Newton’s Laws of Motion
1. Introduction
Isaac Newton formulated three fundamental laws of motion that form the basis of classical
mechanics. These laws describe the relationship between the motion of an object and the
forces acting on it. Newton’s work in the 17th century laid the foundation for much of
modern physics and engineering.
These laws are applicable to most macroscopic physical phenomena, except in scenar-
ios involving very high speeds, strong gravitational fields, or subatomic particles. In such
cases, relativistic and quantum theories take precedence.
2. Force and Motion Basics
Force is a vector quantity that causes an object to accelerate. It has both magnitude
and direction. Common units for force are newtons (N), where:
1 N = 1 kg · m/s2
Motion refers to the change in position of an object over time. It is described using
parameters such as displacement, velocity, and acceleration.
2.1. Inertia
Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its motion. More massive objects
have more inertia.
3. Newton’s First Law: The Law of Inertia
Statement: An object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion continues in uniform
straight-line motion unless acted upon by a net external force.
This law implies that a force is not required to keep an object in motion, but rather
to change its state of motion.
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Physics Newton’s Laws
3.1. Applications
• A puck sliding on ice will continue moving if there is minimal friction.
• Passengers in a car lurch forward when it suddenly stops due to inertia.
3.2. Mathematical Form
Although primarily conceptual, this law implies:
X
F⃗ = 0 ⇒ constant velocity (including rest)
4. Newton’s Second Law: The Law of Acceleration
Statement: The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting
on it and inversely proportional to its mass.
F⃗net = m · ⃗a
Where:
• F⃗net : Net external force
• m: Mass of the object (kg)
• ⃗a: Acceleration (m/s2 )
4.1. Implications
This law quantitatively describes how motion changes under a force:
• For a given mass, greater force results in greater acceleration.
• For a given force, heavier objects accelerate less.
4.2. Example Problem
A 5 kg object experiences a net force of 10 N. Find the acceleration.
F 10
a= = = 2 m/s2
m 5
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Physics Newton’s Laws
5. Newton’s Third Law: The Law of Action and Reaction
Statement: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
F⃗AB = −F⃗BA
5.1. Explanation
When object A exerts a force on object B, object B simultaneously exerts an equal and
opposite force on object A. These forces always occur in pairs.
5.2. Examples
• A person pushes against a wall, and the wall pushes back.
• A rocket launches by expelling gas downward, pushing the rocket upward.
6. Free-Body Diagrams (FBD)
Free-body diagrams are graphical tools used to visualize the forces acting on an object.
Each force is represented as an arrow pointing in the direction of the force, starting from
the center of mass.
6.1. Key Forces
• Gravitational Force (Fg = mg)
• Normal Force (perpendicular to surface)
• Frictional Force (opposes motion)
• Tension, Applied, Air Resistance
7. Friction
Friction is a force that opposes the motion of an object.
7.1. Types of Friction
• Static Friction: Prevents motion; maximum before movement begins.
• Kinetic Friction: Opposes motion after it has started.
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Physics Newton’s Laws
7.2. Friction Formula
Ff = µ · Fn
Where:
• µ: Coefficient of friction
• Fn : Normal force
8. Equilibrium and Net Force
If the sum of all forces acting on an object is zero, the object is in mechanical equilibrium.
X
F⃗ = 0 ⇒ No acceleration
Equilibrium can be static (object at rest) or dynamic (constant velocity).
9. Common Misconceptions
• An object moving must have a force acting on it — False. It only requires a force
to change its motion.
• Action and reaction forces cancel out — False. They act on different bodies.
10. Conclusion
Newton’s Laws of Motion are fundamental principles in physics that explain how forces
affect the motion of objects. Mastery of these laws provides the groundwork for analyzing
and understanding most mechanical systems. From launching rockets to explaining why
a cup falls when the table is shaken, these laws are central to classical mechanics.
