Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics

6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

Channels
Available on Pearson+

www.pearson.com/channels
Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

CONCEPT: INTRO TO FORCES AND NEWTON’S SECOND LAW

● A force is either a _______ or _______ (drawn as an arrow) that changes an object’s velocity. Unit = ______ (___ = kg⋅m
s2
)

● Newton’s 2nd Law: Law of _______________: 𝛴𝐹 = 𝐹𝑛𝑒𝑡 = _____ 𝑎 = _______

- IF a net force acts on an object, it accelerates ___________________ of 𝑭𝒏𝒆𝒕 m = 2kg

- Net Force = Resultant (Vector Sum) after adding all forces acting on an object.
m = 2kg

EXAMPLE: A 10 kg block is pulled by multiple horizontal forces. Calculate the block’s acceleration.

a) b)
FORCES
FB = 20 FA = 70 FB = 100 FA = 70
10kg 10kg 1) Choose direction of +
2) Write & expand 𝜮𝑭 = 𝒎𝒂
3) Solve

● Signs are very important when expanding ΣF=ma!

- Usually, we choose the direction of positive to be to the [ RIGHT | LEFT ] and [ UP | DOWN ].
- When expanding ΣF, Forces [ ALONG | AGAINST ] the positive direction are written with a [ + | – ].
- When expanding ΣF, Forces [ ALONG | AGAINST ] the positive direction are written with a [ + | – ].
- When solving for 𝒂, the sign of your answer gives you the direction of acceleration!

Page 1
Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

CONCEPT: SOLVING FOR FORCES USING NEWTON’S SECOND LAW

EXAMPLE: A 10 kg box accelerates to the EXAMPLE: A 10 kg box accelerates to the left at 6m/s2, pushed by 2
right at 9m/s2, pushed by 2 forces. If the box is forces. If the box is pushed right with 70N, calculate the other force.
pushed left with 30N, calculate the other force. Assume the direction of positive is to the right.
a) 60N a) 130N
FORCES
b) 120N b) –130N
c) 150N c) 10N 1) Choose direction of +
d) –10N 2) Write & expand 𝜮𝑭=𝒎𝒂
3) Solve

● Remember! When expanding ΣF, Forces ALONG & AGAINST direction of positive written with + & – sign, respectively.

● Always write letter 𝒂 as _________ (i.e. don’t write ΣF = m(-a)), but plug in correct sign if known (e.g. F1 – 50 = 5(-6)).

● When solving 𝒂, you could get a + or – (direction), but when solving Fs, you always get _________ # (i.e magnitude).

Page 2
Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

CONCEPT: NEWTON’S FIRST LAW

● Newton’s 1st Law: Law of _________________: If 𝐹𝑛𝑒𝑡 = ___, 𝑎 = ___, 𝑣 = ___________

- Inertia: Objects _____________ changes in velocity unless acted upon by a _____ Force

EXAMPLE: A box is pushed to the right with 20N and another force of 20N to the left. If the box has a mass of 6kg, find its
acceleration.
FORCES
1) Choose direction of +
2) Write & expand 𝜮𝑭 = 𝒎𝒂
3) Solve

[At rest, no forces] [At rest, forces cancel] [Moving, no forces] [Moving, forces cancel]
𝒗 = 5m/s 𝒗 = 5m/s
𝒗=0 𝒗=0
F=5N F=5N F=5N F=5N
m m m m

- Moving objects (𝑣 __ 0) [DO | DO NOT] require a force to keep moving; without net forces, they keep moving forever!

● __________ = quantity of inertia; a.k.a the amount of _______________ to 𝛥𝒗.

F = 12N
m = 2kg
- For the same 𝑭𝒏𝒆𝒕 , a heavier object accelerates ___________ (m , a , Δ𝑣 )

F = 12N
m = 3kg

Page 3
Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

CONCEPT: TYPES OF FORCES

● Most problems will have multiple kinds or types of forces pushing/pulling on an object.
- Always draw forces as a ________ arrow from the object’s center.

