Module 4 – Forces

On this module, we will have the famous Newton’s Laws of Motion that you have studies
in your grade 8. We will explore different types of forces and identify forces acting on a body.
We are done with kinematics which focuses on description of motion, and we will have
dynamics which focuses on causes of motion. After we recall the concepts of Newtons’ Laws,
we will try to translate them to mathematical equations so we can use these concepts in solving
problems. I encourage you to review vectors so you can easily follow problem solving process.
Though, for this module, we will have “create activities” like mind map making and presentation
making. The important part here is how will you integrate the concepts in real – life scenarios so
we can better see the harmony of the physical world through physics.

After studying this module, you must be able to identify forces acting on a body and do
applications of Newton’s Laws of Motion. Specifically, you must also be able to:

1. Differentiate and identify contact and non-contact forces

2. Create a short presentation explaining Newton’s Laws of Motion
3. Solve problems using Newton’s Laws of motion in different contexts

Force is a vector quantity we often simply understand as push or pull. On the image below, try to
identify all the forces acting on Iron Man, and give the direction of each force as well.

Image Source: https://www.quora.com/How-does-Thanos-know-the-name-of-Iron-Man-or-

howdoes-he-know-Tony-in-2018-s-Avengers-Infinity-War

Prediction # 1: Forces Acting on Iron Man

Instructions:

• Identify all the forces acting on Iron Man and give the direction of each force as well.
• Write your answers in your notebook before looking at the next part of the module.
 We experience a lot of forces in our daily life. While we are standing, sitting, or sleeping, forces
are acting upon us. The force that makes us fall after jumping from a ledge and the force that
make a bounce when we dribble it are not the same as well. There are two main classifications of
forces, contact forces and non-contact forces. For each classification, there are further several
types of forces.

Development (Contact and Noncontact Forces)

On the two videos in the link below you can learn about the examples of contact and noncontact
forces. After watching the videos, you are tasked to create a mind map about different types of
forces. (I advise you to look at the activity instruction before watching the videos).

Video # 1

Title: GCSE Physics - Contact and Non-Contact Forces #40

Length: 4:13

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCPTKRaScgE

Or upload video here

Video # 2

Title: GCSE Science Physics (9-1) Contact and Non-contact Forces

Length: 3:40

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxK8N23nx9M

Or upload video here

Activity # 1

• Create a mind map about the different type of forces. Try to include the following terms
(but you can add more): contact force, noncontact force, gravitational, tension, normal
force, friction, air resistance, electrostatic, magnetic, applied force.
• Provide definition on the terms – you can be creative by putting keywords or
representations.
• Try to give examples – you can be creative by including images or personal experiences.
• Use the lines in your mind map to show relationships and hierarchy of the classifications.
 • You can use bubbl.us a free mind mapping application online or any other application
you can access. If you cannot access any application, you can still be creative by
manually illustrating your mind map.

• Send your output in my email marcvener.delcarmen@depeddasma.edu.ph

Assignment # 1 Rubrics:
Criteria Excellent 4 Proficient 3 Adequate Limited 1
2
Information Has included Has included Has included Has included
all (10) or more 8-9 terms listed 6-7 terms listed 4-5 terms listed
terms listed on on the on the on the
the instruction. instruction. instruction. instruction.

Accuracy Information Information Information Information

contains no contains minor contains errors contains many
errors. errors, none of which may errors which
which may lead somehow creates
to cause misconception
misconception
misconception

Application Examples Examples Examples Examples

provided are provided are provided are provided are
complete and complete but incomplete but incomplete and
authentic. seems generic. authentic. seems generic.

Creativity The mind map The mind map The mind map The mind map
has 4 of the has 3 of the has 2 of the has 1 of the
following following following following
characteristics: characteristics: characteristics: characteristics:
• Visually • Visually • Visually • Visually
striking striking striking striking
• Easy to • Easy to • Easy to • Easy to
understand understand understand understand
• Lines are • Lines are • Lines are • Lines are
well used well used well used well used
• Uniquely • Uniquely • Uniquely • Uniquely
presented presented presented presented

Now, let us further check your understanding by identifying forces on another image. Try to
identify all the types of forces acting on Spiderman and give the direction of each force as well.
Image Source: https://marvelcinematicuniverse.fandom.com/wiki/Iron_Spider_Armor

Exercise # 1: Forces Acting on Spiderman

Instructions:

• Identify all the types of forces acting on Spiderman and give the direction of each force
as well.
• Write your answers in your notebook before looking at the next part of the module.

