What is Newton's 2nd law: Definition and 135 Discussions

In classical mechanics, Newton's laws of motion are three laws that describe the relationship between the motion of an object and the forces acting on it. The first law states that an object either remains at rest or continues to move at a constant velocity, unless it is acted upon by an external force. The second law states that the rate of change of momentum of an object is directly proportional to the force applied, or, for an object with constant mass, that the net force on an object is equal to the mass of that object multiplied by the acceleration. The third law states that when one object exerts a force on a second object, that second object exerts a force that is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction on the first object.
The three laws of motion were first compiled by Isaac Newton in his Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica (Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy), first published in 1687. Newton used them to explain and investigate the motion of many physical objects and systems, which laid the foundation for Newtonian mechanics.

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  1. W

    How Does Tension Vary in a Multi-Block Pulley System?

    The problem is: In the figure here 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 = 31 kg, mB = 40 kg, and mC = 13 kg. When the assembly is released from rest, (a) what is the tension in...
  2. H

    Validity of Newton's 2nd Law in accelerating ref. frame and constant v.

    First of all I'm not sure if this is the right forum for this problem. Homework Statement Given that \overline{F}=m\overline{a} is valid in the lab frame S, show that: (a) it is also valid in a moving frame S' with a constant velocity relative to S, but (b) invalid in a moving frame with...
  3. D

    MHB Understanding Newton's 2nd Law for a Ball Thrown Up an Inclined Plane

    I haven't taken a physics course in years so I am little lost. A ball is thrown with initial speed $v_0$ up an inclined plane. The plane is inclined at an angle $\phi$ above the horizontal, and the ball's initial velocity is at an angle $\theta$ above the plane. Choose axes with $x$ measured...
  4. L

    Simple Newton's 2nd Law problem Why isn't this answer right, though?

    1. "A 40.0-kg crate is pulled along a horizontal floor by the ideal arrangement shown in figure below. The force F is 280 N. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the crate and the floor is 0.170. What is the acceleration of the crate?" ______box---^=Pulley__ Okay, this is a...
  5. A

    How Does the Angle Impact Force Calculation in Newton's Second Law Problems?

    Homework Statement http://www.diigo.com/item/image/2sb3i/ahcq Homework Equations Ʃ\vec{F} = m\vec{a} The Attempt at a Solution For M : T - mg = ma T - 19.6 = 2a (1) For 2M : 40 cos (150) - T = 4a from (1) : T = 2a + 19.6 substituting : 40 cos (150) - (2a +19.6) = 4a 40 cos (150) - 19.6...
  6. D

    A Person in Free Fall Newton's 2nd Law

    A Person in "Free Fall" Newton's 2nd Law Homework Statement An 80kg aviator is in free fall and acquires a velocity of 60 m/s and then opens his parachute. After falling an additional 30m, his velocity has been reduced to 20 m/s. What is the average acceleration of the aviator while his fall...
  7. A

    Why would Newton's 2nd law be meaningless here?

    If an isolated body starts to accelerate, why would saying the system isn't properly isolated render Newton's second law meaningless? pg. 60 of K&K...
  8. P

    Solving for Mass of Block of Ice w/ Newton's 2nd Law

    Homework Statement A dockworker applies a constant horizontal force of 80 N to a block of ice on a smooth horizontal floor. The fritional force is negligible. The block starts from rest and moves 11 meter in 5 seconds. What is the mass of the block of ice? Homework Equations Newton's...
  9. A

    Newton's 2nd Law Lab: Keeping Mass Constant?

    Homework Statement We did a lab in class where we had a cart and we had nothing on top of it. We added different forces at the end of a pulley to see how the acceleration differed with different forces. One of the questions on our lab was: We tried to keep the "mass constant". Why is this...
  10. J

    Newton's 2nd Law: What is the Definition?

    I'm just curious about the second law. I was taught in secondary school that the definition of the 2nd law was just when a resultant force acts on an object with a constant mass, the object will accelerate and move in the direction of the resultant force. The product of the mass and the...
  11. R

    How Does Newton's Second Law Apply to Rotational Motion in a Pulley System?