MOST COMMON FORCES

Applied: Something directly Weight: Gravitational pull by Earth Normal: Reaction to a surface push,
(____) pushes OR pulls (____) (____) whenever 2 surfaces in contact

- In direction of push/pull - Always perpendicular (___) to surface

Tension: Rope/string is pulled - Always assume a weight force, Friction: Rubbing of 2 rough surfaces in contact
(____) unless explicitly told there is none (____)
𝒗
- Always acts towards Earth’s center

- In direction of pull - Usually opposite of direction of motion

PROBLEM: A tire swing hangs from a tree branch by a rope. Identify all the forces acting on the tire.
A) Weight and normal force
B) Weight and applied force
C) Weight and tension
D) Weight, tension, and normal force

PROBLEM: You push a couch across a carpeted (rough) living room floor. Identify all the forces acting on the couch.
A) Weight, normal, friction
B) Weight, applied, friction
C) Weight, applied, normal, tension
D) Weight, applied, normal, friction

Page 4
Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

CONCEPT: FREE-BODY DIAGRAMS

● A Free-Body Diagram (FBD) shows only FORCES acting ON a SINGLE object, which is drawn as a _______________.
- Draw all Forces as arrows from the object’s center, in this order:
DIAGRAM FREE-BODY DIAGRAM
1) Weight (always, unless otherwise stated)
2) Applied Force, & Tension (if stated/shown)
3) Normal (if 2 surfaces in contact)
4) Friction (if surfaces are “rough”) =

EXAMPLE: Draw a Free-Body Diagrams and calculate the acceleration for the following situations:

a) You push your 2kg physics textbook to the right with b) Using a rope, you pull a box upwards with a force of 90N. The
a force of 20N across a flat table. The force of kinetic box’s weight is 50N, and its mass is 5kg.
friction is 8N.

PROBLEM: Draw a Free-Body Diagram for the following situation: You push a block against a rough vertical wall, pushing
upward at a 45° angle. The book slides upwards.

FORCES
1) Draw FBD: W,FA,T,N,𝒇

Page 5
Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

CONCEPT: SOLVING 1D MOTION PROBLEMS WITH FORCES

● Remember: Forces cause objects to accelerate, changing its speed or direction.

- To solve problems combining force variables & motion variables, use ________ and ______________________.

UAM EQs Motion Variables Force Variables

ሬԦ
𝒂 ሬԦ
𝒗
(1) 𝐯𝐱 = 𝐯𝟎𝐱 + 𝐚𝐱 𝐭 𝒗=0
(2) 𝐯𝐱𝟐 = 𝐯𝟎𝐱𝟐 + 𝟐𝐚𝐱 𝚫𝐱 m ሬ𝑭Ԧ
𝟏
(3) 𝚫𝐱 = 𝐯𝟎𝐱 𝐭 + 𝐚𝐱 𝐭 𝟐
𝜮𝑭 = 𝒎𝒂
𝟐
𝟏 𝚫𝒙, 𝚫𝐭
*(4) 𝚫𝐱 = (𝐯𝟎𝐱 + 𝐯𝐱 )𝐭
𝟐

- 5 variables, 3-4* EQs - 3 variables, 1 EQ

- Need 3/5 knowns - Need 2/3 knowns

EXAMPLE: A 20 kg block on a horizontal, frictionless surface is pushed and accelerates to 30m/s from rest in 6s. Calculate
the magnitude of the applied force exerted on the block.
FORCES
1) Draw FBD:
W,FA,T,N,𝑓
2) Write 𝜮𝑭 = 𝒎𝒂
3) Solve

● Acceleration 𝒂 is the ________ between force & motion problems.

- If you get “stuck” using F=ma, use UAM equations to solve, and vice versa!

Page 6
Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

PROBLEM: An 800-kg car is traveling along a horizontal road directly towards a cliff. The driver notices and brakes,
resulting in a 5,000-N net force slowing the car down. If the car's initial speed was 20 m/s and the car stops just before
going over the cliff, how far away was the car from the cliff when the driver hit the brakes?

