Chapter 5 : Force and Motion I

1. Newton’s Laws
2. Some particular Forces
3. Applying Newton’s Laws
1. Newton’s Law
A. Forces (w/ contact)
Examples of contact forces, resulting from physical
contact between two objects.
A. Forces (w/o direct contact, field force)

Action at a distance
 A. Forces
The known fundamental forces in nature are all field forces. These are, in
order of decreasing strength
• The strong nuclear force (between subatomic particles)
• The electromagnetic force (between electric charges)
• The weak nuclear force (which arises in certain radioactive decay processes)
• The gravitational force (between objects)

Classical physics deals only with gravitational and electromagnetic

forces , which have infinite range.
B. Newton’s First Law (Law of inertia)

The book is moving on a horizontal frictionless surface, as shown in this figure, it

continues to move in a straight line with constant velocity until it hits a wall or
some other obstruction.
 B. Newton’s First Law (Law of inertia)
If no force acts on a body, the body’s velocity cannot change;
that is, the body cannot accelerate.

𝑣 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑣 = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡 ⟸ σ 𝐹Ԧ = 0

Note: (1) constant velocity, means both magnitude and direction

(2) No distinguish for at rest and moving with constant velocity
Mass and Inertia
Inertia: The tendency of an object to continue in its original state of motion.
Mass: A measure of the object’s resistance to changes in its motion due to a
force.
C. Newton’s Second Law

acceleration directly acceleration inversely

proportional to net force proportional to mass

F
a F  ma
m
C. Newton’s Second Law

The net force on a body is equal to the product of the

body’s mass and its acceleration.

F  ma 1 N  1 kg  m/s2

Fx  max Fy  may Fz  maz

Think – Pair – Share 1
True or False: An object can move even when no force acts on it.
Think – Pair – Share 1
True or False: An object can move even when no force acts on it.

Answer: True
Think – Pair – Share 2
True or False: If an object isn't moving, no external forces act on it.
Think – Pair – Share 2
True or False: If an object isn't moving, no external forces act on it.

Answer: False
Think – Pair – Share 3
True or False: If a single force acts on an object, the object accelerates.
Think – Pair – Share 3
True or False: If a single force acts on an object, the object accelerates.

Answer: True
Think – Pair – Share 4
True or False: If the net force acting on an object is in the positive x-direction,
the object moves only in the positive x-direction.
Think – Pair – Share 4
True or False: If the net force acting on an object is in the positive x-direction,
the object moves only in the positive x-direction.

Answer: False
Example 5.01 One- and two-dimensional forces,
puck
Here are examples of how to use Newton’s
second law for a puck when one or two forces act
on it. Parts A, B, and C of Fig.5-3 show three
situations in which one or two forces act on a puck
that moves over frictionless ice along an x axis,in
one-dimensional motion. The puck’s mass 𝑚 =
0.2𝑘𝑔 . Forces 𝐹1 and 𝐹Ԧ2 are directed along the
axis and have magnitudes 𝐹1 = 4.0𝑁, 𝐹2 = 2.0𝑁.
Force 𝐹3 at angle 𝜃 = 30° and has magnitude 𝐹3 =
1.0𝑁 . In each situation,what is the acceleration of
the puck?
 Example 5.01 One- and two-dimensional forces,
puck
4.0
(a) 𝐹1 = 𝑚𝑎 𝑎 = 0.2 = 20 𝑚/𝑠 2

