ch 3 inclined planes Flashcards
force
is a measure of the push or pull on an object
- it is measured in newtons (N)
- it is a vector as so requires a magnitude and a direction to describe it fully
no net force vs net force
no net force on an object means that the object will move in a straight line at the same speed, or it will stay at rest. (Newton’s first law).
if the net force is equal to zero, then the object is in equilibrium and it does not accelerate
if the net force is not zero, then the object accelerates. The acceleration, a, of the object of mass,m, is in the same direction as the net force (Newton’s second law)
weight
is the force that acts on an object due to its mass in a gravitational field. It is given by F=mg
normal force
is a force that acts on an object when the object is in contact with a surface. The normal force always acts perpendicular to the surface. Can also be known as a reaction field
drag and friction
are forces that oppose the motion of the object. Drag acts to slow the motion of an object as it travels through air or a liquid. Frictional forces act to resist motion when two surfaces are in contact
applied force (Fa)
the force given to an object by an external push or pull, such as an engine
weight (Fg)
the force on an object due to the presence of a gravitational field
normal force (Fn)
the force on an object that is due to the contact between the object and the surface it is touching. The surface pushes back on the object due to Newtons third law of motion
frictional force (Ff)
the force on an object that opposes the motion of the object
tension (Ft)
the force that acts along a string or wire when it is pulled tightly by forces at either end. It acts equally at all points in the string or wire
drag (Fd)
air resistance, or the retarding force on an object due to its motion through a gas or liquid
