Newton's Laws (College Board AP® Physics 1: Algebra-Based): Exam Questions

Define the term reference frame.

Describe the meaning of an inertial reference frame. Include in your answer information on:

• The type of acceleration present in an inertial reference frame

• The law(s) of motion verified by an observer in an inertial reference frame

Define inertia.

Identify whether the following statements about inertia and mass are correct. Give the correct versions of any incorrect statements.

1. Objects with a smaller mass have a greater inertia

2. Objects with a greater mass have a greater tendency to resist a change in motion

3. It is easier to move a box with a greater mass than with a smaller mass

State qualitatively Newton's second law of motion.

State the equation for Newton's second law and define the variables.

Describe the magnitude of the net external force on an object in each of the scenarios:

i) When the forces are balanced.

ii) When the forces are unbalanced.

A student makes the following claim:

"Newton's third law involves the interaction of paired forces acting on a single object."

Identify whether the student is correct or incorrect.

Justify your reasoning.

State Newton's third law.

Describe the four conditions required for a Newton's third law force pair.

Figure 1

Figure 1 shows a gun releasing a bullet.

Draw arrows on the gun and the bullet showing the forward force and the recoil force. Clearly label the arrows.

A box is at rest on the surface of the Earth. The Earth exerts a downward acting force of on the box.

Determine the magnitude of the force exerted on the Earth by the box.

A person exerts a force on the side of box from part (a) and it remains stationary.

Determine the magnitude of the force the box exerts on the person.

The person no longer exerts the force on the side of the box from part (a) but instead applies a force pushing down on the box.

Calculate the normal force exerted by the floor on the box. Justify your reasoning.