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Grade 11 Physical Sciences

Phisical Sciences (High School - South Africa)

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GRADE 11 - PHYSICAL SCIENCES

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Newton’s Law’s and Application of Newton’s Laws

Different kinds of forces:

Normal force (N) is the force or the component of a force exerted by the surface on an
object in contact with.

Normal force is always perpendicular to the surface irrespective of whether the plane is
horizontal or inclined.

Frictional force is the force that opposes the motion of an object and acts parallel to
the surface the object is in contact with.

Know that a frictional force is proportional to normal force and independent to area of
the surface that are in contact with each other

Static friction is the force that opposes the tendency of motion of a stationary object
relative to the surface.

Maximum static friction is the force which can overcome static friction and just cause an
object to slide.

Kinetic friction is the force that opposes the motion of a moving object relative to the
surface.

Gravitational force or weight ("g or w) is a force with which the earth attract an object
towards itself.

Applied forces (push or pull)

Tension ("FT or ") is the force that is transmitted through a rope, string or wire when
pulled by forces acting from opposite sides.

Objects exert push (repulsion) or pull (attraction) forces on each other.

A force can be classified as either a contact force or a non-contact force

Objects can exert a force on each other when they are in contact (touching each other)
e.g. friction and normal forces

OR

Objects can exert a force on each other when they are not in contact (i.e. are apart from
each other) e.g. magnetic, electrostatic and gravitational forces.

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The following equations are used to calculate maximum static friction (fsmax)
and kinetic friction:
fsmax = µsN
fk = µkN

 µs is coefficient of static friction

 µk is coefficient of kinetic friction
 µs and µk have no units
for an object to move, fk›fs

QUANTITY NAME QUANTITY UNIT NAME UNIT

SYMBOL SYMBOL

Maximum static fsmax Newton N

friction

Normal force N Newton N

Kinetic friction fk Newtons N

Net force Fnet Newton N

Mass m kilogram Kg

Acceleration a metres per m∙s-2

second squared

FN = mg
Fk = μk N
Fk = μk mg

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For a pulling force: For a pushing force:

FN + FY = W FN - FY = W
FN = W - FY FN = W + FY
Fk = μk N Fk = μk N
Fk = μk (W - FY) Fk = μk (W +FY)
= μk( mg – Fa sin θ) = μk( mg +Fa sin θ )

EFFECT OF A CHANGING ANGLE

For a pulling force:
 When the angle is increased, the normal will decrease, hence the frictional force
will also decrease.
 When the angle is decreased, the normal force will increase, hence the frictional
force will also increase.
For a pushing force:
 When the angle is increased, the normal will increase, hence the frictional force
will also increase.
 When the angle is decreased, the normal force will decrease, hence the
frictional force will also decrease.
NB: Any change made on an angle will affect the co-efficient of kinetic friction
(μk)

FN = Fg┴
FN = mg cos θ
Fk = μk N
= μk (mg cos θ)

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EFFECT OF A CHANGING ANGLE

 When an angle is increased, the normal force will decrease, hence the
frictional force will also decrease.
 When an angle is decreased, the normal force will increase, hence the
frictional force will also increase.

Force diagrams and free body diagrams

A force diagram is a picture of the object(s) of interest with all the forces acting
on it (them) drawn in as arrows

How to draw a force diagram

 draw a picture of the object
 draw all arrows from the object outwards(the length of the arrow indicate the
magnitude of the force)

Examples:
1. A book is at rest on a tabletop. A force diagram for this situation looks like this:

2. A force is applied to the right to drag a crate across the floor with a rightward
acceleration. A force diagram for this situation looks like this:

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A free body diagram is a picture of an object of interest drawn as a dot and all the
forces acting on it are drawn as arrows pointing away from the dot (in a free body
diagram the object is represented by a dot)

Example
Step 1: A force is applied to the right to drag a crate across the floor with a
rightward acceleration. A free body diagram for this situation looks like this:

Step 2: The resultant or net force in the x-direction is a vector sum of all the
components in the x-direction and the resultant or net force in the y-direction is
a vector sum of all the components in the y-direction.

 Ax in the above diagram is resultant or net force in the x-direction.

 AY in the above diagram is resultant or net force in the y-direction.