A) 1250 m UAM EQs

B) 0.03 m (1) 𝐯𝐱 = 𝐯𝟎𝐱 + 𝐚𝐱 𝐭
C) 64 m (2) 𝐯𝐱𝟐 = 𝐯𝟎𝐱𝟐 + 𝟐𝐚𝐱 𝚫𝐱
𝟏
D) 32 m (3) 𝚫𝐱 = 𝐯𝟎𝐱 𝐭 + 𝐚𝐱 𝐭 𝟐
𝟐
𝟏
*(4) 𝚫𝐱 = (𝐯𝟎𝐱 + 𝐯𝐱 )𝐭
𝟐

FORCES
1) Draw Free-Body Diagram
2) Write 𝜮𝑭 = 𝒎𝒂
3) Solve

PROBLEM: A 1000-kg rocket is taking off from rest, accelerating vertically upward. During the first 20 seconds of its motion,
the force of gravity on the rocket (acting downwards) is 10,000 N, the engines provide 25,000 N of thrust (upward), and the
average force of air resistance opposing the rocket's motion is 5,000 N. What is the rocket's velocity after 20 s?

A) 200 m/s UAM EQs

B) 400 m/s (1) 𝐯𝐱 = 𝐯𝟎𝐱 + 𝐚𝐱 𝐭
C) 600 m/s (2) 𝐯𝐱𝟐 = 𝐯𝟎𝐱𝟐 + 𝟐𝐚𝐱 𝚫𝐱
𝟏
D) 800 m/s (3) 𝚫𝐱 = 𝐯𝟎𝐱 𝐭 + 𝐚𝐱 𝐭 𝟐
𝟐
𝟏
*(4) 𝚫𝐱 = (𝐯𝟎𝐱 + 𝐯𝐱 )𝐭
𝟐

FORCES
1) Draw Free-Body Diagram
2) Write 𝜮𝑭 = 𝒎𝒂
3) Solve

Page 7
Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

CONCEPT: WEIGHT FORCE AND GRAVITATIONAL ACCELERATION

● All objects near Earth are affected by gravity. Gravity produces a Force, which produces an acceleration. ( _________ )

● GRAVITY

m - Conceptual phenomena which says that objects with mass attract each other

● FORCE due to Gravity (a.k.a. ___________)

____ = ____ =______ UNITS: ____

- Always points towards Earth’s center (usually pointing down)

M ● ACCELERATION due to GRAVITY (a.k.a. Gravitational Acceleration)

____ = ____ =______ (near Earth) UNITS: ____

- NOT constant, varies by location: For example, gEarth = ____, gMoon = ____

● The term “WEIGHT” is used incorrectly in everyday language.

- Scales don’t measure WEIGHT. Instead, they measure ___________.
- Mass [____] = Quantity of matter, [ DOES | DOESN’T ] change at different locations
- Weight [___] = Force due to gravity, [ DOES | DOESN’T ] change at different locations (just like ___)

EXAMPLE: You step on a bathroom scale and it measures your “weight” to be 70kg. What is your REAL weight on
Earth’s surface?

EXAMPLE: If an object has mass 10kg on the Earth, what is its mass on the Moon? What is its weight on the Earth?
What is its weight on the Moon if gmoon=1.62 m/s2?

Page 8
Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

PROBLEM: The Mars Rover Perseverance weighed about 10,000 N while on Earth. After it reached the surface of Mars, it
weighed about 3790 N. What is the gravitational acceleration on Mars?
A) gMars = 0.039 m/s2
B) gMars = 0.27 m/s2
C) gMars = 3.7 m/s2
D) gMars = 26 m/s2

Page 9
Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

CONCEPT: VERTICAL FORCES AND ACCELERATION IN THE Y-AXIS

FORCES
● You’ll need to solve problems where vertical forces cause objects to accelerate in the Y-axis. 1) Draw FBD: W,FA,T,N,𝒇
2) Write 𝜮𝑭 = 𝒎𝒂
3) Solve

EXAMPLE: A 5.1 kg block is in the air, being pulled vertically by a (massless) string. Find the block’s acceleration for each
of the following Tension forces.
a) T = 70N b) T = 30N

- If |Fup| |Fdown| ⇒ a = [ positive | negative | 0 | -g ] - If |Fup| |Fdown| ⇒ a = [ positive | negative | 0 | -g ]

c) T = 50N d) T = 0N

- If |Fup| |Fdown| ⇒ a = [ positive | negative | 0 | -g ] - If |Fup| ⇒ a = [ positive | negative | 0 | -g ]