4.0−2.0
(a) 𝐹1 − 𝐹2 = 𝑚𝑎 a= = 10m/s2
0.2

0.867−2.0
(c) 𝐹3 𝑐𝑜𝑠30° − 𝐹2 = 𝑚𝑎 𝑎= = −5.7 𝑚/𝑠 2
0.2
All along the x-direction

Free-body diagram: the diagram showing

the isolated body with all extremal forces on
it.
Example 5.02 Two-dimensional forces, cookie tin
Here we find a missing force by using the acceleration. In the overhead view of
Fig.5-4a,a 2.0 kg cookie tin is accelerated at 3.0 𝑚/𝑠 2 in the direction shown
by 𝑎,
Ԧ over a frictionless horizontal surface. The acceleration is caused by three
horizontal forces, only two of which are shown: of magnitude 10 N and of
magnitude 20 N. What is the third force 𝐹3 in unit-vector notation and in
magnitude-angle notation?
 Example 5.02 Two-dimensional forces, cookie tin
Here we find a missing force by using the acceleration. In the overhead view of Fig.5-4a,a 2.0 kg
cookie tin is accelerated at 3.0 𝑚/𝑠 2 in the direction shown by 𝑎,
Ԧ over a frictionless horizontal
surface. The acceleration is caused by three horizontal forces, only two of which are shown: of
magnitude 10 N and of magnitude 20 N. What is the third force 𝐹3 in unit-vector notation and in
magnitude-angle notation?
𝑥: 𝐹3𝑥 + 𝐹2𝑥 + 𝐹1𝑥 = 𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝐹2
𝐹3𝑥 = 2.0 × 3.0 × cos 50° − 10 cos 210° = 12.5𝑁

y: 𝐹3𝑦 +𝐹2𝑦 +𝐹1𝑦 = 𝑚𝑎𝑦

𝐹3𝑦 = 2.0 × 3.0 × sin 50° − 20 − 10𝑠𝑖𝑛210° = −10.4𝑁

𝐹3 = 12.5Ԧ𝑖 − 10.4Ԧ𝑗 (N)

𝐹3 = 12.5 2 + −10.4 2 = 16.0𝑁,
−1
10.4
𝜃 = tan − = −40°
12.5
D. Newton’s Third Law (Action and Reaction)

When two bodies interact, the forces on the bodies from each
other are always equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.

The action force is equal in magnitude to the reaction force and

opposite in direction. In all cases, the action and reaction forces act
on different objects.
D. Newton’s Third Law
𝐹𝑛 ′
F

The reaction to 𝐹𝑛 is the force exerted by the monitor on the table, 𝐹𝑛 ′

The reaction to Fg is the force exerted by the monitor on Earth, Fg’.
2. Some Particular Forces

(1)The Gravitational Force

the mutual force of attraction between any two objects in the
Universe

m1m2 11
Fg  G 2 where G  6.67  10 N  m /kg
2 2

r
(2) Weight
The Force that gravity exerts on a body.

w  mg SI unit: N

ME m
w G 2
r

ME
g G 2
r
(2) Weight
Note:
(1) Mass m (scaler) & Weight w (vector)
(2) Mass is an object’s intrinsic property, it is a constant.
(3) Weight is the gravitational pull, it depends on location
(4) g is not a fixed value
1
𝑔𝑚𝑜𝑜𝑛 = 𝑔 𝑔𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟 = 9.798039𝑚/𝑠 2
6 𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡ℎ

𝑔𝑝𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠 = 9.83217𝑚/𝑠 2 𝑔𝑎𝑣𝑔 = 9.8 𝑚/𝑠 2

Think – Pair – Share
Which has a greater value, a newton of gold won on Earth or a newton of gold
won on the Moon?
1. the newton of gold on the Earth
2. the newton of gold on the Moon
3. The value is the same, regardless.
Think – Pair – Share
Which has a greater value, a newton of gold won on Earth or a newton of gold
won on the Moon?
1. the newton of gold on the Earth
2. the newton of gold on the Moon
3. The value is the same, regardless.
(3) Normal Force - The perpendicular force a supporting
surface exerts on any surface resting on it
Case 1: The Normal Force on a Level Surface

F F

𝐹𝑛 − 𝑚𝑔 = 0
𝐹𝑛 = 𝑚𝑔
Case 2: The Normal Force on a Level Surface with
an Applied Force

