AP Physics C: Mechanics 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.
If the net external force on a system is zero, what happens to the velocity of its center of mass?
If the net external force is zero, the velocity of the system's center of mass will not change.
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If the net external force on a system is zero, what happens to the velocity of its center of mass?
If the net external force is zero, the velocity of the system's center of mass will not change.
What is the relationship between the direction of the net force and the direction of a system's acceleration?
The acceleration of a system's center of mass is in the same direction as the net force exerted on the system.
A system experiences a nonzero net external force. What must be true about its velocity?
The velocity of the system's center of mass must be changing.
What specific point in a system is described as accelerating by Newton's second law?
Newton's second law describes the acceleration of the system's center of mass.
Under what condition does the velocity of a system's center of mass change?
The velocity of a system's center of mass will only change if a nonzero net external force is exerted on that system.
State Newton's second law of motion.
The acceleration of a system's center of mass has a magnitude proportional to the magnitude of the net force exerted on the system and is in the same direction as that net force.
According to Newton's second law, what quantity is proportional to the magnitude of the net force?
The magnitude of the acceleration of the system's center of mass is proportional to the magnitude of the net force.
How does Newton's second law connect force, mass, and acceleration?
It states that acceleration is directly proportional to the net force and is in the same direction, as represented by the equation $\vec{a}_{sys}=\frac{\sum\vec{F}}{m_{sys}}$.
What is the mathematical equation representing Newton's second law?
The relevant equation is $\vec{a}_{sys}=\frac{\sum\vec{F}}{m_{sys}}$.
Define the condition required for a system to accelerate.
For a system's center of mass to accelerate, a nonzero net external force must be exerted on it.