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Resolving weight into its components

The following is a force diagram for a box of mass 50 kg at rest on an inclined plane.
The weight has been resolved to its x component (parallel to the plane) and y
components (vertical to the plane).

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NEWTON’S LAWS OF MOTION

Newton’s first law

A body will remain in its state of rest or motion at constant velocity unless a non-zero
resultant/net force acts on it.

 Inertia is the resistance of an object to any change in its state of motion. The
mass of an object is a quantitative measure of its inertia.

Application: The importance of wearing seatbelts:

 We wear seat belts in cars. Why?

 This is to protect us when the car is involved in an accident. If a car is travelling
at 120 km.h-1 (33.33m.s-1), the passengers in the car are also travelling at 120
km.h-1.(33.33m.s-1)
 When the car suddenly stops a force is exerted on the car (making it slow down),
but not on the passengers. The passengers will carry on moving forward at –
according 120 km.h-1 (33.33m.s-1) to Newton first law.
 If they are wearing seat belts, the seat belts will stop them and therefore prevent
them from getting hurt.

Newton’s second law

When a net force is applied to an object of a certain mass, the object accelerates in the
direction of the net force. The acceleration is directly proportional to the net force and
inversely proportional to the mass.

Unit conversion:

1000g = 1kg

Examples
1. Determine the acceleration that result when a 12N net force is applied to a 3kg
object.
Fnet = ma
12 = 3a
a = 4 m∙s-2 in the direction of the force

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Examples of objects in equilibrium:

1. A girl is suspended motionless from the ceiling by two ropes. A force diagram for
this situation looks like this:

2.

a)

b)

 In the above diagrams there is no change in velocity. Thus no acceleration. We

call this equilibrium.
 The forces applied on the same object are equal in magnitude but acts in
opposite direction.

 At constant velocity, the acceleration is equal to zero, therefore Fnet = 0, since

the forces acting on an object are balanced.

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EXAMPLE 2
A learner constructs a push toy using two blocks with masses 1,5kg and 3kg
respectively. The blocks are connected by mass-less, inextensible cord.
The learners then applies the force 25N at an angle 30⁰ to the 1,5kg block by
means of a light rigid rod, causing the toy to move across a flat, rough, horizontal
surface, as shown in the diagram below.

The co-efficient of kinetic friction( μk) between the surface and each block is
0,15.
2.1 State Newton’s Second Law of Motion in words.

When a net/resultant force acts on an object, the object will accelerate to the
direction of the net force/ resultant force. The acceleration is directly
proportional to the net force and inversely proportional to the mass of an
object.

2.2 Calculate the magnitude of the kinetic frictional force acting on the 3kg block.

𝐹𝑘 = 𝜇𝑘𝑁

𝐹𝑘 = 𝜇𝑘𝑚𝑔

𝐹𝑘 = (0,15)(3)(9,8)

𝐹𝑘 = 4,41 𝑁

2.3 Draw a labelled free-body diagram

Without showing components of weight

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Showing components of weight

2.4 Calculate the magnitude of the :

2.4.1 Kinetic frictional force acting on the 1,5kg block.

Option 1

𝐹𝑘 = 𝜇𝑘𝑁

𝐹𝑘 = 𝜇𝑘 (25sin 30𝑜 + 𝑚𝑔)

𝐹𝑘 = (0,15)[(25 sin 30𝑜) + (1,5)(9,8)]

𝐹𝑘 = 4,08 𝑁

Option 2

𝐹𝑘 = 𝜇𝑘𝑁

𝐹𝑘 = 𝜇𝑘 (25cos 60𝑜 + 𝑚𝑔)

𝐹𝑘 = (0,15)[(25 cos 60𝑜) + (1,5)(9,8)]

𝐹𝑘 = 4,08 𝑁

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2.4.2 Tension in the cord connecting the two blocks

For the 1,5 kg block

𝐹𝑛𝑒𝑡 = 𝑚𝑎

𝐹𝑥 + (−𝑇) + (−𝑓𝑘) = 𝑚𝑎

(25 cos 30𝑜) − 𝑇 − 4,08 = (1,5)𝑎]

17,571- T = 1,5a ................. (1)

For the 3kg block

T – fk = 3a

T- 4,41 = 3a ................... (2)

(1) +(2)

13.161= 4,5a

a= 2,925m∙s-2

T = 13,19N

EXAMPLE 3
In the diagram below, a 2kg block is connected to a 1kg block by
means of alight inextensible string. The blocks are pulled up an
inclined plane, which form an angle of 28⁰ to the horizontal. The sides
of the blocks which touch

The kinetic frictional force between the 1kg block and the inclined
plane is 4N while the kinetic frictional force between the 2kg block and
the inclined plane is 8N.

