Core
Net Force and Acceleration
Acceleration is caused by net force, not individual forces in isolation.
- ΣF determines a
- Direction of acceleration
- Multiple-force scenarios
Dynamics · Physics
Newton’s Second Law (F = ma)
Your main engine for dynamics: convert forces into acceleration, then predict motion.
This topic includes
Subtopics to master
Learn to write ΣF equations in 1D and 2D and combine them with motion relationships.
Vectors
Vector Nature of Force and Acceleration
Forces add as vectors; acceleration follows the vector sum.
- Component form ΣFx, ΣFy
- Direction reasoning
- 2D setups
1D
Applying F = ma in One Dimension
Write ΣF = ma along a single axis with correct signs.
- Choose + direction
- Write ΣF
- Solve for a, F, or m
2D
Applying F = ma in Two Dimensions
Break into x/y components and solve coupled motion correctly.
- ΣFx = m ax
- ΣFy = m ay
- Pick smart axes
Workflow
Solving Equations of Motion with Forces
Combine kinematics + Newton’s laws to predict motion over time.
- Find a from forces
- Use kinematics next
- Check limiting cases
Practice
Practice & Exercises
Drill ΣF setups and solve for unknowns in 1D/2D scenarios.
- Net-force to acceleration drills
- Component equation practice
- Multi-force FBD problems
- Coupled 2D problems
- Exam-style multi-step sets