AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based Flashcards: Newton's Second Law
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
Define 'unbalanced forces'.
Unbalanced forces are a configuration of forces where the net force exerted on a system is not equal to zero.
Card 1 of 10
All Flashcards (10)
Define 'unbalanced forces'.
Unbalanced forces are a configuration of forces where the net force exerted on a system is not equal to zero.
What causes a system's center of mass to accelerate?
A nonzero net external force exerted on the system causes its center of mass to accelerate.
Under what condition will a system's velocity change?
The velocity of a system's center of mass will only change if a nonzero net external force is exerted on that system.
If the net force on an object is doubled while its mass remains constant, what happens to its acceleration?
Its acceleration will also double. This is because acceleration is directly proportional to the net force, as stated by Newton's second law.
A car is moving at a constant velocity. What can you conclude about the net force on the car?
The net force on the car is zero. A constant velocity means there is no acceleration, which implies the net force must be zero according to Newton's second law.
How is the magnitude of a system's acceleration related to the magnitude of the net force?
The magnitude of a system's acceleration is directly proportional to the magnitude of the net force exerted on the system.
If a system experiences a net force of zero, what happens to its velocity?
If the net force is zero, the system's velocity will not change, as a change in velocity requires a nonzero net external force.
What is the relationship between the direction of a system's acceleration and the direction of the net force acting on it?
According to Newton's second law, the acceleration of a system's center of mass is in the same direction as the net force exerted on the system.
State Newton's second law of motion.
The acceleration of a system's center of mass is proportional to the magnitude of the net force exerted on it and is in the same direction as that net force.
What is another term for a 'nonzero net external force'?
A nonzero net external force is also known as an unbalanced force, which is a configuration where the sum of forces is not equal to zero.