(Assuming no other forces)

Page 10
Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

PROBLEM: A 3-kg bucket is being pulled upwards by a cord. The tension in the cord is 35 N. What is the acceleration of the
bucket? (The mass of the cord is negligible, which means you can assume 𝑚𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑑 = 0.)
A) 25 m/s2 FORCES
B) 1.9 m/s2
1) Draw FBD: W,FA,T,N,𝒇
C) 21 m/s2
2) Write 𝜮𝑭 = 𝒎𝒂
D) 8.4 m/s2 3) Solve

PROBLEM: A 100-kg load of bricks is being lowered down on a cable at a speed of 5 m/s. If the load takes 2 s to slow from
that speed to a stop, what is the tension in the supporting cable during that time interval?
A) 1230 N
FORCES
B) 730 N
1) Draw FBD: W,FA,T,N,𝒇
C) 1480 N
2) Write 𝜮𝑭 = 𝒎𝒂
D) 980 N 3) Solve

Page 11
Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

CONCEPT: EQUILIBRIUM

● IF all the forces acting on an object ___________, the object is at EQUILIBRIUM: _______ ⇔ _______
- Equilibrium DOESN’T mean an object isn’t moving (𝒗 = 0)! It means the object isn’t accelerating (𝒂 = __)!

Σ𝐹 = 𝑚𝑎 Σ𝐹 = 𝑚𝑎
- In some problems, you’ll know ΣF=0, - In other problems, you’ll know a=0,
which means _____ which means _____

EXAMPLE:
a) Two equal forces pull on a box moving at a b) A 2kg book rests on a table and stays
constant 5m/s. Assuming the box has no weight, at rest. Assuming the book has weight,
calculate the box’s acceleration. calculate the forces acting on the book. FORCES
1) Draw FBD:
F2 = 10 F1 = 10 W,FA,T,N,𝑓
2) Write 𝜮𝑭 = 𝒎𝒂
3) Solve

Page 12
Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

PROBLEM: A 3-kg box of junk is being lowered on a string at a constant speed. What is the tension in the string?
A) 0N FORCES
B) 3N
1) Draw FBD: W,FA,T,N,𝒇
C) 29 N 2) Write 𝜮𝑭 = 𝒎𝒂
D) 32 N 3) Solve

PROBLEM: A loudspeaker is held in place by four vertical cables. The tension in each cable is 30 N. What is the mass of
the loudspeaker?
A) 3.06 kg FORCES
B) 12.2 kg 1) Draw FBD: W,FA,T,N,𝒇
2) Write 𝜮𝑭 = 𝒎𝒂
C) 30 kg
3) Solve
D) 120 kg

Page 13
Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

CONCEPT: THE NORMAL FORCE

● IF anything is pushed against a surface in ANY direction, the surface pushes back with a force called ___________ (___).

- Normal is always ________________ (_____) to surface.

- NO EQUATION for ⃗𝑵
⃗ ! Always calculate ⃗𝑵
⃗ using ΣF=ma.

EXAMPLE:

a) A 2.04kg book rests b) You push the book down c) You pull the book up d) You pull up with 30N.
on a table. Calculate N. with 10N. Calculate N. with 15N. Calculate N. Calculate the acceleration.

- No other applied forces: - Push down (Fy along with mg): - Pull up, not enough to lift (|Fy| < |mg|): - Pull up, enough to lift (|Fy| ≥ |mg|):

N mg N mg N mg N

Page 14
Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

CONCEPT: 2D FORCES IN HORIZONTAL PLANE

EXAMPLE: A 5kg block on a circular tabletop is pulled by 2 horizontal forces. If F1 = 2N along +x-axis and F2 = 5N at 37°,
find (a) 𝐹⃗ net, (b) ax, (c) ay, (d) a. +y

Side View Top View 2D FORCES

1) Draw FBD: W,FA,T,N,𝒇
2) Decompose 2D Forces
+x 3) Write 𝜮𝑭 = 𝒎𝒂 in x & y
4) Solve

x y
⃗⃗𝟏
𝑭
⃗𝑭⃗𝟐
⃗𝑭⃗𝒏𝒆𝒕 = ______

● IF applied forces act only in the horizontal plane, N = ____

- ΣFvert = 0 (in the side view), so vertical forces (weight, Normal) aren’t important.