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3.1.1 Draw a labelled free-body diagram sowing ALL forces acting on the
1kg block.
Free-body diagram:

Option 1 (without components)

 Use a dot
T  Lines must touch the dot
 All lines must have arrows
 Do not show components
together with the force

Option 2 (with components of weight)

Fg par = component of
FN / N FA weight parallel to slope

Fg par Fg perp = component of

weight perpendicular t o
T Ff Fg perp slope

3.1.2 Calculate the tension on the string connecting the blocks 5

Fnet =ma

30-( T+ mg Sin 28⁰ + fk) = ma

30- (T+(1)(9,9)(Sin28⁰) +4) = (1)a

21,399 – T = a ............................... (1)

For the 2kg block

Fnet =m

T-{(2)(9.8)(Sin28⁰)+4)}=2(a)

T-17,201=2a ..................... (2)

Substitute for T from equation (1)

(21,399-a)-17,2011 = 3a

a=1,4m∙s-2

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Substitute a=1,4m•s-2 in (1)

21,399 –T= (1,4)

T= 20N

3.1 In the diagram below, a 2 kg block is connected to a 1 kg block by means of

a light inextensible string. The blocks are pulled up an inclined plane, which
forms an angle of 28o to the horizontal. The sides of the blocks which touch
the inclined plane have the same area.

The kinetic frictional force between the 1 kg block and the inclined plane is 4
N while the frictional force between the 2 kg block and the inclined plane is 8
N

3.1.1 Draw a labelled free-body diagram showing All forces acting on the
1 kg block

3.1.2 Calculate the magnitude of the tension in the string connecting the
. blocks.

Ans. The two blocks are interchanged so that the SAME 30 N force is now
acting on the 2 kg block along the inclined plane, as shown in the
diagram below.

Fnet = ma
30 − (T + mg sin 28o + fk) = ma
30 − (T + (1)(9,8)(sin 28o) + 4) = (1)a
21,399 − T = a......................(1)

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For the 2 kg block

Fnet = ma 21,399 − T = a ..................... (1)
T − (mgSin 28o + fk) = ma T − 17,201 = 2a.................(2)
T − [((2)(9,8)(sin 28o) + 8)] T − 17,201 = 2(21,399 − T)
= (2)a T = 20 N
T − 17,201 = 2a ..................... (2)

Substitute for T from equation (1)

(21,399 − a) − 17,201 = 3a
4,198 = 3a
a = 1,4 m ∙ s− 2
From (1) From (2)
T = 21,399 − a T = 17,201 + 2(1,399)
T = 21,399 − 1,399 T = 20 N
T = 20 N

3.1.3 How will the acceleration of the system change? Write down only
INCREASE, DECREASE or REMAIN THE SAME

Remain the same

3.1.4 How will the acceleration of the system change? Write down only
INCREASE, DECREASE or REMAIN THE SAME

Remain the same

3.1. In the diagram below, a 1 kg mass and a 2 kg mass are connected by an

inextensible string of negligible mass. The string is passed over a light
frictionless pulley so that the masses hang down as shown. Initially the
system is held stationary

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3.2.1 Draw a labelled free-body diagram showing ALL the forces acting on
the 2 kg mass.

3.2.2 Calculate the time it will take the 1 kg mass to move a distance of 1 m
when the system is released.

SOLUTIONS
3.1.3 Remains the same
3.1.4 Remains the same
3.2.1
3.2.2

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Newton’s third law of motion

 When object A exerts a force on object B, object B SIMULTANEOUSLY
exerts an oppositely directed force of equal magnitude on object A. (The
forces are therefore an interaction between two bodies.)