    Homework Statement In the figure http://i.imgur.com/Y5Vc7.gif shows a uniform disk (M = 2.5kg, R = 0.20 m) mounted on a fixed horizontal axle. A block (m = 1.2kg) hangs from a massless cord that is wrapped around the rim of the disk. The cord does not slip and there is no friction. Find the...
  12. L

    Atwood Machine Problem and Newton's 2nd Law

    【Atwood Machine Problem】 Homework Statement Regular atwood machine lab where you test the proportionality of net force and acceleration as stated in Newton's 2nd Law. The regular lab procedure is to release the smaller mass at rest, to let it be lifted by the heavier one. Question is: "How...
  13. M

    Newton's 2nd Law and drawing forces

    Hey guys, how would I show that a = g sin(alpha) for the following diagram?
  14. J

    Newton's 2nd Law on light fixture

    Homework Statement A lightweight string of length 60.0 cm is attached to the ceiling at points separated by distance D, as shown on the diagram in my attachment. Three objects of equal mass are hung from the string, separating the string into four equal segments of lenth L. If θ=40° , find...
  15. G

    About expt re Newton's 2nd law

    hello all Consider an experiment to prove that the acceleration in a certain direction on a given mass is directly proportional to the resultant force in that direction given that the given mass is constant. The acceleration can be measured using light gates. This resultant force can be...
  16. J

    How Does Newton's 2nd Law Apply in Different Force Scenarios?

    In Figure 5-51a, a constant horizontal force a is applied to block A, which pushes against block B with a 20.0 N force directed horizontally to the right. In Figure 5-51b, the same force is applied to block B; now block A pushes on block B with a 10.0 N force directed horizontally to the left...
  17. S

    Newton's 2nd law problem. I have trouble setting up eq. for gravity/weight

    Homework Statement http://rwdacad01.slcc.edu/academics/dept/physics/tvanausdal/2210/problems/force/force3.htm A block is given a push up the incline so it has an initial velocity of 5 m/s up the incline. If the incline angle is 30 degrees and the coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.2...
  18. L

    Finding Acceleration of Falling Object: Newton's 2nd Law

    A body of mass m (kg) is falling vertically under gravity g m/s2 in a medium whose resistance to the speed of the body, v m/s, is proportional to vn (n positive). If the body was released from rest and has terminal velocity, vt m/s, use Newton's 2nd law of motion to show that its...
  19. M

    Solving Newton's 2nd Law Problems: Blocks & Crate

    Hi, I'm having trouble with these problems dealing with Newton's 2nd Law 1] Two blocks are in contact on a frictionless table. A horizontal force is applied to the larger block, as shown in Fig. 5-50. (a) If m1 = 2.0 kg, m2 = 1.4 kg, and F = 2.7 N, find the magnitude of the force between the...
  20. W

    Coming up with a Newton's 2nd law tension problem

    Homework Statement So I am coming up with a word problem dealing with N2L. It goes like this. I have an object on top of a cliff i want to get, so i attach a pulley to the edge of the cliff. Now i tie my self to the object and string it with the pulley. To get the object down I will rappel off...
  21. V

    Newton's 2nd Law - Rotation, Torque, Disk

    Homework Statement Homework Equations Newton's 2nd Law F = ma Torque Equation τ = Iα The Attempt at a Solution Well I know I have to write separate equations for the masses and tensions so I got this: T1 - m1g = m1a T2 - m2g = -m2a -----> (negative because acceleration...
  22. V

    Newton's 2nd Law conceptual problem

    A 15,000 kg rocket blasts off from Earth with a uniform upward acceleration of 2.0 m/s2 and feels no air resistance. The thrust force its engines must provide during this acceleration is 30,000 N upward. Apparently this is FALSE! I don't understand why F=MA 30000N=15000kg*2m/s^2...
  23. C

    Newton's 2nd Law Question (2-Dimensions)

    Homework Statement A proud homeowner is out mowing their lawn. If the force of friction on the mower is 50.0 N and it is accelerating forward at 0.15 m/s2, what is the magnitude of the applied force if the owner is pushing on the handle of the mower at an angle of 70 below the horizontal...
  24. G

    Newton's 2nd Law: Doubling Force, Double Speed?