● Because Forces = vectors, when a Force acts at an angle in 2D, we must ______________ it into its x & y components.
- If multiple forces acting, 𝐹𝑛𝑒𝑡 is always calculated using ____________________.

Page 15
Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

PROBLEM: Three horizontal forces act on a box (mass = 8 kg) sitting on a smooth surface. F1 is 30 N acting at 53°
counterclockwise from the +x axis, F2 is 13 N acting at 67.4° clockwise from the +x axis, and F3 is 20 N directly along the -x
axis. What are the magnitude and direction of the box's acceleration?
2D FORCES
A) 1.5 m/s2, 14° ccw from +x-axis
B) 1.5 m/s2, 76° ccw from +x-axis 1) Draw FBD
C) 6.9 m/s , 1.1° cw from -x-axis
2 2) Write 𝜮𝑭 = 𝒎𝒂 in x & y
D) 6.9 m/s , 0.46° cw from -x-axis
2 3) Solve

y F1

53°
F3 x
67.4°

F2

Page 16
Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

CONCEPT: SOLVING AN UNKNOWN 2D FORCE

● In some problems, you’ll have to solve for a Force without knowing its magnitude OR direction from the problem.
- When expanding ΣF=ma in X&Y, assume the components of unknown forces are _______________.

EXAMPLE: Three horizontal forces pull a 40kg block. F1 = 100N at 60° above the +x-axis, F2 = 70N along the -y axis. Find
the magnitude of the third force required so that the block accelerates at 2m/s2 only along the x-axis.
+y
F1 = 100N 2D FORCES
1) Draw FBD: W,FA,T,N,𝒇
2) Decompose 2D Forces
+y 60° 3) Write 𝜮𝑭 = 𝒎𝒂 in x & y
+x 4) Solve

F2 = 70N
+x
x y
⃗𝑭⃗𝟏
⃗𝑭⃗𝟐

⃗𝑭⃗𝒏𝒆𝒕 = ______

Page 17
Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

CONCEPT: 2D FORCES IN HORIZONTAL & VERTICAL PLANES

EXAMPLE: A 5.1kg block on the floor is pulled by a 10N force 37° above the horizontal. Assuming no friction, find (a) the
Normal force on the block; (b) the block’s acceleration.

Side View +y Top View

2D FORCES
1) Draw FBD: W,FA,T,N,𝒇
Top View Top View 2) Decompose 2D Forces
3) Write 𝜮𝑭 = 𝒎𝒂 in x & y
4) Solve
+x

● IF applied forces act partially/completely vertically, then N ________.

- In most problems, Fup < Fdown, so the object is in equilibrium in the y-axis: ΣFy = 0 ⇔ ay = 0
FA
N
N FA

+x
+x
FA +x +x
mg mg mg

- Push down - Pull up, not enough to lift (Fup < Fdown) - Pull up, enough to lift (Fup > Fdown)
+x
N +xmg N +xmg N +x

+x

+x +x

Page 18
Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

PROBLEM: You push a 5.1kg cart along the floor with an unknown force F at 30° below the horizontal. Using a scale, you
know the Normal force is 70N. What is the horizontal acceleration of the cart?
A) 7.84 m/s2 2D FORCES
B) 3.92 m/s2
1) Draw FBD: W,FA,T,N,𝒇
C) 6.79 m/s2 2) Decompose 2D Forces
D) 2.26 m/s2 3) Write 𝜮𝑭 = 𝒎𝒂 in x & y
4) Solve

Page 19
Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

PROBLEM: You drop a 2-kg box straight down from the top of a building. A steady horizontal wind exerts a constant force
of 3 N on the box as it falls. (Ignore other air resistance.) What is the direction of the box's acceleration?
A) 1.4° below horizontal
B) 8.7° below horizontal 2D FORCES
C) 81° below horizontal 1) Draw FBD
D) 33° below horizontal 2) Write 𝜮𝑭 = 𝒎𝒂 in x & y
E) Not enough information to tell 3) Solve

Page 20
Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

CONCEPT: EQUILIBRIUM IN 2D

● 2D Equilibrium: all forces cancel out to ZERO in the ____ AND ____ axes. 𝐹𝑛𝑒𝑡,𝑥 = Σ𝐹𝑥 = ___ 𝐹𝑛𝑒𝑡,𝑦 = Σ𝐹𝑦 = ___
- Remember to decompose all 2D forces!