Development (Laws of Motion)

As you have learned from the first part of the module, there are different types of forces that we
experience and observe every day. Now, we will proceed with the effect often created by force:
Motion. Try to recall Newton’s Laws of Motion that you have learned from your grade 8 science.
Can you still remember the statements for the three laws?

For our initial activity, try to recollect the concepts involving the laws of motion. Match the three
laws with three different scenes in Madagascar 3 presented below.

Exercise # 2: Explaining Laws of Motion in Scenarios

Instruction:

• Match the Newtons Laws of Motion for each image scenarios below. The three laws of
motion are: Law of Inertia, Law of Acceleration, and Law of Interaction
• Try to explain each law using the scenario on the image that you have matched it.
 • Share your answers on the provided forums for each image. You should have at least one
answer for each scenario
• There is no need to ensure that your answer is correct, this activity try to help you recall
and assess you own prior knowledge about laws of motion.
• Write your answers in your notebook before looking at the next part of the module.

Scene 1: Alex the Lion Swinging with Gia the Jaguar in a Trapeze

Image Source:
https://www.cleveland.com/movies/2012/06/madagascar_3_again_the_cast_of.html

Scene 2: Sonya the Black Bear and King Julian the Lemur Riding Own Bicycle

Image Source: https://id.pinterest.com/pin/572238696377216858/

Scene 3: Marty the Zebra Flight after Cannon Shot

Image Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyn_JBebR2I

I hope you are able to recall the laws of motion. Now, you will watch this video by TED Ed that
explains Newton’s Three Laws of Motion using bicycle riding. I hope that you all already
experience bicycle riding for you to easily relate with explanation, but even not, the descriptions
of the narrator are very clear. After watching a video, you will do another activity Treat this as a
break in problem solving, I wish you enjoy doing the task!

Video # 3

Title: Newton's 3 Laws, with a bicycle - Joshua Manley

Length: 3:32

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGO_zDWmkvk

Engagement (Law of Motion)

Activity # 2

• Goal: Create a short presentation that explains the Newtons’ Laws of Motion using own
analogies or examples.
• Role: Older STEP brother/sister who want to help younger Grade 8 Congressionalians
• Audience: Grade 8 students who are currently studying Newton’s Laws of Motion in
their science subject.
 • Situation: Given that we cannot hardly take our classes inside the classroom, your
presentation should be accessible through social media and can help Grade 8 students
easily understand Newton’s Laws in their context.
• Product: you have the liberty to choose the type of presentation you will create. It can be
video, infographics, picture collage, slide presentation, and others.
• Standards: See the rubrics below.

Activity # 2 Rubrics:
Criteria Excellent 4 Proficient 3 Adequate Limited 1
2
Information Has included all Has included 2 Has included all Has included 1
the Laws of Laws of Motion the Laws of Law of Motion
Motion with with example Motion but with an
example for for each one. examples are example.
each one. not enough.

Accuracy Information Information Information Information

contains no contains minor contains errors contains many
errors. errors, none of which may errors which
which may lead somehow creates
to cause misconception
misconception
misconception

Contextualiza Examples and Examples and Examples and Examples and

tion explanations explanations explanations explanations
have 3 of the have 2 of the have 1 of the were unable to
following following following meet the
characteristics: characteristics: characteristics: following
• Familiar to • Familiar to • Familiar to characteristics:
Filipino Filipino Filipino • Familiar to
Grade 8 Grade 8 Grade 8 Filipino
students students students Grade 8
• Uses own • Uses own • Uses own students
experience experience experience • Uses own
• Easy to • Easy to • Easy to experience
relate with relate with relate with • Easy to
relate with
Creativity Presentation has Presentation has Presentation has Presentation
3 of the following 2 of the following 1 of the following was unable to
characteristics: characteristics: characteristics: meet the
• Appealing to • Appealing to • Appealing to following
audience audience audience characteristics:
• Easy to • Easy to • Easy to • Appealing to
understand understand understand audience
• Uniquely • Uniquely • Uniquely • Easy to
presented presented presented understand
• Uniquely
presented
Development (Problem Solving)

Congratulations! The first two parts of this module focuses on building your conceptual
knowledge about forces. As you have noticed, applications of force concepts are often
experienced in everyday life. In this part, we will proceed to a more advance application of these
concepts.

