Work through the list without notes. If you cannot do a statement, follow its link, then come back. Guide = study guide; Practice = practice questions.
Understanding
- I can define net force as the vector sum of the forces on a system, and explain why third-law partners are left out. (Guide: “Net force is a vector sum”)
- I can state Newton’s first law and explain that constant velocity means constant speed and direction. (Guide: “Newton’s first law”; Practice Q1)
- I can explain why equilibrium includes motion at constant velocity, and why a ball at the top of its flight is not in equilibrium. (Guide: “Translational equilibrium”; Practice Q2)
- I can describe an inertial frame as one where the first law holds, and give an example of a frame that is not inertial. (Guide: “Inertial reference frames”; Practice Q6)
Skills
- I can add two perpendicular forces to find a net force, and find the third force needed for equilibrium. (Guide: sled example; Practice Q4)
- I can write ΣF_x = 0 and ΣF_y = 0 from a free-body diagram and derive expressions for unknown forces. (Guide: Worked examples 1 and 2; Practice Q5)
- I can find the tension in two symmetric cords holding up a weight, and say what happens as the cords become flatter. (Guide: Worked example 2, Figure 2)
- I can sketch velocity–time graphs before, during and after a force acts. (Guide: Figure 1; Practice Q3, Q7)
Reasoning
- I can predict which velocity component changes when forces balance along one axis but not the other. (Guide: “Balanced in one direction, unbalanced in another”; Practice Q7)
- I can use limiting cases to check an expression for a force. (Guide: Worked examples 1 and 2)
- I can explain the motion of a ball in an accelerating vehicle from both the ground frame and the vehicle frame. (Guide: “Inertial reference frames”; Practice Q6)
All ticked? Move on to Topic 2.5, Newton’s Second Law, or return to the course roadmap.