Mr. Andersen shows you how to draw free body diagrams of various objects. The major forces (like gravity, normal, tension, friction, air resistance, etc.) are discussed and then applied to various problems.

In this video Paul Andersen explains how free-body diagrams can be used to solve kinematics problems. The only two parts of a free-body diagram are the object and all external forces acting on the object. Numerous situations are...

Why is it hard to move a heavy bookcase across a carpeted floor? And why is it easier to keep it moving than it was to get it started moving? You might think it's all about weight, but actually it's about friction. Two kinds of friction!...

In this video Paul Andersen explains how Newton's Third Law applies to all objects. When an object applies a force to another object (Action) and equal and opposite force (Reaction) is applied to the original object. Several scenarios...

Forces are pushes or pulls on an object. Forces can be determined by measuring the motion of an object. If an object accelerates then a force is present.

In this video Paul Andersen explains how contact forces result from interatomic forces. The following forces are explained at the interatomic level: normal force, applied force, friction force, tension force, spring force, and buoyant...

I'm sure you've heard of Isaac Newton and maybe of some of his laws. Like, that thing about "equal and opposite reactions" and such. But what do his laws mean? And how do they help us understand the world around us? In this episode of...

New ReviewNewton’s Third Law forces are always equal and opposite, but they act on different objects. Learn how to identify these force pairs and draw the correct free-body diagrams.

A moving object doesn’t always have a force in the same direction as its motion. Learn why with this simple hockey puck example and deepen your understanding of Newton’s laws.

Drawing accurate free-body diagrams is essential for scoring points on the AP® Physics Exams. In this video, Mr. P, an actual AP® Physics Reader, shows you exactly how to draw free-body diagrams the way exam graders want to see them....

Struggling with forces and Newton’s Laws in AP® Physics 1? In this lesson, we clear up some of the most common stumbling blocks from roughly the first half of Unit 2, including center of mass, translational equilibrium, constant velocity...

Learn how to solve classic ladder problems using static equilibrium principles. This lesson covers torque, free body diagrams, normal and frictional forces, and strategic pivot selection

Discover how gravitational acceleration is calculated near Earth and why your weight changes with altitude, latitude, and Earth’s rotation. This lesson unpacks the physics behind g = a₉ − ω²R and shows how gravity subtly varies across...

This content solves a physics problem involving two connected blocks under a constant horizontal force, exploring their interactions and motion. Learn to apply Newton's Laws and free body diagrams to calculate acceleration and an unknown...

Torque & Moment of Inertia: Physics Problem with Multiple Forces

This content delves into analyzing forces on an inclined plane, focusing on static and kinetic friction to control the motion of a box. Learn to calculate forces needed to prevent slipping, initiate upward movement, and maintain constant...

This content presents a solved physics problem that calculates the frictional force and acceleration of a 3.5 kg block pushed along a horizontal floor by a 15 N force at a 40° angle to the horizontal. It demonstrates the application of...

This content explains how to calculate the normal force on a box inside an accelerating elevator system using Newton's Laws of Motion. It details how to first determine the system's acceleration from the forces on one cab, then apply...

This content analyzes the normal force on a driver in a car moving at a constant speed over a circular hill and into a valley. By first using the condition of zero normal force at the top of the hill to determine the centripetal force,...

This content explains how to analyze forces on an inclined plane for a loaded box, differentiating between static and kinetic friction. It demonstrates calculations for the minimum force to prevent sliding down, the force to initiate...

This content provides a step-by-step solution for a physics problem involving a crate pushed at a constant speed up a frictionless inclined plane by a horizontal force. It demonstrates how to apply Newton's Second Law by resolving forces...

This content explores the dynamics of a connected elevator system to calculate the normal force exerted on a box inside one of the accelerating cabs. It demonstrates the application of Newton's Second Law by first determining the...

Explore Newton's Laws of Motion with this physics problem. Determine if a block slides down a vertical wall when pushed by a horizontal force and calculate the wall's reaction force in unit-vector notation.

Understand the four key types of forces—gravitational, normal, frictional, and tension—and how they affect motion. Learn to classify, analyze, and apply these forces to solve mechanics problems