Identification of action-reaction pairs:

Scenario 1:
You are given a vase resting on a table, as shown below.

(a) Identify all the actionreaction forces for the vase.

(b) Identify all the actionreaction forces for the table.

A vase on the table exerts a force, (W = mg) on the table downwards, and the table
exerts equal but upwards force on the vase.t whilst the two forces are equal in
magnitude and opposite in direction, they cannot cancel
since they do not act on the same object.

Scenario 2:

A donkey is pulling a cart along a road (as shown above). We know from Newton’s
third law that the force exerted by the donkey on the cart is equal and opposite to the
force exerted by the cart on the donkey.

Which force/forces cause the motion here (above sketch)?

Further applications of Newton’s third law

i) When swimming, the swimmer pushes the water backwards with his/her
hands, and the water then pushes the swimmer forward.

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ii) When a person walks, his legs and toe muscles exert a force on the floor in
a slanted, downward direction. The floor exerts an equal but opposite force,
which pushes the person forward.
iii) Space rockets are propelled by recoil. The rapidly expanding gases which
escape from the combustion chamber experiences a downward force, this
escaping gas will then exert an equal force, which pushes the rocket
upwards.

Properties of action-reaction pairs

 They act simultaneously.
 They act on different objects.
 They are equal in magnitude.
 They act in opposite directions.

Newton’s law of Universal Gravitation

Every particle in the universe attracts every other particle with a gravitational force
which is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional
to the square of the distance between them.
In a form of an equation, the law is written as:

F = Gm1m2
d2

QUANTITY NAME QUANTITY UNIT NAME UNIT SYMBOL

SYMBOL

Force F Newton N

Gravitational G Newton metre Nm2kg-2

constant squared per
kilogram squared

Mass m kilogram kg

Distance d metres m

Weight
Weight is the gravitational force the earth exerts on any object on or near its surface.

Weight can be calculated using the formula: W = mg

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QUANTITY NAME QUANTITY UNIT NAME UNIT

SYMBOL SYMBOL

Weight W Newton N
Mass M kilogram kg
Gravitational acceleration G Metres per second ms-2
squared

The value of g is 9.8 ms-2

Acceleration due to gravity on earth can be calculated using the formula

gearth = GMearth
r2

F = mg = GmM
r2

(Mearth = 5.97219x1024kg, radiusearth = 6 378.1km)

The same formula can be used to calculate g on any planet using the
appropriate planetary data. Weight is force and therefore a vector quantity and mass
is a scalar quantity.

Weight is measured in Newtons and mass is measured in kilograms.

EXAMPLE

1.1

1.2

1.3

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SOLUTIONS
1.1

1.2

1.3

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Newton’s Laws Activities

Activity 1

A 5 kg mass is suspended by a rope. A horizontally directed force F is applied to

the mass.

The magnitude of force is needed to produce an angle of 65o is N.

A. 21
B. 23
C. 44
D. 110

Activity 2

2 A motorist is travelling at 30 m·s-1 when he sees a tree lying across his

path.
He brakes suddenly and the car comes to rest in 3,3 s.

2.1 Explain what happens to the driver in the car.

2.2 Name and state the law used to explain this

phenomenon.

Activity 3

3 A car tows a trolley with the aid of a strong cable over a flat surfaced road.
The system is accelerated at a rate of 4ms-2. The trolley experiences a
frictional force of 1N.

M2 = 880 kg m1 = 900 kg

3.1 . Draw all the forces acting on the trolley and name
them.

3.2 Determine the tension (T) in the cable

3.3 How will the magnitude of T be affected if the

friction on the trolley is increased?

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Activity 4

Learners are given the task of determining the relationship between the
acceleration produced and the mass of a body. The learners then completed the
above task and obtained the following results:

Mass of trolleys Acceleration

(kg)
(m.s-2)

1 0,96

2 0,49

3 0,31

4.1 In order to make the relationship between acceleration and

mass more obvious, one would prefer a straight line graph.
Draw the graph showing all working on how
4.2 1 the
values were obtained. a vs
m
4.3 Determine the gradient of the graph.
4.4 What physical quantity does the gradient of the graph
represent?