F F
F

𝐹𝑛 + 𝐹𝑎𝑝𝑝 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = 𝑚𝑔 𝐹𝑛 = 𝑚𝑔 − 𝐹𝑎𝑝𝑝 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃

Case 2: The Normal Force on a Level Surface with
an Applied Force
F F

𝐹𝑛 = 𝑚𝑔 + 𝐹𝑎𝑝𝑝 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
Case 3: The Normal Force on a Level Surface
Under Acceleration

F  ma 
n  mg  ma
F F  ma=𝑚𝑎
𝐹𝑛 −n 𝑚𝑔 mg
𝐹𝑛 = 𝑚𝑔 + 𝑚𝑎
Case 4: The Normal Force on a Slope

𝐹𝑛 − 𝑚𝑔𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = 0, 𝐹𝑛 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
(4) The Friction force

Static Friction---The Friction acting between surfaces at

rest with respect to each other.
𝑓𝑠,𝑚𝑎𝑥 , the maximum static friction, the smallest force necessary
to start a motion.
𝑓𝑠 ≤ 𝑓𝑠,𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝜇𝑠 𝐹𝑛
µs : coefficient of static friction
Kinetic Friction---The Friction acting between surfaces
with relative motion
𝑓𝑘 = 𝜇𝑘 𝐹𝑛
µk coefficient of kinetic friction
A graph of the magnitude of the friction force versus applied force. Note that
fs,max > fk.

 k  s
0  fs  fs,max  s n
(5) Tension
The cord, rope, cable, pulled taut, is said to under
tension
The cord is massless (mass is negligible) and unstretchable.
The cord exists only as a connection between two bodies.
It pulls on both bodies with the same force magnitude T
Applications of Newton’s Laws

if m  0, then T  T 
The tension in a massless rope is the same at all points
in the rope.
Case 1: Vertical Tension Forces on a Static Object

Fy  may
T  mg  0  T  mg
Case 2: Vertical Tension Forces on an Accelerating
Object
may  Fy
may  T  mg

T  may  mg
 m  ay  g 
Case 3: Tension Forces at Angles
Think – Pair – Share 17
Consider the two situations shown in the figures, in which there is no acceleration.
In both cases the men pull with a force of magnitude F. How does the reading on
the scale in figure (i) relate to the reading on the scale in figure (ii)?

1. The scale in situation (i) gives the greater reading.

2. The scale in situation (ii) gives the greater reading.
3. The scales in both situations give identical readings.
Think – Pair – Share
Consider the two situations shown in the figures, in which there is no acceleration.
In both cases the men pull with a force of magnitude F. How does the reading on
the scale in figure (i) relate to the reading on the scale in figure (ii)?

1. The scale in situation (i) gives the greater reading.

2. The scale in situation (ii) gives the greater reading.
3. The scales in both situations give identical
readings.
3. Applying Newton’s laws

1. Sketch a picture of the system

2. Isolate the object
3. Draw a free-body diagram --- Separate out the object of
interest, and indicate all the forces on the object
4. Choose a coordinate system
5. Apply Newton’s second law
6. Solve for the unknown
7. Check the results
Example Traffic Light at Rest
Problem A traffic light weighing 100 N hangs from a vertical cable tied to two other
cables that are fastened to a support, as in the Figure. The upper cables make
angles of 37° and 53° with the horizontal. Find the tension in each of the three
cables.
 A traffic light weighing 100 N hangs from a vertical cable tied to two other cables
that are fastened to a support, as in the Figure. The upper cables make angles
of 37° and 53° with the horizontal. Find the tension in each of the three cables.

