All Flashcards
Define Newton's First Law.
An object maintains its state of motion unless acted upon by a net external force.
What is inertia?
The tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion.
Define translational equilibrium.
A state where the net force on an object is zero, resulting in constant velocity.
What is an inertial reference frame?
A reference frame in which Newton's First Law holds true; an object with no net force maintains constant velocity.
What is net force?
The vector sum of all forces acting on an object.
What are the differences between balanced and unbalanced forces?
Balanced forces: Sum to zero, maintain translational equilibrium, no change in velocity. | Unbalanced forces: Result in a non-zero net force, cause acceleration.
What are the differences between static and dynamic equilibrium?
Static equilibrium: Object is at rest, net force is zero. | Dynamic equilibrium: Object is moving at constant velocity, net force is zero.
What are the differences between inertial and non-inertial reference frames?
Inertial reference frame: Newton's first law holds true, non-accelerating. | Non-inertial reference frame: Accelerating, Newton's first law may not directly apply (fictitious forces may be needed).
How do you calculate net force?
- Identify all forces acting on the object.
- Resolve forces into x and y components (if necessary).
- Add the force vectors, considering both magnitude and direction, to find the resultant force.
How do you determine if an object is in translational equilibrium?
- Identify all forces acting on the object.
- Calculate the vector sum of all forces.
- If the vector sum is zero, the object is in translational equilibrium.