1. Newton’s Laws Force and Motion

2. Newtonian Mechanics  The relationship between a force and the acceleration it causes was first described by Isaac Newton (1642- 1727).  Although Newtonian mechanics are able to describe most interactions, they do not apply to all situations.  For very large speeds (an appreciable fraction of the speed of light), we must use Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity.  On an atomic scale, we must use quantum mechanics.

3. Newton’s 1 st Law  If there is no net force on an object, it will not accelerate (or its velocity will not change).  In more familiar words:  An object at rest will stay at rest unless acted on by a net force; likewise an object in motion will stay in motion unless acted on by a net force.

4. What is a force?  Forces are generally defined as something that causes a change in an objects motion (acceleration).  Categorized as either contact forces or field forces

5. Newton’s 2 nd Law

6. Newton’s 3 rd Law  For every force, there is an equal and opposite force.  When two objects interact, the forces on the objects from each other are always equal in magnitude but opposite in direction.

7. Common Forces  Gravitational  Normal  Tension  Friction

8. Gravitational Force

9. Mass and Inertia  Mass is the measure of how much matter makes up an object.  An object’s mass determines its ability to resist a change in its state of motion (an acceleration) -- Inertia

10. Normal Force  The normal force on an object is the reaction force caused by contact between the object and another surface.  The normal force is always perpendicular to the contact surface.

11. Tension  When a cord is attached to an object and pulled taut, a force is exerted on (and away) from the object, because the cord is said to be under tension.  The cord is often defined as massless and unstretchable.

12. Friction

13. Frictional Force Lab