𝑇3 = 𝐹𝑔 = 100𝑁
𝑇1𝑥 = −𝑇1 cos 37° = −0.8𝑇1 𝑇2𝑥 = 𝑇2 cos 53° = 0.6𝑇2

𝑇1𝑦 = 𝑇1 sin 37° = 0.6𝑇1 𝑇2𝑦 = 𝑇2 sin 37° = 0.8𝑇2

4
𝑥: 0.6𝑇2 − 0.8𝑇1 = 0 𝑇2 = 𝑇1
3
𝑦: 0.6𝑇1 + 0.8𝑇2 = 100 𝑇1 = 60𝑁 𝑇2 = 80𝑁
Example 5.04 Cord accelerates box up a ramp
In Fig.5-15a,a cord pulls a box of sea biscuits up along a frictionless plane
inclined at angle 𝜃 = 30.0°. The box has mass m=5.00 kg, and the force from
the cord has magnitude T =25.0 N. What is the box’s acceleration a along the
inclined plane?

𝑥: 𝑇 − 𝑚𝑔𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = 𝑚𝑎
𝑎 = (25.0 − 5.00 × 9.8 sin 30°)/5.0 = 0.1𝑚/𝑠 2
𝑦: 𝐹𝑛 − 𝑚𝑔𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = 0
Example 5.07 Acceleration of block pushing on block

In Fig.5-18a,a constant horizontal force of magniF : app tude 20 N is applied to

block A of mass mA 4.0 kg,which pushes against block Bof mass m B " 6.0
kg.The blocks slide over a frictionless surface,along an xaxis. (a) What is the
acceleration of the blocks? (b) What is the (horizontal) force 𝐹Ԧ𝐵𝐴 on block B
from block A(Fig.5-18c)?
Example 5.07 Acceleration of block pushing on block
In Fig.5-18a,a constant horizontal force of 𝐹 𝑎𝑝𝑝 with magnitude 20 N is
applied to block A of mass 𝑚𝐴 = 4.0𝑘𝑔, which pushes against block B of mass
𝑚𝐵 = 6.0 kg. The blocks slide over a frictionless surface, along an x-axis. (a)
What is the acceleration of the blocks? (b) What is the (horizontal) force 𝐹Ԧ𝐵𝐴
on block B from block A(Fig.5-18c)?

𝐹𝑎𝑝𝑝 = 𝑚𝐴 + 𝑚𝐵 𝑎
20
𝑎= = 2.0 m/s2
4.0 + 6.0

𝐹𝑎𝑝𝑝 − 𝐹𝐴𝐵 = 𝑚𝐴 𝑎 or 𝐹𝐵𝐴 = 𝑚𝐵 𝑎

𝐹𝐵𝐴 = 6.0 × 2.0 = 12.0𝑁
Example Weighing a Fish in an Elevator
Problem A woman weighs a fish with a spring scale attached to the ceiling of an
elevator, as shown in Figures. While the elevator is at rest, she measures a
weight of 40.0 N.
(a)What weight does the scale read if the elevator accelerates upward at 2 𝑚/𝑠 2 ?
(b)What does the scale read if the elevator accelerates downward at 2 𝑚/𝑠 2 , as
in the figure?
(c)If the elevator cable breaks, what does the scale read?
Example Weighing a Fish in an Elevator
(a)What weight does the scale read if the elevator accelerates upward at 2 𝑚/𝑠 2 ?
(b)What does the scale read if the elevator accelerates downward at 2 𝑚/𝑠 2 , as
in the figure?
(c)If the elevator cable breaks, what does the scale read?
40
𝑚= = 4.08𝑘𝑔
9.8

(a) 𝑚𝑎 = 𝑇 − 𝑚𝑔 𝑇 = 𝑚𝑎 + 𝑚𝑔 = 4.08 ×
2 + 40 = 48.2𝑁
(b) 𝑚𝑔 − 𝑇 = 𝑚𝑎
𝑇 = 𝑚𝑔 − 𝑚𝑎 = 40 − 4.08 × 2 =31.8N
(a) 𝑚𝑔 − 𝑇 = 𝑚𝑔 𝑇 = 0
Chapter 5: Force and Motion

TOPIC summary
• The Laws of Motion
• Newton’s First Law
• Newton’s Third Law
• Newton’s Second Law

• Applications of Newton’s Laws F  ma

Fx  0 and Fy  0

Fx  max and Fy  may

Homework 1
There are two forces on the 0.9 kg box in the overhead view of the figure below but
only one is shown. For F1 = 20.0 N, a = 12.0 m/s2, and 𝜃 = 30.0°, find the following.