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Activity 5

5.1 Two science learners, Steve and Charles, are doing experiments to verify
Newton’s Second Law. They accelerate a trolley, attached to a ticker timer and a
ticker tape, along a horizontal surface. They measure the accelerating force by
means of a spring balance, which they have attached to the trolley. They do
several runs with the trolley, each time increasing the applied force. They record
their results:

Ticker timer
Trolley

FORCE (N) ACCELERATION (m∙s-2)

5 0,600

4 0,455

3 0,315

2 0,175

1 0,035

5.1.1 Use their results and plot a graph of Force versus Acceleration.

5.1.2 Explain the position of the intercept of the graph on the x-axis.

5.1.3 Use the graph to determine the mass of the trolley.

5.1.4 If the experiment was repeated by using the same trolley on a

much smoother surface, how would a graph obtained from such
an experiment differ from the graph obtained from the experiment
done by Steve and Charles?

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5.2 A little boy plays with his toy train. He ties the engine to the first truck of the train,
using a piece of string. He ties a second piece of string to the engine. He pulls the
train to the right on a horizontal surface, with a force of 10 N.

The masses of the engine and the truck are 1,8 kg and 1,4 kg respectively.

Frictional force of 2,4 N acts between the engine and the surface and a frictional
force of 1,2 N acts between the truck and the surface.

14 N 18 N

10N

1,2N 2,4N

14N 18N

5.2.1 Draw two separate, labelled free-body diagrams, indicating all the
forces acting on the truck and on the engine.

5.2.2 Calculate the acceleration of the train

5.2.3 Calculate the force that the engine exerts on the truck.

5.2.4 Calculate the coefficient of static friction for the engine on the surface.

5.3 A force F acts on a body and the body accelerates. If the mass of the body is
doubled and the force is halved, how would the acceleration of the body be
affected? Write down ONLY increased, decreased or remain the same.

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ACTIVITY 6

6.1

6.2

6.3
6.3.1

6.3.2

6.3.3

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ACTIVITY 7
7.1

7.1.1

7.1.2
7.1.3
7.1.4
ACTIVITY 8
8.1 A space capsule of mass 300 kg lands on a planet that has a mass
twice that of Earth, and a radius three times that of Earth.
Calculate the weight of the space capsule on this planet.
8.2

sun Eart
h

The mass of the moon is 7.4 x 1021 kg. The mass of the sun is 1.98 x1030 kg.
The centre of the moon is an average distance of 3.8 x108 m from the surface of
the Earth

8.2.1 State Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation.

8.2.2 Calculate the magnitude of the gravitational force that the moon
would exert on the bucket of water of 10kg on Earth.

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ACTIVITY 9
9.1 Two asteroids, X and Y, are in outer space. Their centres are p metres
apart. Each has a mass of m kg. A gravitational force F exists between X
and Y.
X Y
(m kg) (m kg)

p metres

By what factor would F change when:

i) the mass of X is doubled; and then

ii) the distance between X and Y is decreased to ⅓ of the original?
9.2 The sun exerts an average force of 3,57 × 1022 N on the earth.
9.2.1 What force does the earth exert on the sun?
9.2.2 Calculate the mass of the sun. Take the mass of the earth as 6
×1024 kg and the average distance between the centre of the earth
and the sun as 1,5 × 108 km
9.3 A learner makes the following statement:

Two rocks fall from the same height above the earth. The first rock has
twice the mass of the second rock. The first rock will fall with double
the acceleration of the second rock.

 Evaluate this statement.

 Is it true or false?
 Explain your answer.
 Include a formula derived from Newton’s Laws, to prove your answer.

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QUESTION 1
A 4 kg block B, resting on a flat, rough horizontal table, is connected by a light
inextensible string to a 6 kg block A. The string is passed over a light frictionless
pulley in such a way that block A hangs vertically downwards as shown in the
diagram below.

1.1 Write down Newton’s Second Law of motion in words.

1.2 Draw a free-body diagram of all forces acting on block B.
1.3 The kinetic frictional force experienced by block B is 32,53 N to the
left.
Calculate the magnitude of the acceleration.
1.4 Calculate the coefficient of kinetic friction between the surface of the
table and
block B.
1.5 How will the frictional force on the block be affected if the 4 kg block
is pulled at
an angle of 30° to the horizontal?
Write down INCREASE; DECREASE or REMAIN THE SAME.
Explain your answer.

