Forces and Free-Body Diagrams - AP Physics C: Mechanics

No horizontal force; only gravity acts vertically. Without friction, no horizontal forces resist or aid motion.

$f = \text{μ}N$, where $\text{μ}$ is the coefficient of friction. Friction is proportional to normal force and surface properties.

Opposite to the direction of motion. Friction always opposes relative motion between surfaces.

It reduces acceleration due to gravity. Air resistance opposes motion, reducing effective gravitational acceleration.

Gravity. Only gravity acts after projectile leaves launch point.

$f = \mu N$, where $\mu$ is the coefficient of friction. Friction is proportional to normal force and surface properties.

A force exerted by a surface perpendicular to the object in contact with it. Reaction force preventing objects from passing through surfaces.

Net force is zero. Sum of all forces equals zero for objects at rest.

$6.674 \times 10^{-11} \text{Nm}^2/\text{kg}^2$. Universal constant determining gravitational force strength.

The pulling force transmitted along a flexible medium such as a rope. Internal force within strings, cables, or ropes under stress.

$F = ma$. Fundamental equation relating force, mass, and acceleration.

Newton (N). Standard SI unit equivalent to $\text{kg}\cdot\text{m/s}^2$.

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Forces always occur in equal magnitude, opposite direction pairs.

$F = G\frac{m_1m_2}{r^2}$. Inverse square law for gravitational attraction between masses.

$6.674 \times 10^{-11} \text{Nm}^2/\text{kg}^2$. Universal constant determining gravitational force strength.

Net force is zero. Sum of all forces equals zero for objects at rest.

All forces acting on a single object. Shows all external forces without showing the object's surroundings.

To analyze the forces acting on an object. Essential tool for applying Newton's laws systematically.

As an arrow pointing in the direction of the force. Arrow length indicates magnitude, direction shows force direction.

It determines the acceleration of an object. Net force directly determines acceleration via Newton's second law.

$F_{\text{net}} = \text{sum of all forces}$. Vector addition of all individual forces acting on object.

The resistance of an object to change its state of motion. Property of matter described by Newton's first law.

Greater mass implies greater inertia. Mass quantifies inertia; more mass means more resistance to acceleration.

Static friction prevents motion; kinetic friction acts during motion. Static acts before motion; kinetic acts during sliding motion.

$W = mg$, where $g$ is the acceleration due to gravity. Weight is the gravitational force on an object's mass.

Component of weight perpendicular to the surface. Normal force equals weight component perpendicular to surface.

$F_g = mg \times \text{sin}(\theta)$. Component of weight parallel to inclined surface.

Helps visualize and analyze forces acting on a body. Systematic approach to identify and analyze all forces.

Towards the center of the circle. Centripetal acceleration always points toward circle's center.