EXAMPLE: A 5kg box is suspended in place by 2 cables. Calculate the tension forces of both cables.

37° 2D FORCES
1) Draw FBD: W,FA,T,N,𝒇
2) Decompose 2D Forces
3) Write 𝜮𝑭 = 𝒎𝒂 in x & y
4) Solve

● If you get stuck when solving X & Y axis equations, go to the other axis.

Page 21
Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

PROBLEM: A chandelier is supported from the ceiling by 2 chains. Both chains make a 30° angle with the vertical. The
tension in each chain is the same because of symmetry: T1=T2=50 N. What is the mass of the chandelier?
A) 2.6 kg
B) 8.8 kg 2D FORCES
C) 5.1 kg 1) Draw FBD
D) 4.4 kg 2) Write 𝜮𝑭 = 𝒎𝒂 in x & y
3) Solve

PROBLEM: A traffic signal is suspended from 3 cables as shown. The angles of the upper cables are θ1=22° and θ2=60°. If
the mass of the traffic signal is 8kg, what is the tension in cable 1?
E) 4.0 N 2D FORCES
F) 39.6 N θ2
θ1 1) Draw FBD
G) 73.4 N
2) Write 𝜮𝑭 = 𝒎𝒂 in x & y
H) 210 N
3) Solve

Page 22
Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

PROBLEM: A sphere hangs suspended by a light string, resting against a vertical wall. The sphere has a mass of 2 kg and
the string makes an 80° angle with the horizontal. What is the force from the wall against the ball?
A) 2.2 N
B) 176 N 2D FORCES
C) 3.5 N 1) Draw FBD
D) 111 N 2) Write 𝜮𝑭 = 𝒎𝒂 in x & y
3) Solve

Page 23
Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

CONCEPT: NEWTON’S THIRD LAW

● Remember: Newton’s 1st Law: Law of Inertia, Newton’s 2nd Law: ΣF = ma

● Newton’s 3rd Law: Law of _______________________

- Every action (force) results in a ____________ of (1) equal ______________ but (2) opposite ____________.
- All forces exist in Action-Reaction force pairs, which (3) always act on _____________ objects.

𝑨
𝑩

𝑭___ = 𝑭___

EXAMPLE: You (80 kg) stand on a frozen lake with a 40kg ice block. You push the ice block with a force of 20N. Assuming
no friction, (a) what is the force the block exerts on you? (b) What is the block’s acceleration? (c) What is your acceleration?

FORCES WITH
MULTIPLE OBJECTS

For each object:

1) Draw FBD: W,FA,T,N,𝒇

2) Write 𝜮𝑭 = 𝒎𝒂
3) Solve

● Remember from ΣF = ma: Sum of all Forces [ ON | BY ] A = mass OF A × acceleration OF A

● Action-Reaction _________ mean 2 objects have the same acceleration! Acceleration is inversely proportional to mass.

Page 24
Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

PROBLEM: Which of the options is NOT an action-reaction pair in the following situation? A book slides across the floor,
slowing down due to friction.
A) Friction on the book from the floor & friction on the floor from the book
B) Weight of the book from the Earth & gravitational force on the Earth from the book
C) Weight of the book & normal force on the book
D) Normal force on the book from the floor & normal force on the floor from the book

Page 25
Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

CONCEPT: FORCE PROBLEMS IN CONNECTED SYSTEMS OF OBJECTS (X-AXIS)

● IF objects are attached / connected to each other, they move together with same _____________ AND ____________.
𝑎1 𝑎2
v1 v2 = ⇒ 𝒂𝒔𝒚𝒔 = 𝒂
= ⇒ 𝒗𝒔𝒚𝒔 = 𝒗