    Homework Statement An arrow, starting from rest, leaves the bow with a speed of 25 m/s. If the average force exerted on the arrow would be doubled, all else remains the same, with what speed would the arrow leave the bow? Homework Equations force = mass x acceleration The Attempt at a...
  25. J

    Solving Newton's 2nd Law: M1 and M2

    Homework Statement http://gyazo.com/f075da031d0e9d66f269e27628619082.png http://gyazo.com/525919e03d92ae9efad90cc06995ec1b.png Homework Equations F = ma F = 0 The Attempt at a Solution T = Fg for M1 M2 = T - ma = T-M2a I don't know what to do after this.
  26. B

    Newton's 2nd Law Force Problem

    Homework Statement There are two forces on the 1.97 kg box in the overhead view of Fig. 5-31 but only one is shown. For F1 = 27.6 N, a = 11.1 m/s2, and θ = 31.9°, find the second force (a) in unit-vector notation and as (b) a magnitude and (c) a direction. (State the direction as a negative...
  27. M

    What happens to Newton's 2nd law if there is a changing mass?

    I understand that force is equal to the time derivative of momentum, or d(mv)/dt. Then what happens if the velocity is constant and only the mass is changing. Does this mean there will be a force. If so, in what direction since I am assuming it is still a vector. Also, what if the mass and...
  28. D

    Dynamics Newton's 2nd Law and Forces of Friction

    Homework Statement Block B rests upon a smoot surface. If the coefficients of static and kinetic friction between A and B are mu_s=0.4 and mu_k=0.3, respectively, determine the acceleration of each block if P=6lb. (picture attached below) Homework Equations Using Newton's Second Law...
  29. S

    The generalization of Newton's 2nd Law to apply to variable mass systems

    F = dp/dt = d(mv)/dt = m(dv/dt) + v(dm/dt) = a + v(dm/dt) i don't understand why d(mv)/dt = m(dv/dt) + v(dm/dt) can somone help ? TNX !:smile:
  30. I

    Newton's Second Law: Force, Mass, and the World's Fate

    Would the world fall apart and be destroyed if this law ceased to be constant? If not, how can we/do we speculate what would be different? Thanks!
  31. B

    Block inside a spinning cone - Newton's 2nd Law problem

    Block inside a spinning cone -- Newton's 2nd Law problem Homework Statement See attempt at solution. I have attached everything there.Homework Equations F_net = m * a_n (net force) W = mg (weight) a_n = 4*pi^2 * R * f^2 ... formula for "normal" component of acceleration where R = radius, f =...
  32. H

    Rocket problem: Newton's 2nd Law

    Homework Statement In this problem we explore a slightly more realistic model of a rocket's acceleration still neglecting air resistance. Consider a rocket fired straight up from rest burning fuel at the constant rate of b kg/s. Let v=v(t) be the velocity of the rocket at time t and suppose...
  33. M

    How Do You Calculate Tension in a Pulley System?

    Homework Statement A 5.4 kg mass and a 6.2 kg mass are tied to a light string and hung over a frictionless pulley. What is the tension in the string? Homework Equations F=ma The Attempt at a Solution Not sure how to do this one. I know the tension on the string will be the same at both...
  34. P

    Modern Physics - Invariability of Newton's 2nd Law under a GT?

    Homework Statement Show that the form of Newton's Second Law is invariant under: (a). a Galilean Transformation (GT) in 1-Dimension. (b). a Galilean Transformation (GT) in 2-Dimensions. (c). a Galilean Transformation (GT) in 3-Dimensions. Homework Equations Newton's Second Law...
  35. H

    Newton's 2nd Law: Displacement & Trajectory of Motion

    If we make a diff. equation from Newtons's 2nd law, and solve it, we will get x(t), where x(t) is the displacement as a function of time. what do the shape of the graph x(t) means? Does it give the trajectory of the motion?
  36. C

    How Is the Elevator's Acceleration Calculated Using Newton's Second Law?