(a) the second force in unit-vector notation

(b) the second force as a magnitude and direction

 Homework 1
There are two forces on the 0.9 kg box in the overhead view of the figure below but
only one is shown. For F1 = 20.0 N, a = 12.0 m/s2, and 𝜃 = 30.0°, find the following.
(a) the second force in unit-vector notation

(b) the second force as a magnitude and direction

𝑎𝑥 = −𝑎 𝑠𝑖𝑛30.0° = −6.00𝑚/𝑠 2 𝑎𝑦 = −𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑠30.0° = −10.39𝑚/𝑠 2

𝑥: 𝐹1 + 𝐹2𝑥 = 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 5.40 𝐹2𝑥 = −5.40 − 𝐹1 = −25.4𝑁

𝑦: 𝐹2𝑦 = 𝑚𝑎𝑦 = −9.35N

𝑎 𝐹2 = −25.4Ԧ𝑖 − 9.35Ԧ𝑗

𝑏 𝑀𝑎𝑔𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑒: 𝐹2 = 27.1 N
−1
−9.35
Direction ∶ 𝜙 = tan = 20.20° , 𝑓𝑜𝑟 3𝑟𝑑 𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑑𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝜙 = 180 + 20.2 = 200.2°
−25.4
Homework 2
A 0.150 kg particle moves along an x axis according to
x(t) = −13.00 + 2.00t + 5.00t2 − 2.50t3, with x in meters and t in seconds. In unit-
vector notation, what is the net force acting on the particle at t = 3.15 s? (-5.59i)
Homework 3
Refer to the figure below. Let the mass of the block be 9.3 kg and the angle 𝜃 be 30°.

(a) Find the tension in the cord.(45.6N)

(b) Find the normal force acting on the block.(78.9N)

(c) If the cord is cut, find the magnitude of the

resulting acceleration of the block. (4.0m/s^2 )
Homework 4
Tarzan, who weighs 910 N, swings from a cliff at the end of a 29.0 m vine that hangs from
a high tree limb and initially makes an angle of 46.0° with the vertical. Assume that
an x axis extends horizontally away from the cliff edge and a y axis extends upward.
Immediately after Tarzan steps off the cliff, the tension in the vine is 632 N.
(a) At the moment of takeoff, what is the force on Tarzan from the vine, in unit-vector
form?

𝜃
 Homework 4
Tarzan, who weighs 910 N, swings from a cliff at the end of a 29.0 m vine that hangs from a high tree limb
and initially makes an angle of 46.0° with the vertical. Assume that an x axis extends horizontally away from
the cliff edge and a y axis extends upward. Immediately after Tarzan steps off the cliff, the tension in the
vine is 632 N.
(a) At the moment of takeoff, what is the force on Tarzan from the vine, in unit-vector form?
(b) At that moment, what is the net force on Tarzan, in unit-vector form?
(c) What is the net force on Tarzan, as a magnitude and angle
relative to the positive direction of the x axis?
(d) What is the acceleration of Tarzan, as a magnitude and 𝜃
direction, during take off?
(a) Tension: 𝐹Ԧ = 𝑇𝑠𝑖𝑛 46.0° 𝑖Ԧ + 𝑇𝑐𝑜𝑠 46.0° 𝑗Ԧ = 459Ԧ𝑖 + 439Ԧ𝑗
T
(b) Total Force : 𝐹Ԧ = 𝑇𝑠𝑖𝑛 46.0° 𝑖Ԧ + 𝑇𝑐𝑜𝑠 46.0° − 𝑚𝑔 𝑗Ԧ
= 459Ԧ𝑖 + (439 − 910)Ԧ𝑗=𝟒𝟓𝟗Ԧ𝒊 − 𝟒𝟕𝟏Ԧ𝒋
mg
𝑐 𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒: 655𝑁, 𝑑𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛: −46°
655
𝑑 𝐹 = 𝑚𝑎 𝑎 = 910 = 7.05 m/s 2 𝑑𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛: −46°
9.8
 Homework 5
A firefighter with a weight of 703 N slides down a vertical pole with an acceleration
of 2.79 m/s2, directed downward.
(a) What is the magnitude of the vertical force on the firefighter from the pole?(503N)
 Homework 6
A block is projected up a frictionless inclined plane with initial speed v0 = 3.57 m/s.
The angle of incline is 𝜃 = 32.4°.(a) How far up the plane does the block go? (12.1m)