EXAMPLE: Two blocks of mass 3kg and 5kg are connected to each other by a light (massless) string. Ignore all friction. If
you pull the 5kg block horizontally with a constant force of 30N, calculate (a) the acceleration of both blocks; (b) the Tension
on the string between the blocks
SYSTEMS OF OBJECTS
1) Draw FBDs for all objects
2) Choose direction of + (same as __)
3) Write ΣF=ma, starting with
_________ (________ Forces)
4) Solve a (EQ addition/substitution)
5) Plug a into equations,
solve other targets

● To solve these problems, you can choose either equation _______________ OR equation ________________.
- EQ Addition: line up equations top-to-bottom, then add & eliminate the non-target variable.
- EQ Substitution: usually plug simplest equation into the more complicated to eliminate non-target variable.

Page 26
Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

PROBLEM: Three blocks hanging from the ceiling are all connected by massless strings. Find the magnitude of the Tension
in (a) the top-most string, and (b) the middle string

SYSTEMS OF OBJECTS
1) Draw FBDs for all objects
2) Determine direction of +
2
3) Write ΣF=ma, starting with
simplest (fewest Forces)
4) Solve a (EQ addition/substitution)
3 5) Plug a into equations,
solve other targets

● When objects hang by multiple ropes/strings, each tension has to support/pull the TOTAL weight _____________ it.

Page 27
Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

CONCEPT: FORCES IN SYSTEMS OF OBJECTS WITH PULLEYS

● Remember! IF objects are connected to each other, they have the same acceleration AND velocity.
- To determine direction of +, if only 1 object is hanging, + is usually in the direction the _________ object will fall.
● For massless pulleys, the Tension on both objects points in different directions but has the ________ magnitude.

EXAMPLE: A 4kg block resting on a frictionless table is connected to a 2kg block hanging off the table by a cable and
massless pulley. Calculate (a) the acceleration of both blocks; (b) the Tension on the string between the blocks

SYSTEMS OF OBJECTS
1) Draw FBDs for all objects
2) Determine direction of +
3) Write ΣF=ma, starting with
simplest (fewest Forces)
4) Solve a (EQ addition/substitution)
5) Plug a into equations,
solve other targets

Page 28
Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

PROBLEM: Two blocks are connected by a light cord passing over a pulley. This setup is known as an Atwood Machine. If
the larger block is 6kg and the smaller is 4kg, find (a) the acceleration of the system and (b) the Tension in the cord.

SYSTEMS OF OBJECTS
1) Draw FBDs for all objects
2) Determine direction of +
3) Write ΣF=ma, starting with
simplest (fewest Forces)
4) Solve a (EQ addition/substitution)
5) Plug a into equations,
solve other targets

● The direction of + is usually the direction the ___________ object will fall.

Page 29
Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

CONCEPT: COMBINING CONNECTED SYSTEMS OF OBJECTS INTO A SINGLE OBJECT TO SOLVE

● When solving for 𝒂, a useful shortcut is to ____________ all masses (mA, mB,…) → single object (M=mA+mB…).
- When doing this, ignore any Tensions or Normals _____________ the objects (i.e any connecting forces).

EXAMPLE: A 3kg and 5kg block are connected by a EXAMPLE: A 4kg block is connected via rope and pulley
string. If the 5kg is pulled to the right with 30N, calculate to a 2kg block hanging off a table. Calculate the
the acceleration of the system. acceleration of the system.

⇒ ⇒

EXAMPLE: Calculate the acceleration of the system. EXAMPLE: Calculate the acceleration of the system.
F=40
3 5
2

4
6

Page 30
Clutch Non-calc - Clutch Physics
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)

PROBLEM: Two blocks connected by a string are pulled vertically upwards by a thick rope with a force of 100N. If the larger
block is 3kg and the smaller block is 2kg, calculate the acceleration of the blocks and the Tension in the connecting string.

● When using the shortcut, if asked for a connecting/“internal” force, draw a FBD and write ΣF=ma for the ________ object.

Page 31