GED Science : Newton's Laws

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GED Science

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 :Physics

Which of the following best illustrates Newton's Second Law?

Possible Answers:

When two cymbals collide, some kinetic energy is converted into sound

If an object is not accelerating, then the net force on it is zero

As a hammer hits a nail, the nail also exerts a force on the hammer

A ball is rolled across a table and does not stop until it hits an area with friction

Correct answer:

If an object is not accelerating, then the net force on it is zero

Explanation:

牛顿第二定律是最好的表示为一个方程tion, in which the product of mass and acceleration is equal to net force:

By this principle, if there is zero acceleration, then the force must also be zero.

A non-zero acceleration must be present if there is a non-zero net force.

Example Question #1 :Physics

Which of the following is the best example of Newton's Third Law?

Possible Answers:

The force of being hit by an object is determined by its mass and acceleration

If an object's weight rests on the floor, then the floor will exert a normal force on the object

When two objects collide, the total initial and total final momentum will be equal

A spinning top will not fall unless there is friction with the surface on which it spins

Correct answer:

If an object's weight rests on the floor, then the floor will exert a normal force on the object

Explanation:

Newton's Third Law states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. In other words, a force will act in equal and opposite directions on the two objects involved.

Weight and normal force are a specific example of this principle. Acceleration due to gravity creates a downward force, known as weight. This force, however, results in zero downward acceleration when the object is resting on a surface (a book does not fall through a table, for example). For the forces to be in equilibrium, there must be a counteracting upward force. This is known as the normal force, which is equal and opposite to the weight of the object. While weight pulls the object down, normal force pushes it up to create equilibrium.

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