QUESTION 2

A 5 kg block, resting on a rough horizontal surface, is connected by a light inextensible

string passing over a light frictionless pulley to a second block of mass 3 kg hanging
vertically.
An applied force F is acting on the 5 kg block as shown in the diagram below and the
coefficient of kinetic friction between the 5 kg block and the surface is 0,2.
The 5 kg block accelerates to the left.

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2.1 Define the term frictional force.

2.2 Calculate the magnitude of the:
2.2.1 Vertical component of F if the magnitude of the horizontal compone nt
of F equals 38 N

2.2.2 Normal force acting on the 5 kg block

2.3 State Newton’s Second Law of motion.

2.4 Draw a labeled free-body diagram to indicate all the forces acting o n
the 3 kg
block.
2.5 Calculate the magnitude of the tension in the string connecting the
two
blocks.

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QUESTION 3

Block X of mass 4 kg is connected to block Y of mass 8 kg by a light, inextensible

string. Another light, inextensible string attached to block X runs over a frictionless
pulley. The system is pulled by means of a constant force of 180 N as shown in the
diagram below. Ignore the effects of air resistance.

3.1 State Newton's second law of motion in words.

3.2 Draw alabelled free body diagram showing ALL the forces acting on
object X. Calculate the:

3.2.1 tension T in the string connecting the two blocks.

3.2.2 magnitude of the acceleration of block X.

QUE STION 4
4.1 Write down Newton’s Second Law in words.
4.2 A block of mass 12 kg resting on a rough horizontal table is connected by a light
inextensible string which passes over a frictionless pulley to another block of
mass 7,5 kg. The 7,5 kg block hangs vertically as shown in the diagram below.
A force of magnitude F is applied to the 12 kg block at angle of 300 to the
horizontal to prevent the blocks from moving.

The maximum co-efficient of static friction( μs ), between the 12 kg block and the
surface of the table is 0,45. Ignore the effects of air friction.

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4.2.1 Calculate the tension, T, in the string.

4.2.2 Calculate the minimum value of F that will prevent the blocks
from moving.
4.3 A satellite of mass 650 kg is in orbit around the Earth. The Earth
exerts a force of magnitude 6346,07 N on the satellite. Calculate
the height, in kilometres, of the satellite above the surface of the
Earth.

QUE STION 5

A man applies a constant pulling force on a heavy parcel of mass 50 kg using a light
inextensible rope which passes over a light frictionless pulley as shown in the diagram
below. The coefficient of static friction between the parcel and the rough table surface is
0,34. The magnitude of the maximum static frictional force is 120 N. Ignore the mass of
the rope.

5.1 Draw a free-body diagram showing all forces exerted on the parcel.
5.2 State, in words, Newton’s Second Law of Motion.
5.3 When the static frictional force is at its maximum, show that the magnitude
of the vertical component of the tension force in the rope is 137,06 N.
5.4 Hence, determine the angle (Ɵ ) that the rope forms with the horizontal as
well as the magnitude of the tension force in the rope (T).
5.5 The man now increases the magnitude of his pulling force. Under the action
of
this new constant force, the parcel begins to slide horizontally along the
table.
5.5.1 How will the magnitude of the normal force change as the parcel
slides across the table surface? State only INCREASES,
DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME.
5.5.2 Give a reason for your answer to QUESTION 5.5.1.

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QUESTION
32
A block Q of mass 70 kg is at rest on a table. It is connected to block P by means of
two light inextensible strings knotted at S. A third string is arranged in such a way
that the string connecting block Q is horizontal as shown in the diagram below.
The coefficient of static friction between block Q and the surface of the table is 0,25.
The knot S is in equilibrium.

The tension in the string connecting block Q is T2 and that for the string that pulls at
35O is T1 as shown in the diagram.

6.1 Define the term static frictional force in words.

6.2 Explain what is meant by the knot S is in equilibrium.
6.3 Draw a labelled free-body diagram to show all the forces acting on:
6.3.1 The knot at S
6.3.2 Block Q
6.4 Calculate the maximum weight of block P for which block Q will just begin
to slip.

