Newton’s 1st law:
Inertia, the tendency to continue in a given state.

Newton’s 2nd law:
The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force, and inversely proportional to the mass. F=ma

Newton’s 3rd law:
For every force, there is an equal and opposite force.

One Newton:
The force need to accelerate 1kg at 1 m/s/s.

Normal Force:
A reaction force pointing perpendicular to the surface.

Equilibrium:
When all the forces on an object balance out, or cancel out, the object has a net force of 0.

Static Equilibrium:
When an object is in equilibrium, and not moving, this is called static equilibrium.

Dynamic Equilibrium:
An object moving at a constant velocity; no net force acting on it.

Friction:
A force that always opposes motion.

Coefficient of friction:
The ratio between the frictional force and the normal force.

This tutorial will describe Newton’s three laws of motion.  These simple, but very powerful statements can describe a great deal of the behavior of motion.  Additionally, the concept of equilibrium will be discussed.  This is a situation where the net force on an object is zero.  In situations like this, forces such as friction and air resistance may come into play.  Both of these forces tend to slow, or resist any movement.  Finally, dynamics problems will be addressed.  Here, there is no equilibrium.  There is a net force exerted on something that causes an acceleration.

Specific Tutorial Features:
• Graphically see force diagrams with animated components, especially the inclined plane problems.

Series Features:
• Concept map showing inter-connections of new concepts in this tutorial and those previously introduced.
• Definition slides introduce terms as they are needed.
• Visual representation of concepts
• Animated examples—worked out step by step
• A concise summary is given at the conclusion of the tutorial.

Newton’s Laws

Inertia
Net Force
Action and reaction forces

Equilibrium

Dynamic equilibrium
Static equilibrium

Resisting Forces

Friction
Air resistance

Dynamics Problems