Forces create motion. We need mobility for us to live, we move to do work, we transfer objects,
and on the next module you will learn that the energy we harness is related on movements as
well. On the other hand, we must also resist some forces, like we do not like strong winds by
typhoons blowing our houses, or earthquakes bringing down buildings. With this, technology
advances with a precaution on forces. We calculate forces to properly design structures or
materials to ensure safety and effectiveness.

In this part, we will do the very basic of force calculation. There are problems that seem
hypothetical but remember that our goal here is to have the grasp of how to translate Newton’s
Laws into mathematical equations. Nowadays, such applications are more complicated process
of computations than what we are going to do with this part of the module. Though, this is as
much important to allow you to proceed to higher level in the future.

In the table below shows the translation of Three Laws of Motion into equations. Check the table
and you can copy it on your notebook as well as a summary notes for this module.

Table: Equations for Newton’s Laws of Motion

Newton’s Statement Scenario Corresponding Mathematical
Laws of Application Equation for Force
Motion
First Law: Every object The object has no Equilibrium
Law of Inertia continues either at acceleration:
rest or in constant The object either experiences
motion in a straight no force at all,
line unless it is
or all the forces it experiences
acted upon by a net
force 𝐚⃗ = 0 cancels each other out.

Either the object is

not moving,

or moving in
Σ𝐅 = 0
constant velocity.

Consequently,

Σ𝐅 𝐱 = 0
And

Σ𝐅 𝐲 = 0
Second Law: The acceleration of There is a single Dynamics
an object is directly force,
Law of proportional to the For an object experiencing
Acceleration resultant force or a resultant force network of forces, all the forces
acting on it and not equal to zero will be summed into a single
inversely acting to the object resultant force, leading to a
proportional to its leading to an single acceleration for the
mass. The direction acceleration: object.
of the acceleration
is the direction of
the resultant force. 𝐚⃗ ≠ 0

Specifically,
Σ𝐅 = m𝐚⃗

𝐅
𝐚⃗ =
m
Third Law: To every action If object A exerts a In First Law and Second Law, a
there is always an force on object B, single object is the only focus
Law of opposite equal object B exerts a (all forces are experienced by a
Interaction reaction force of equal single object).
magnitude and

opposite direction For Third Law, the focus is two

on object A. interacting objects. Thus, the
pair forces here are exerted and
experienced by the two
interacting objects.

𝐅 𝐀 𝐨𝐧 𝐁 = 𝐅 𝐁
𝐨𝐧 𝐀
Problem-Solving Strategy: Applying Newton’s Laws of Motion

1. Comprehend the problem carefully.

- As you understand the problem, you can immediately determine which case you are
dealing with to give you clear direction as you proceed. (see some possible cases
below) (example cases: equilibrium, dynamics, etc.)
2. List all the involve given.
- If a given is a vector, put the magnitude and direction close to each other.
3. Determine the system of interest and assign reference cartesian place.
- A problem may include multiple objects, but we often only have one focus.
- Directions might be given as angles and often have different reference. It is important
that all directions are based on same reference cartesian plane. The focus object is
often assigned as the origin of cartesian plane from which you will illustrate the axis.
4. Illustrate a Free – body Diagram.
- See instructions below on how to create free body diagram.
- Free – body Diagram help organize given through visualization.
- This can help you create correct equations to represent the problem.
5. Apply Newton’s Laws to create equations.
- See table above “Equations for Newton’s Laws of Motion”. - Be extra careful in
assigning signs to indicate directions.
- Check your equations if they seem correct before proceeding.
6. Solve the equations.
- Review your algebraic techniques; it is often a tool to determine unknown values. -
Review your addition of vectors method.
7. Check your answer if it is reasonable.
- Try to apply it to the actual problem.
- Match it to your solution if it seems as a fit answer.

Free – body Diagram

Free body diagrams (otherwise known as FBD's) are simplified representations of an object (the
body) in a problem and include force vectors acting on the object. This body is free because the
diagram will show it without its surroundings (the body is 'free' of its environment). This
eliminates unnecessary information which might be given in a problem.