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QUESTION
33
In the diagram below, a 1 kg mass on a rough horizontal surface is joined to a 2 kg
mass by a light, inextensible string running over a frictionless pulley. The coefficient of
kinetic friction between the 1 kg mass and the surface is 0,13.

7.1 State Newton's second law of motion in words.

7.2 Calculate the magnitude of the:
7.2.1 Kinetic frictional force acting on the 1 kg mass
7.2.2 Acceleration of the 1 kg mass

The rough horizontal surface is now replaced with a smooth frictionless surface. The 2
kg mass is again released and strikes the ground before the 1 kg mass reaches the end
of the horizontal surface.

7.3 Will the 1 kg mass move at a LOWER, a HIGHER or a ZERO

ACCELERATION?
Briefly explain the answer by referring to Newton's laws of motion.

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Solutions to Newton’s Laws Activities

QUESTION 1
1.1 When a resultant/net force acts on an object, the object will accelerate in the
direction of the force at an acceleration that is directly proportional to the
force and inversely proportional to the mass of the object.

1.2

1.3 On 6 kg:
Fnet = ma
Fg + (-T) = ma
(6 × 9,8) – T = 6 × a
58,8 – T = 6a
T = 58,8 – 6a (1)
On4 kg:
Fnet = ma
(-f) + T = ma
(-32,53) + T = 4 × a
T = 32,53 + 4a (2)
(1) - (2): 0 = (58,8 – 6a) – (32,53 + 4a)
a = 2,63 m∙s-2
1.4 Positive marking from QUESTION 2.3
fk = fk N
fk = k mg
32,53 = μk × 4 × 9,8
μk = 0,83
1.5 DECREASE
At an angle of 30° the tension force will have a component in the vertical
direction and the block will be slightly lifted up. The normal will decrease and
friction is directly proportional normal.

QUESTION 2
2.1 It is the force that opposes the motion of an object and which acts

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parallel to the surface

2.2.1
tan 200 =FV/FH
FV = (tan 200)(38)
= 13,83 N

2.2.2 FN = Fg - Fv
= (5)(9,8) - 13,83 =
35,17 N

2.3 When a resultant force acts on an object the object will accelerate in
the direction of the force at acceleration directly proportional to the
force and inversely proportional to the mass of the object.

2.4

2.5 Option 1
Left/upwards as positive:
5 kg block: Fnet = ma
-T + FH - f = ma
-T + 38 - (0,2)(35,17) = 5a (1)3
kg block : -Fg + T = ma
-(3)(9,8) + T = 3a (2)
Substitute 2 into 1:
a = 0,196 m·s-2
Substitute a into 2:
-29,4 + T = (3)(0,196)
T = 29,99 N

2.5 Option 2
Right/downwards as positive:
5 kg block: Fnet = ma
T - FH + f = ma
T - 38 + (0,2)(35,17) = -5a (1)3
kg block : Fg - T = ma
(3)(9,8) - T = -3a (2)
Substitute 2 into 1:
a = 0,196 m·s-2

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Substitute a into 2:
29,4 - T = -(3)(0,196)
T = 29,99 N

QUESTION 3
3.1 When a resultant/net force acts on an object, the object accelerates in the
direction of the (net) force at an acceleration directly proportional to the force and
inversely proportional to the mass of the object.

3.2.

3.3
3.3.1
For block X
Fnet = ma
180 - w – T = ma
180 - (4)(9,8) – T = 4a
140,8 – T = 4a .........................(i)
For block Y:
Fnet = ma
T - w = ma
T - (8)(9,8) = 8a
-78,4 +T = 8a .........................(ii)
281,6 – 2T = 8a
-78,4 + T = 8a
360 – 3T = 0
T = 120 N
T = 120 N upwards

• If the system approach is used to first calculate acceleration and then acceleration
is substituted to obtain T:
Max. 2/4
3.3.2

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OPTION 1
-78,4 +T = 8a
-78,4 + 120 = 8a
a = 5,2 m∙s-2
OPTION 2
140,8 – T = 4a
140,8 – 120 = 4a
a = 5,2 m∙s-2
OPTION 3
281,6 -2T = 8a
281,6 + 220 = 8a
a = 5,2 m∙s-2

QUESTION 4
4.1 When a resultant/net force acts on an object, the object will accelerate in the
direction of the force. This acceleration is directly proportional to the net force
and inversely proportional to the mass of the object.

