Back to table of contents Key Equations

Key Equations

Net external force F net=F =F 1+F 2+
Newton’s first law v =constant whenF net=0 N
Newton’s second law, vector form F net=F =ma
Newton’s second law, scalar form Fnet=ma
Newton’s second law, component form F x =ma x,F y =ma y,andF z =ma z.
Newton’s second law, momentum form F net=dp dt
Definition of weight, vector form w =mg
Definition of weight, scalar form w=mg
Newton’s third law F AB=F BA
Normal force on an object resting on a
horizontal surface, vector form
N =mg
Normal force on an object resting on a
horizontal surface, scalar form
N=mg
Normal force on an object resting on an
inclined plane, scalar form
N=mgcosθ
Restoring force by a spring displaced by
x from the relaxed position
F =kx .
Tension in a cable supporting an object
of mass m at rest, scalar form
T=w=mg
Back to table of contents