I keep getting “Newton's second law” questions wrong in Laws of Motion. What's the trap?
using a single force instead of the net (vector sum) force.
The usual trap: using a single force instead of the net (vector sum) force. How to avoid it: always draw a free-body diagram and add forces as vectors first. Go back to the definition — the net force equals mass times acceleration, F=ma, in the direction of the net force.
Key point
Newton's second law
Common mistake
using a single force instead of the net (vector sum) force.
Memory tip
always draw a free-body diagram and add forces as vectors first.
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