4.2.1 For the 7,5 kg mass

T - Fg = ma
T - (7,5)(9,8) = 0
T = 73,5 N

4.2.2 For the 12 kg mass

F cos300 + ff - T = ma
0,866 F + μsN - 73,5 = 0
0,866 F + 0,45(12)(9,8) - (0,45)F
sin300 - 73,5 = 0
0,64 F + 52,92 - 73,5 = 0
F = 32,16 N
(accept range: 32,106 – 32,16)

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4.3 F= Gm1m2
r2
6346,07 = 6,67 x 10-11 x 5,98 x 1024 x 650
(R+ h)2
R + h = 6391720,24 m
h= 6391720,24 – 6,38 x 106
=11720,24m
=11,72 km (Range: 10,00km – 11,72 km)

QUESTION 5
5.1

5.2 When a resultant (net) force acts on an object, the object will accelerate in the
direction of the force. This acceleration is directly proportional to the force and
inversely proportional to the mass of the object.

5.3 fs max = µs N
120= (0,34) N
N= 352,9412 N
Vertical forces; taking up as positive
Fnet y = 0
Ty + FN + Fg=0
Ty + FN – mg = 0
Ty + 352,9412 – (50)(9,8) =0
Ty= 137,06 N ............. (A)

5.4 Horizontal forces; taking left as positive

Fnet x = 0
Tx + fs max =0
Tx-120= 0
TX =120 N ...................... (B)
(A)/(B) :

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tanθ = 137,06
120
= 1,14215
θ= 48,80°

Sub into (B) OR sub into (A)

T cos 48,8° =120
T= 182,18 N
OR
T sin(48,8°) = 137,06
T = 182,16 N

5.5.1 DECREASES

5.5.2 From: Ty = T sin θ. The angle (θ) increases, so the vertical component of the
tensional force (Ty) will increase . OR
From: FN + Ty = Fg
θ increases/ Ty increases
The parcel will not push as hard into the table surface , so the normal force will
decrease in magnitude.

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QUESTION
40
6.1 When a resultant/net force acts on an object, the object will accelerate in the
direction of the force. This acceleration is directly proportional to the force and
inversely proportional to the mass of the object.

6.2 Remains the same

6.3 6.3

6.4 6.4
6.4.1 Up the incline as positive:

Fnet = ma
FT + fk + w// = ma
FT + μkN + wsin30° = ma
FT + μkmgcos30° + mgsin30° = ma, Any one
FT – (0,2)(6)(9,8)cos30° - (6)(9,8)sin30° = (6)(4) ∴
FT = 63,58 N

6.4.2 Up the incline as positive:

Fnet = ma
F + fk(6 kg) + fk(3 kg) + w// = ma
F + μkN(6 kg) + μkN(3 kg) + mgsin30° = ma, Any one
F – (0,2)(6)(9,8)cos30° - (0,1)(3)(9,8)cos30° - (9)(9,8)sin30° = 0 ∴F =
56,83 N

6.5 Decreases

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QUESTION
41
7.1 When a resultant force acts on an object, the object accelerates in the direction
of the force. This acceleration is directly proportional to the force and inversely
proportional to the mass of the object.
7.2

7.2.1 fk= µkN

= (0,13)(1)(9,8) =
1,27 N

7.2.2 For the 2 kg mass (to the right/downwards as positive):

Fnet = ma
w + FT = ma
(2)(9,8) + FT = 2a
FT = 2a – 19,6
For the 1 kg mass (to the right as positive):
Fnet = ma
FT + f = ma
-(2a – 19,6) + (- 1,27) = 1a ∴ a FT(1 kg) = -FT(2 kg)
= 6,11 m·s -2

7.3 Zero acceleration.

Fnet on the 1 kg mass is zero.
According to Newton's second law of motion, its acceleration will be zero.
According to Newton's first law of motion, it will continue to move at constant velocity
(until it reaches the edge of the surface).

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