Newton's Laws Glossary

The rate of change of velocity with respect to time, measured in m/s^2. Caused by a nonzero net force according to Newton's second law.

Two forces described by Newton's third law that are equal in magnitude, opposite in direction, and act on two different objects simultaneously.

A contact force exerted on an object by a person or another object through direct physical interaction, such as pushing or pulling.

A condition where the net force on an object is zero, resulting in zero acceleration. Can be static (at rest) or dynamic (constant velocity).

A diagram showing a single object with arrows representing all external forces acting on it, used to analyze the net force and resulting acceleration.

The tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion. Mass is the quantitative measure of inertia.

A scalar quantity measuring the amount of matter in an object and its resistance to acceleration. Measured in kilograms (kg).

The vector sum of all forces acting on an object. A nonzero net force causes acceleration according to F = ma.

The SI unit of force. One newton is the force required to accelerate a one-kilogram mass at one meter per second squared (1 N = 1 kg*m/s^2).

The perpendicular contact force exerted by a surface on an object resting on it, preventing the object from passing through the surface.

The pulling force transmitted through a string, rope, cable, or similar connector, directed along its length away from the object.

The gravitational force acting on an object, equal to mass times local gravitational acceleration (W = mg). Measured in newtons (N).