    Homework Statement A 1000 kg elevator is held up by two cables. If each able exerts a force of 6000N upwards upon the elevator, find the elevator's acceleration.Homework Equations Fg=mg FNET=maThe Attempt at a Solution I started with a force diagram to help me and then I think I'm supposed...
  37. L

    Newton's 2nd Law: Zero Acceleration Problem

    Hi all, here is a problem that has popped into my head every so often for the last year or so: A small, low-mass body is moving at a constant velocity of 1000m/s through a vaccuum, so it has no acceleration or deceleration i.e. a=0. Now let's say you are an astronaut and you are floating...
  38. P

    Mechanics Newton's 2nd law question

    Homework Statement A load of 200kg is lifted through 50m by a vertical cable. The load accelerates uniformly from rest for 20 seconds, travels at constant speed for 10 seconds then decelerates to rest in a further 10 seconds. Find the maximum speed attained and the tension in the cable at each...
  39. M

    Work energy theorem vs Newton's 2nd law and kinematics

    So i have this general question. When the situation arises in which there are velocity and/or position depended forces acting on an object, would it be generally easier to use the work energy theorem or Newton's 2nd law & kinematics in predicting the motion? My guts tell me it will be work...
  40. M

    Newton's 2nd Law & Inclined Ramp

    Well these two problems were from my quiz, and if I don't find out how to solve them soon, I'm going to spend my whole weekend thinking about them. D8 I'll try to remember the problems as best I can. 1) An astronaut is in space, in the midpoint of two stars that have the same mass. If all...
  41. O

    Mechanics ynamics (Newton's 2nd Law?)

    Mechanics:Dynamics (Newton's 2nd Law?) Homework Statement A sphere S with a mass of 5 kg is attached by a rigid rod to 1 kg block B which is free to slide with no friction in a horizontal slot. The system is released from rest. At the instant when it is released, find the tension in the...
  42. O

    Mechanics: Dynamics (Newton's 2nd law)

    Homework Statement A sphere S with a mass of 5 kg is attached by a rigid rod to 1 kg block B which is free to slide with no friction in a horizontal slot. The system is released from rest. At the instant when it is released, find the tension in the rod and the accelerations of both blocks...
  43. M

    Solving for Acceleration and Friction on an Inclined Plane

    Applying Newton's 2nd law?! Homework Statement A 2.91 kg block starts from rest at the top of a 32◦ incline and slides 1.98 m down the incline in 1.28 s. The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s2 What is the acceleration of the block? Answer in units of m/s2 What is the coefficient...
  44. O

    Newton's 2nd Law with Friction

    Homework Statement A man standing in an elevator that is moving with a constant acceleration holds a 3-kg block B between two other blocks in such a way that the motion of B relative to A and C is impending. Knowing that the coefficients of friction between all surfaces are μs = 0.30 and μk =...
  45. M

    Acceleration involving Newton's 2nd law

    Homework Statement There is a box on a platform with mass 3.5kg and it has two ropes connected to it. On the end of each of these ropes are 2 other boxes hanging off the table (so only F_y component). One box is 2.5kg and the other is 1.5kg. I need to find the acceleration of all the boxes...
  46. Z

    Force of Link 3 on Link 2: 2.964 N

    Homework Statement A chain consisting of five links, each of mass 0.090 kg, is lifted vertically with a constant acceleration of a = 3.6 m/s2. Find the magnitude of the force that link 3 exerts on link 2. Note: The chains are connected vertically Homework Equations \Sigma F = ma The Attempt...
  47. C

    Force & Newton's 2nd Law Problem

    Brand new to the forum. My apologies if this problem is already posted on the site. I searched a bit but had no luck. Homework Statement Problem from Cutnell & Johnson PHYSICS 7th Edition. Chapter 4 - Problem #9 Two forces FA and FB are applied to an object whose mass is 8.0 kg. The...
  48. D

    Newton's 2nd law and Lorentz Force

    ok, the lorentz force equation is F=q(E+v x B) and Newton's 2nd law is F=ma. I need to combine the two to show that ma.v=qE.V I don't really know what to do first here... i can see the simple substitution so that ma=qE+q(v x B) but beyond that...do u change the a to dv/dt. Any type of help...
  49. S

    A Lawn Mower and Newton's 2nd Law

    Homework Statement A person pushes a 16.0 kg lawn mower at constant speed with a force of 75.0 N directed along the handle, which is at an angle of θ = 40.0° to the horizontal. Calculate the normal force exerted vertically upward on the mower by the ground. Calculate the force the person must...
  50. L

    Newton's 2nd Law Homework: Average Force of Tennis Ball

    Homework Statement A tennis player strikes a tennis ball of mass 56.7 g when it is at the top of the toss, accelerating it to 68.0 m/s in a distance of 0.0250 m. What is the average force the player exerts on the ball? Ignore any other forces acting on the ball. Homework Equations f = ma...
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