AP Physics 1 – Unit 2: Dynamics Reference Sheet (Final)
Newton’s Laws & Free-Body Diagrams
Concept Notes:
• Forces cause acceleration (ΣF = ma).
• FBDs show all forces acting on an object.
FN • Normal (FN) ■ surface, Weight (Fg = mg) ↓, Friction opposes motion, Tension pulls.
• Net force points in the same direction as acceleration.
Equations:
ΣF = ma, FN = mg (flat surface).
Ff FA If moving horizontally: a = (FA - Ff)/m.
Fg Derivation:
ΣF = ma → FA - Ff = ma → a = (FA - Ff)/m.
Extra Concept:
• When net force = 0 → constant velocity (equilibrium).
• When ΣF ≠ 0 → object accelerates.
Inclined Planes & Friction
Concept Notes:
• Break weight into components: Fg⊥ = mgcosθ, Fg■ = mgsinθ.
• FN balances Fg⊥, friction resists motion down incline.
FN • Net force causes acceleration down slope.
• Friction: Ff = µFN, where µ = surface coefficient.
Ff
Equations:
θ a = g(sinθ - µcosθ), FN = mgcosθ.
Fg
Derivation:
ΣF = mgsinθ - µmgcosθ = ma → a = g(sinθ - µcosθ).
Extra Concept:
• Static friction adjusts until motion starts (Ffs ≤ µsFN).
• Once moving, kinetic friction (µk) applies (Ffk = µkFN).
• Incline steeper → larger F■, smaller FN.
Spring Force (Hooke’s Law)
Concept Notes:
• Spring force always acts opposite to displacement.
• Fs = -k∆x (restoring).
• k = stiffness constant, ∆x = stretch/compression.
• F and ∆x are directly proportional.
∆x
k
Equations:
Fs = -k∆x, Us = ½k∆x².
Fs = -k∆x
Derivation:
Work = ∫Fdx = ∫kxdx = ½kx² → Us = ½k∆x².
Extra Concept:
• Larger k → stiffer spring.
• Energy stored in spring is potential energy.
• Equilibrium at Fs = 0 (∆x = 0).
Uniform Circular Motion
Concept Notes:
• Centripetal acceleration always points to center.
• Fc keeps object moving in circle, no outward “centrifugal” force.
Fc • Fc can come from tension, friction, gravity, or normal force.
r
v
Equations:
ac = v²/r, Fc = mv²/r.
Derivation:
ΣF = ma → Fc = m(v²/r).
If gravity provides Fc → mg = mv²/r → v = √(gr).
Extra Concept:
• Period (T): time for one revolution, T = 2πr/v.
• Greater radius or smaller velocity → smaller ac.
• Net force must be directed inward for circular motion.
Gravity & Apparent Weight
Concept Notes:
• Gravity acts between all masses: Fg = G(m■m■)/r².
• On Earth: g = GM/r² ≈ 9.8 m/s².
• Apparent weight = Normal Force = FN.
• In elevators: accelerating up → heavier (FN > mg), down → lighter (FN < mg).
• Weightlessness → FN = 0.
Quick Formula Summary
Newton’s Laws: ΣF = ma
Friction: Ff = µFN
Incline: a = g(sinθ - µcosθ)
Springs: Fs = -k∆x, Us = ½k∆x²
Circular: Fc = mv²/r, ac = v²/r
Gravity: Fg = G(m■m■)/r², g = GM/r²