(b) How long does it take to get there?(0.68s) (c) What is its speed when it gets back
to the bottom?
 Homework 8
In the figure below, three ballot boxes are connected by cords, one of which wraps
over a pulley having negligible friction on its axle and negligible mass. The masses
are mA = 20.0 kg, mB = 40.0 kg, mC = 20.0 kg.
(a) When the assembly is released from rest, what
is the tension in the cord that connects
boxes B and C?

(b) How far does box A move in the

first 0.150 s (assuming it does not reach the
pulley)?
 Homework 8
In the figure below, three ballot boxes are connected by cords, one of which wraps
over a pulley having negligible friction on its axle and negligible mass. The masses
are mA = 20.0 kg, mB = 40.0 kg, mC = 20.0 kg.
(a)When the assembly is released from rest, what is the tension in the
cord that connects boxes B and C?
(𝑚𝑐 + 𝑚𝐵 )g= 𝑚𝐴 + 𝑚𝐵 + 𝑚𝐶 𝑎 60 × 9.8 = 80𝑎
𝑎 = 7.35 𝑚/𝑠 2
𝑚𝑐 𝑔 − 𝑇 = 𝑚𝑐 𝑎 𝑇 = 20 × 9.8 − 20 × 7.35 = 49𝑁

(b) How far does box A move in the

first 0.150 s (assuming it does not reach the
pulley)?
 Homework 9
The figure below shows two blocks connected by a cord (of negligible mass) that passes
over a frictionless pulley (also of negligible mass). The arrangement is known as Atwood's
machine. One block has mass m1 = 1.40 kg; the other has mass m2 = 2.50 kg.

(a) What is the magnitude of the blocks' acceleration? (2.76N)

(b) What is the tension in the cord? (17.6N)

 Homework 10
In the figure below, three connected blocks are pulled to the right on a horizontal
frictionless table by a force of magnitude T3 = 70.4 N.
(a) If m1 = 11.5 kg, m2 = 23.5 kg, and m3 = 30.5 kg, calculate the magnitude of the
acceleration of the system.(1.07m/s^2) (b) Calculate the tension T1 (12.4N) (c)
Calculate the tension T2. (37.6N)
 Homework 11
A block of mass m1 = 4.40 kg on a frictionless inclined plane of angle 30.0° is
connected by a cord over a massless, frictionless pulley to a second block of
mass m2 = 3.30 kg hanging vertically.
(a) What is the magnitude of the acceleration of each block?

(b) What is the direction of the acceleration of m2?

 Homework 11
A block of mass m1 = 4.40 kg on a frictionless inclined plane of angle 30.0° is
connected by a cord over a massless, frictionless pulley to a second block of
mass m2 = 3.30 kg hanging vertically.
(a) What is the magnitude of the acceleration of each block?
(b) What is the direction of the acceleration of m2? (down)

𝑚2 𝑔 = 3.30 × 9.8 = 32.3𝑁 𝑚1 𝑔 𝑠𝑖𝑛 30.0° = 21.6N

32.3 − 21.6 = 4.40 + 3.30 𝑎 𝑎 = 1.4𝑚/𝑠 2

𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚: