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Newton's Laws and Forces

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Newton's Laws and Forces

A rescue team is testing equipment on a smooth track. Use force descriptions, calculations and Newton’s laws to decide how objects will move. Forces are measured in newtons (N).

Spot the forces

For each situation, decide whether the forces are balanced or unbalanced. Remember: balanced forces mean zero net force; an object may be stationary or moving at constant velocity.

1.A sled is stationary. A 60 N pull acts horizontally to the right, and 60 N of friction acts horizontally to the left. What is the net horizontal force on the sled?

2.On the sled, a 200 N normal force acts upward and a 200 N weight acts downward. Are the vertical forces balanced? Give the size and direction of the net vertical force.

3.The sled is pulled to the right with 85 N while friction acts to the left with 60 N. Calculate the net horizontal force and state its direction.

Apply Newton’s laws

Use the scenario and the data below. Show your reasoning and include units in calculations.

4.A 10 kg equipment crate experiences a net force of 30 N east. Using F = ma, calculate its acceleration, including direction.

5.The same crate is now pushed east with 50 N while friction acts west with 20 N. What is its acceleration?

6.A crate rolls along a level track at constant velocity. What can you conclude about its net force? Explain using Newton’s First Law.

7.A passenger lurches forwards when a van brakes sharply. Explain this using inertia and Newton’s First Law.

8.A swimmer pushes water backwards with a force of 120 N. State the force the water exerts on the swimmer, including direction, and name the law involved.

9.A student says, “If an object is moving, there must be a forward net force on it.” Is this always true? Use a clear example to correct the claim.

10.Two students push a 20 kg cart in the same direction with 45 N and 35 N. Friction is 20 N in the opposite direction. Calculate the cart’s net force and acceleration.