See the image below for the steps in creating Free – body Diagram

Image: Creating Free – body Diagram

Image Source: https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-osuniversityphysics/chapter/6-1-
solvingproblems-with-newtons-laws/

Image: Kariton pushed on a street

Image Source: https://makadto.com/tag/kariton/

On the image of “kariton” above, let us make a free – body diagram.

First, what are the forces acting on the “kariton”?

Gravitational force, normal force, applied force, and frictional force.

With these, forces, and their respective directions, the free – body diagram will be:
The symbols for forces may vary, it is up to you. In the diagram above, F was used as notation
for force and subscript labels were used to further describe the forces. You can also use the first
letter of each description like, N, G, f, and A.

The length of the arrow can be proportional to the magnitude of each force if given. The
direction of the arrows should be correct. If the given directions are angle, then you can estimate
the angles.

Forces in Common Force Problems

Gravity
Gravitational force is the force due to the gravity of the earth which is always directed downward
to the center of the earth. We know that the acceleration due to gravity of the earth is
approximately g = 9.8 m/s2. This force, by Newton's Second Law is defined as F = m g

Normal
The normal force one which prevents objects from 'falling' into whatever it is they are lying
upon. For example, if there is a crate on the floor, then we say that the crate experiences a normal
force by the floor; and because of this force, the crate does not fall into the floor. Normal force is
always perpendicular to the surface with which an object is in contact. The normal force on the
crate lying on the floor points upward, but for a crate on an inclined plane, the normal force is
not upward. Normal force magnitude is equal to the total magnitude of force directed exactly
downward.

Friction
Related to the normal force is the frictional force. The two are related because they are both due
to the surface in contact with the body. Whereas the normal force was perpendicular to the
surface, the frictional force is parallel. Furthermore, friction opposes motion, and so its vector
always points opposite from the direction of movement. The value of frictional force depends
upon the material of the surface and the type of friction (kinetic, static, rolling, sliding). There
are set of coefficient values identified through experiments, which are used to compute for
frictional force. Ffrictional = µFNormal where “µ” or symbol “mu” represent friction coefficient.

Applied Push or Pull

Another force which may act on an object could be any physical push or pull. This could be
caused by a person pushing a crate on the floor, a child pulling on a wagon, or in the case of our
example, the wind pushing on the ship.

Tension
Tension in an object results if pulling force act on its ends, such as in a rope used to pull a
boulder. If no forces are acting on the rope, say, except at its ends, and the rope itself is in
equilibrium, then the tension is the same throughout the rope.

Air Resistance

Air resistance describes the forces that are in opposition to the relative motion of an object as it
passes through the air. Air resistance is a type of drag force which refers to the force that act
opposite to the oncoming flow velocity of an object in a fluid, thus slowing the object down. In
your problems in projectile motion, air resistance is always assigned to be negligible to eliminate
the acceleration caused by this type of force.

Exercise # 3: Free – body Diagram

Create a free – body diagram for each case. Include appropriate label for each. Write your
answers on your notebook.
1. A rightward force is applied to a book to move it across a desk.
2. An elevator, suspended by a cable, speeds up as it moves upward from the ground floor.
3. A car is parked on a sloped street.

Problem Solving: Applying Newton’s Laws of Motion

There are a lot of cases to apply Newton’s Laws of Motion. Given your limited time to solve
problems, we can only solve limited cases on this module. Though, some basic cases are
presented below with images and descriptions. You can familiarize yourself with these to expand
your knowledge on application of Newton’s Laws. If you will encounter these on your future
studies, then at least it will not be too new to you.
Case 1:
Equilibrium – 1 Dimension

In this case, the resultant force is equal to zero and the forces acting on the body are on the
same axis. In creating equation for this case, use First Law equation. Account directions by
using positive and negative signs.

Case 2:

Equilibrium – 2 Dimension
 In this case, the resultant force is equal to zero. The forces for each axis are also equal to zero.
In creating equation for this case, use First Law equation, which separates the components of
the forces. Account directions by using positive and negative signs. With more than one
equation, expect to use algebraic techniques to identify unknown.

Case 3:
Dynamics – 1 Dimension

In this case, the resultant force is not zero in one specific dimension. In creating equation for
this case, use Second Law equation. Identify the direction of the acceleration to determine the
focus axis. Account directions by using positive and negative signs.

