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Math: Problem-Solving Strategy for Newton’s Laws of Motion

The basics of problem solving, presented earlier in this text, are followed here with specific strategies for applying Newton’s laws of motion. These techniques also reinforce concepts that are useful in many other areas of physics.

First, identify the physical principles involved. If the problem involves forces, then Newton’s laws of motion are involved, and it is important to draw a careful sketch of the situation. An example of a sketch is shown in Figure 4.10. Next, as in Figure 4.10, use vectors to represent all forces. Label the forces carefully, and make sure that their lengths are proportional to the magnitude of the forces and that the arrows point in the direction in which the forces act.

Figure 4.10 (a) A sketch of Tarzan hanging motionless from a vine. (b) Arrows are used to represent all forces. T is the tension exerted on Tarzan by the vine, F_T is the force exerted on the vine by Tarzan, and W is Tarzan’s weight (i.e., the force exerted on Tarzan by Earth’s gravity). All other forces, such as a nudge of a breeze, are assumed to be negligible. (c) Suppose we are given Tarzan’s mass and asked to find the tension in the vine. We define the system of interest as shown and draw a free-body diagram, as shown in (d). F_T is no longer shown because it does not act on the system of interest; rather, F_T acts on the outside world. (d) The free-body diagram shows only the external forces acting on Tarzan. For these to sum to zero, we must have T = W.

If the system acts on an object outside the system, then you know that the outside object exerts a force of equal magnitude but in the opposite direction on the system.

A diagram showing the system of interest and all the external forces acting on it is called a free-body diagram. Only external forces are shown on free-body diagrams, not acceleration or velocity. Figure 4.10 shows a free-body diagram for the system of interest.

After drawing a free-body diagram, apply Newton’s second law to solve the problem. This is done in Figure 4.10 for the case of Tarzan hanging from a vine. When external forces are clearly identified in the free-body diagram, translate the forces into equation form and solve for the unknowns. Note that forces acting in opposite directions have opposite signs. By convention, forces acting downward or to the left are usually negative.

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Newton’s Third Law of Motion

This video explains Newton’s third law of motion through examples involving push, normal force, and thrust (the force that propels a rocket or a jet).

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