaystyle F=14N\)

\(\displaystyle F=24N\)

\(\displaystyle F=32N\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle F=24N\)

Explanation:

We begin by drawing a free body diagram of the block.

Force pushing on a block

\(\displaystyle F\) is the force applied to the block.

\(\displaystyle W\) is the weight of the block, or the force due to gravity. Weight is defined as \(\displaystyle W=mg\) where \(\displaystyle m\) is the mass of the block and \(\displaystyle g\) is the gravitational constant.

\(\displaystyle F_N\) is the normal force acting perpendicular to the contact surface.

Since the block is on ice, there is no friction.

We now apply Newton's second law in the direction of acceleration. In this problem, that is the x-direction.

Newton's second law is \(\displaystyle F_{net}=ma\).

Where \(\displaystyle F_{net}\) is the net force applied in the direction of acceleration, \(\displaystyle m\) is the mass of the block and \(\displaystyle a\) is the acceleration.

The only force in the direction of acceleration is the applied force \(\displaystyle F\), therefore \(\displaystyle F_{net}=F\). The problem tells us \(\displaystyle m=8kg\) and \(\displaystyle a=3\frac{m}{s^2}\). Substituting in this information gives us

\(\displaystyle F=ma=8*3=24N\)

Example Question #61 : Fundamentals Of Force And Newton's Laws

\(\displaystyle 132N\) force is applied to a \(\displaystyle 10kg\) block sitting on concrete. The coefficient of friction of concrete is \(\displaystyle 0.5\). What is the acceleration of the block?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle a=4.7\frac{m}{s^2}\)

\(\displaystyle a=9.2\frac{m}{s^2}\)

\(\displaystyle a=8.2\frac{m}{s^2}\)

\(\displaystyle a=2.5\frac{m}{s^2}\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle a=8.2\frac{m}{s^2}\)

Explanation:

We begin by drawing a free body diagram of the block.

Force pushing on a block w  friction

\(\displaystyle F\) is the force applied to the block.

\(\displaystyle W\) is the weight of the block, or the force due to gravity. Weight is defined as \(\displaystyle W=mg\) where \(\displaystyle m\) is the mass of the block and \(\displaystyle g\) is the gravitational constant.

\(\displaystyle F_N\) is the normal force acting perpendicular to the contact surface.

\(\displaystyle f\) is the force due to kinetic friction.  Friction is defined as \(\displaystyle f=\mu *F_N\) where \(\displaystyle \mu\) is the coefficient of friction.

To find the force due to friction, we need to find \(\displaystyle F_N\) by applying Newton's second in the y-direction. 

Newton's second law is \(\displaystyle F_{net}=ma\) where \(\displaystyle F_{net}\) is the net force, \(\displaystyle m\) is the mass of the block and \(\displaystyle a\) is the acceleration.

There are two forces in the y-direction, \(\displaystyle F_N\) and \(\displaystyle W\). There are in opposite directions, so they are subtracted. We are given \(\displaystyle m=10kg\). There is no acceleration in the y-direction, so \(\displaystyle a=0\).

Substituting all this information into Newton's second law gives us

\(\displaystyle F_{net}=ma\Rightarrow F_N-W=(10)*0\Rightarrow F_N-mg=(10)*0\)

\(\displaystyle F_N-mg=0\Rightarrow F_N=mg\)

Assuming \(\displaystyle g=10\)

\(\displaystyle F_N=mg=(10)(10)=100N\).

Now that we have \(\displaystyle F_N\), we can find the force due to friction. Given that \(\displaystyle \mu=0.5\) and \(\displaystyle F_N=100N\),

\(\displaystyle f=\mu *F_N=0.5*100N=50N\)

We now apply Newton's second law in the direction of acceleration. In this problem, that is the x-direction.

Solving for acceleration, we have

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{F_{net}}{m}\)

There are two forces in the direction of acceleration,the applied force \(\displaystyle F\) and the force due to friction \(\displaystyle f\). Assuming that \(\displaystyle F\) is applied in the direction of acceleration and \(\displaystyle f\) is in the opposite direction,

\(\displaystyle F_{net}=F-f=132N-50N=82N\). The problem tells us \(\displaystyle m=10kg\).  Substituting in this information gives us

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{F_{net}}{m}=\frac{82}{10}=8.2\frac{m}{s^2}\)

Example Question #851 : Newtonian Mechanics

\(\displaystyle 90N\) force is applied to a \(\displaystyle 30kg\) block sitting on wood. The coefficient of friction of wood is \(\displaystyle 0.2\). What is the acceleration of the block?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle a=8\frac{m}{s^2}\)

\(\displaystyle a=2\frac{m}{s^2}\)

\(\displaystyle a=1\frac{m}{s^2}\)

\(\displaystyle a=5\frac{m}{s^2}\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle a=1\frac{m}{s^2}\)

Explanation:

We begin by drawing a free body diagram of the block.

Force pushing on a block w  friction

\(\displaystyle F\) is the force applied to the block.

\(\displaystyle W\) is the weight of the block, or the force due to gravity. Weight is defined as \(\displaystyle W=mg\) where \(\displaystyle m\) is the mass of the block and \(\displaystyle g\) is the gravitational constant.

\(\displaystyle F_N\) is the normal force acting perpendicular to the contact surface.

\(\displaystyle f\) is the force due to kinetic friction.  Friction is defined as \(\displaystyle f=\mu *F_N\) where \(\displaystyle \mu\) is the coefficient of friction.

To find the force due to friction, we need to find \(\displaystyle F_N\) by applying Newton's second in the y-direction. 

Newton's second law is \(\displaystyle F_{net}=ma\) where \(\displaystyle F_{net}\) is the net force, \(\displaystyle m\) is the mass of the block and \(\displaystyle a\) is the acceleration.

There are two forces in the y-direction, \(\displaystyle F_N\) and \(\displaystyle W\). There are in opposite directions, so they are subtracted. We are given \(\displaystyle m=30kg\). There is no acceleration in the y-direction, so \(\displaystyle a=0\).

Substituting all this information into Newton's second law gives us:

\(\displaystyle F_{net}=ma\Rightarrow F_N-W=(30)*0\Rightarrow F_N-mg=(30)*0\)

\(\displaystyle F_N-mg=0\Rightarrow F_N=mg\)

Assuming \(\displaystyle g=10\)

\(\displaystyle F_N=mg=(30)(10)=300N\)

Now that we have \(\displaystyle F_N\), we can find the force due to friction. Given that \(\displaystyle \mu=0.2\) and \(\displaystyle F_N=300N\),

\(\displaystyle f=\mu *F_N=0.2*300N=60N\)

We now apply Newton's second law in the direction of acceleration. In this problem, that is the x-direction.

Solving for acceleration, we have

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{F_{net}}{m}\)

There are two forces in the direction of acceleration,the applied force \(\displaystyle F\) and the force due to friction \(\displaystyle f\).  Assuming that \(\displaystyle F\) is applied in the direction of acceleration and \(\displaystyle f\) is in the opposite direction,

\(\displaystyle F_{net}=F-f=90N-60N=30N\). The problem tells us \(\displaystyle m=30kg\). Substituting in this information gives us

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{F_{net}}{m}=\frac{30}{30}=1\frac{m}{s^2}\)

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