Module 4: Newton's Laws

Module 4: Newton's Laws

Introduction

So far we have talked about how to quantify motion. That subject is known as kinematics. However, nothing in kinematics described why something moves. The study of this subject is known as dynamics. Sir Isaac Newton is considered the father of this science. It was he who codified the laws that govern motion in terms of the forces that make it happen. Almost three hundred years have elapsed since Newton's death, but still his Laws of Motion are central to this and many other physics courses. This module contains five lessons for you to go through to meet the following learning objectives. 

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this module, students will be able to: 

  • Explain Newton's three laws of motion.
  • Summarize the parameters of Newton's three laws of motion.
  • Express how Newton's three laws of motion relate to everyday occurrences.
  • Differentiate weight and mass.
  • Analyze systems using Newton's three laws of motion.
  • Apply Newton's three laws of motion to a variety defined systems.
  • Solve a variety of physics problems that include combinations of forces and masses.

To Do List

1. Watch the Video Lectures (links below)
2. Complete the Practice Problems (links below)
3. Take the Module 4 Quiz
4. Complete the Exam Practice Problems for Module 4

Lessons 

Lesson 4.1 Newton's First Law

Newton's first law, otherwise known as the "Law of Inertia" is introduced.   Although very simple, this law is sometimes surprising. We are not used to the idea that an object can move with no force on it.

Lesson 4.2 Newton's Second Law

This lesson presents Newton's second law. Of all the laws in the course, this is the one that will be most important. The lesson is just a start on the huge variety of problems that will involve use of the famous "F=ma" equation.

Lesson 4.3 Newton's Third Law

Newton's third law is, on the face of it, difficult to believe. However in this lesson we learn that it is a necessary part of the package of the laws of motion, without which the world around cannot be understood.

Lesson 4.4 Weight as a Gravitational Force

The word "weight" is used loosely in everyday life, but in this course (and in general in physics) it means something specific. It is important to be able to differentiate "weight" and "mass" and this lesson will explain how to do so.

Lesson 4.5 Applications of Newton's Laws

Knowing Newton's Laws of Motion give us an opportunity to analyze a wide variety of systems and calculate their motion. However, there is a difference between knowing the laws and understanding them well enough to use them successfully. This lesson does not include any lectures but instead shows a series of examples of how to solve a variety of problem using Newton's Laws.

Quiz

Once you have watched the lectures and completed the practice problems, you should demonstrate your understanding by taking the Module 4 Quiz. Be sure to submit the quiz before its deadline.

Coming Up

The next module covers Circular Motion and Newtonian Gravity.