Grade 11 · Theory
Applying Newton's laws
Newton's laws · about 3 min
Forces on a block resting on a rough incline.Connected objects, lifts and inclines all yield to the same systematic method.
Key points- Draw a free-body diagram for EACH object separately.
- Apply Fnet = ma to each, taking the direction of acceleration as positive.
- Connected objects share the same magnitude of acceleration.
- Tension is the same throughout a light, inextensible string over a frictionless pulley.
- Tension — the pulling force in a string.
- System — two or more connected objects.
EXAM TIP
for two connected masses, you can find acceleration quickly by treating the system as one mass, then use one body to find the tension.