content(warnings): Add W1-W2, X1, N1, F1 — mechanics misconceptions + cross-refs + notes
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@@ -32,6 +32,8 @@ This is the main working law for AP mechanics.
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These two forces act on different bodies, so they do not cancel on a single free-body diagram.
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\end{enumerate}}
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\wc{Net force causes acceleration, not motion}{A body can move at constant velocity with \emph{zero} net force (Newton's law I). Net force determines \emph{how} motion changes, not \emph{if} motion exists. An object with zero net force does not stop --- it continues at whatever velocity it already had.}
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\pf{Why the vector law becomes component equations}{Choose Cartesian axes with unit vectors $\hat{\imath}$ and $\hat{\jmath}$. Let the acceleration be
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\[
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\vec{a}=a_x\hat{\imath}+a_y\hat{\jmath},
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@@ -56,6 +58,8 @@ In practice, one first draws only the actual forces on the free-body diagram, th
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\cor{Zero net force and equilibrium}{If $\vec{F}_{\mathrm{ext}}=\vec{0}$, then Newton II gives $\vec{a}=\vec{0}$. This does \emph{not} mean the velocity must be zero. A body can have zero net force while moving with a nonzero constant velocity. A special case is equilibrium: if a body is initially at rest and $\vec{F}_{\mathrm{ext}}=\vec{0}$, then it remains at rest.}
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See also the kinematics in Unit 1 for the constant-velocity case, and Unit 3 for the work-energy connection to zero net force.
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\qs{Worked example}{A block of mass $m=5.0\,\mathrm{kg}$ rests on a frictionless incline that makes an angle $\theta=30^\circ$ with the horizontal. Let $g=9.8\,\mathrm{m/s^2}$ denote the magnitude of the gravitational field near Earth. Choose the system to be the block.
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Find the acceleration of the block and the magnitude of the normal force exerted by the incline on the block.}
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@@ -114,6 +118,9 @@ Therefore,
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\[
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N=mg\cos\theta.
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\]
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\wc{Normal force is not always equal to weight}{On a horizontal surface with only gravity and normal force, $N=mg$. But on an incline $N=mg\cos\theta$, and if another force pushes on the object, $N$ adjusts accordingly. The normal force is \emph{whatever value is required} to prevent the object from penetrating the surface. Never assume $N=mg$.}
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Substitute the stated values:
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\[
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N=(5.0\,\mathrm{kg})(9.8\,\mathrm{m/s^2})\cos 30^\circ.
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