Newtonian Forces Practice Quiz
Physical Science Physics & Mechanics
Newtonian Forces Practice Quiz
Kinematics, Newton’s Laws, Force Systems & Gravitational Interactions
Total Score ____ / 50 pts
Name:
Date:
Period / Class:
1 Part 1: Key Terms & Physical Quantities
14 Points
1. Definition & Classification: Differentiate between a scalar and a vector quantity. Then, classify each metric below by placing an "S" (Scalar) or "V" (Vector).
Scalar Definition:
Vector Definition:
Speed [ ]
Velocity [ ]
Acceleration [ ]
Mass [ ]
Force (N) [ ]
2. Vocabulary Matching: Match each scientific term on the left with its correct definition on the right.
___ A. Motion
___ B. Friction
___ C. Net Force
___ D. Newton (N)
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Opposing contact force resisting sliding or rolling motion.
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A continuous change in an object's position relative to a reference frame.
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The vector sum of all individual forces operating upon a body.
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The SI unit of force required to accelerate \(1\text{ kg}\) at \(1\text{ m/s}^2\).
2 Part 2: Kinematic Concepts & Gravitational Properties
10 Points
3. Differentiating Speed, Velocity & Acceleration:
A car drives around a circular track at a constant 60 mph. Is it accelerating? Explain using physics definitions.
4. Mass vs. Weight & Inertia:
Explain the difference between mass and weight. What happens to each when an astronaut travels to the Moon?
3 Part 3: Newton's Three Laws of Motion
14 Points
Newton's Law
Fundamental Scientific Statement / Formula
1st Law (Inertia)
An object remains at rest or constant velocity unless acted upon by a non-zero net force.
2nd Law (\(F=ma\))
Acceleration is directly proportional to net force and inversely proportional to object mass.
3rd Law (Action/Reaction)
When body A exerts a force on body B, body B exerts an equal and opposite force on body A.
5. Law Identification: Write 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Law for each scenario and justify your selection.
A
A skateboarder hits a curb. The skateboard abruptly stops, but the rider flies forward over the handlebars.
Law: [ ] Why?
B
Pushing an empty shopping cart causes rapid acceleration, but pushing a cart loaded with 100 kg of groceries requires triple the force to reach the same acceleration.
Law: [ ] Why?
C
A rocket engine burns fuel and blasts hot exhaust gas downward; in turn, the rocket accelerates upward into space.
Law: [ ] Why?
Newtonian Forces Practice Quiz • Page 1 of 2 Turn over to Page 2 for Force Diagrams & Net Force Calculations →
Page 2
Newtonian Forces: Calculations & Modeling
Student Name:
4 Part 4: Net Force Calculations & State of Motion
6 Points
6. Force Systems: Calculate the magnitude and direction of the net force (\(F_{net}\)) for each system. State whether forces are Balanced or Unbalanced, and describe the effect on motion.
| Applied Forces Description | Net Force (\(F_{net}\)) | Balanced / Unbalanced | Resulting Motion Change |
|---|
| \(28\text{ N}\) pulling Right, \(12\text{ N}\) pulling Left | | | |
| \(45\text{ N}\) pulling Upward, \(45\text{ N}\) pulling Downward | | | |
| \(15\text{ N}\) East, \(10\text{ N}\) East, \(35\text{ N}\) West | | | |
5 Part 5: Force Diagram (Free-Body) Interpretation
6 Points
\(m = 5\text{ kg}\)
\(F_N = 50\text{ N}\)
\(F_g = 50\text{ N}\)
\(F_f = 15\text{ N}\)
\(F_{app} = 30\text{ N}\)
7. Analyze the Free-Body Diagram shown to the left:
Net Horizontal Force (\(F_{net, x}\)):
Net Vertical Force (\(F_{net, y}\)):
Will the object experience a change in motion? Explain clearly:
6 Part 6: Construct a Labeled Force Diagram
6 Points
Drawing Canvas
Crate
8. Read the scenario and construct a complete labeled force diagram:
"A heavy wooden crate sits on a rough warehouse floor. A worker pushes it to the right with an applied force of \(60\text{ N}\). A kinetic frictional force of \(25\text{ N}\) opposes the motion. The crate’s gravitational weight is \(120\text{ N}\), and the floor provides a normal support force of \(120\text{ N}\)."
Overall \(F_{net}\) (Magnitude & Direction):
Are the horizontal forces balanced or unbalanced?
7 Part 7: Gravitational Dynamics & Inertia Synthesis
8 Points
9. Factors Influencing Gravitational Strength:
What is gravity? Identify the two primary factors that determine the strength of gravitational attraction between two objects:
10. Relationship Between Mass & Inertia:
Why is it significantly harder to stop a fully loaded freight train moving at 10 mph than a compact car moving at 10 mph? Relate your answer to inertia and mass:
Newtonian Forces Practice Quiz • Page 2 of 2 Double-check all units (N, m/s, kg) and direction labels before submitting!