Case 4:

Dynamics – 2 Dimension
 In this case, the resultant force is not zero for both dimensions. Use Second Law equation to
create equations for both axes. Account directions by using positive and negative signs. If the
resultant force is missing, then you will use Pythagorean theorem after you identified the net
forces for each component (recall addition of vectors). In the left image, you can see that the
orientation of the cartesian plane can be adjusted to easily determine angles.

Case 5:

Connected Objects

In this case, series of equation can be created that have similar variable involve. Expect that
algebraic techniques to become more relevant and useful in such cases.

Example Problem 1

A traffic light weighing 125 N hangs from a vertical cable tied to two other cables that are
fastened to a support (see image below). The upper cables make angles of 37.0° and 53.0° with
the horizontal. Find the tension in the two cables attached to the support (T1 and T2).
Reading our problem, and looking on the image, we can conclude that this problem case is
Equilibrium in 2 dimensions. We expect that the net force on the two axis is equal to zero.

The given from the problems are:

Gravitational Force: FG = 125 Newtons

Direction of Tension 1 and 2: T1 - 37.0° and T2 - 53.0°

The next step is to create free – body diagram as present in the image above.

We can now group our given separating x – and y – axis to create equilibrium equations
(Newton’s First law) for the both axes.
Force x - component y - component
𝐓⃗⃗ 1 -T1cos37.0° T1sin37.0°
𝐓⃗⃗ 2 T2cos53.0° T2sin53.0°
𝐓⃗⃗ 3 0 -125 N

Now, we create our equations for x – and y – component. Apply Newton’s First Law Equations.

(Equation 1) ΣFx = -T1cos37.0° + T2cos53.0° = 0

(Equation 2) ΣFy = T1sin37.0° + T2sin53.0° - 125 N = 0

We have 2 equations and 2 unknowns; thus, we can solve for value of T2 in equation 1 and
substitute it later in equation 2.

Rearranging Equation 1, we can have: T2

= T1 cos37.0° = T1 0.799 = 1.33T1

cos53.0° 0.602

Now, we substitute the value of T2 in equation 2:

T1sin37.0° + (1.33T1)sin53.0° - 125 N = 0

0.602T1 + 1.06T1 - 125 N = 0

1.662T1 = 125 N

T1 = 75.2 N

Then,

T2 = 1.33T1 = 1.33(75.2 N)

T2 = 100. N

Example Problem 2

The combined weight of the crate and dolly (cart) is 300. N. If the man pulls on the rope with a
constant force of 20.0 N, what is the acceleration of the system (crate plus dolly)?
This time, the problem has the focus object (crate and dolly) moving, meaning this case is
Dynamics.

The given are:

Weight of the crate and dolly: W = 300. N

Applied Force: 20.0 N

Given that this case is dynamics, we will use the equation for Second Law of Motion:

ΣF = ma

The acceleration is in the x – axis, so the only force to be accounted is the applied force (Fa).

With this:

Fa = ma; which will be: a = Fa / m

However, we do not have mass, but we can compute it from the given weight.

W = mg; m = W/g

m = 300. N/9.8 m/s2 = 30.6 kg

With this:

a = 20.0 N / 30.6 kg a

= 0.654 m/s2

Exercise # 4: Problem Solving

Solve the two problems in your notebook. Follow the steps that we discuss (write down your
complete solution). Take a photo of your answers and submit it on “Exercise # 2-Submission
Bin”.

Problem 1: A 150-N bird feeder is supported by three cables as shown in the image below. Find
the tension in each cable.

Problem 2: A 5.0-kg bucket of water is raised from a well by a rope. If the upward acceleration
of the bucket is 3.0 m/s2, find the force exerted by the rope on the bucket.

References:

LumenCandela (2020). Solving Problems with Newton’s Laws. Retrieved: May 11, 2020. From:
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-osuniversityphysics/chapter/6-1-solving-problems-
withnewtons-laws/

Serway, R., and C. Vuille (2012). College Physics, Ninth Edition. Boston, USA: Brooks/Cole

Young, H., and R. Freedman (2016). University Physics, Fourteenth Edition. Singapore: Pearson
Education Asia Pte Ltd.