Directorate: Curriculum FET

SUBJECT and Physical Sciences; Grade 11

GRADE
TERM 1 Week 6

TOPIC Newton’s second law of motion.

AIM OF LESSON At the end of this lesson you should be familiar with the following:
Apply Newton's second law of motion to a variety of equilibrium and non-equilibrium problems including Two-body
systems (joined by a light inextensible string):
• Both on a flat horizontal plane with or without friction
• One in a horizontal plane with or without friction, and a second hanging vertically from a string over a frictionless
pulley
• Both on an inclined plane with or without friction
• Both hanging vertically from a string over a frictionless pulley

RESOURCES Paper-based / physical resources

• Prescribed CAPS Physical Sciences textbook,
• Siyavula Grade 11 Physical Sciences resource (learner book, pg. 77 - 123);
• Physical Sciences CAPS document (pg. 64 - 65); and
• Grade 11 Physical Sciences Examination Guideline (pg. 8 - 9).
• Additional subject-related material, e.g. Mind the Gap (pg 19 – 26), Science Clinic, Answer Series, etc.).
• Scientific calculator, ruler, pen and pencil.
 Digital resources
• Technological devices such as a cell phone, tablet, laptop, etc. and sufficient data would be very useful.
• WCED ePortal – Website links to access recommended platforms: https://wcedeportal.co.za/eresource/189921
• Siyavula links (Forces): https://intl.siyavula.com/read/science/grade-11/newtons-laws/02-newtons-laws-02
• Youtube videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKKM8Y-u7ds;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxvBSQx3SYg
• Mind the Gap:
https://www.education.gov.za/Curriculum/LearningandTeachingSupportMaterials(LTSM)/MindtheGapStudyGui
des.aspx

INTRODUCTION Use the following link to enhance your knowledge by watching the
video which summarizes Newton’s laws and bringing it into perspective.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKKM8Y-u7ds

This section must be read in conjunction with the CAPS, pg. 64 - 65.
CONCEPTS
AND SKILLS
1. NEWTON’S SECOND LAW OF MOTION

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Recapping from the previous lesson, Newton’s Second law of motion is an acceleration relationship. Can you recall that
the acceleration of the block is directly proportional to the resultant (net) force. In mathematical terms: a ∝ F --------(1)
AND
the acceleration is inversely proportional to the mass. In mathematical terms: a ∝ 1/m -----------(2)

The following is obtained when rearranging equation (1) and (2)

F
a∝ or Fnet = ma
m

Remember that both force and acceleration are vectors quantities. The acceleration is in the same direction as the net
(resultant) force and not necessarily in the same direction as the motion of the object. If multiple forces are acting
simultaneously then we only need to work with the resultant force or net force.

Recall the definition of Newton’s second law of motion (this is examinable and is asked almost every year in the final
exam.)
DEFINITION: If a resultant (net) force acts on a body, it will cause the body to accelerate in the direction of the resultant
force. The acceleration of the body will be directly proportional to the resultant force and inversely proportional to the
mass of the body.

Applying Newton's second law of motion

Newton's second law can be applied to a variety of situations. Before working through the following examples, go
through Mind the Gap pages 19 – 26.

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EXAMPLE 1: 40 N

A force of 40 N is applied to a block of mass 3 kg, at an angle of 200 to the

200
horizontal, as shown alongside. The coefficient of kinetic friction is 0,2.
3 kg
1.1 Draw a free body diagram showing all the forces acting on the block. (4)
1.2 Calculate the magnitude of the normal force. (4)
1.3 Calculate the kinetic friction force (3)
1.4 Calculate the acceleration of the block. (3)

ANSWER TO EXAMPLE 1
1.1 Drawing the applied force at an angle
is not incorrect. But we recommend
FN rather draw the components FY and FX
Fy as this will assist you greatly when you
get to the calculations.
Ff FX

Fg

1.2 In the vertical plane, Fnet = 0, therefore the sum of the forces upwards equal the sum of the forces downwards.
i.e.
FN + FY = Fg The normal force is a vertical force.
FN + Fapp.sin200 = mg Therefore, from the free-body diagram, focus
FN = (3)(9,8) - 40 sin200
only on the vertical forces viz. FN, FY and FG.
= 15,719 N

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1.3 F f = µk N
= (0,2)(15,719)
= 3,144 N

1.4
Fnet = m a The acceleration is now horizontally, therefore
FX + Ff = ma focus only on the horizontal forces viz: FX and Ff.
40.cos200 - 3,144 = 3 a
In the second line, the direction in which the block
a = 34,444 m·s-2 , right
moves, that force must be written first viz. FX

EXAMPLE 2:
35 N

250

1 kg 2 kg

Fk = 1,2 N µk = 0,15

A block of mass 1 kg is attached to a 2 kg block via a light, inextensible string. A force of magnitude 35 N is applied to
the 2 kg block at an angle of 250 to the horizontal, as shown above. As the system moves, the 1 kg block experiences a
frictional force of 1,2 N and the coefficient of friction on the 2 kg block is 0,15.
2.1 Draw a free body showing all the forces acting on the 2 kg block. (5)
2.2 Calculate frictional force acting on the 2 kg block as it moves. (4)
2.3 Calculate the coefficient of kinetic friction experienced by the 1 kg block. (3)
2.4 Calculate the magnitude of the acceleration of the system. (7)

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2.5 Hence calculate the tension in the string. (2)

ANSWERS TO EXAMPLE 2
2.1 FN
FY
FT FX
Ff

Fg

2.2
FN + FY = Fg
FN + Fapp.sin250 = mg
FN = (2)(9,8) - 35 sin250
= 4,808 N

2.3
Ff = µkN
1,2 = µk (1)(9,8) …….. N = Fg = mg = (1)(9,8)
µk = 0,122 NB. µk does not have any units.

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2.4

For the 1 kg block: Draw the horizontal forces acting on For the 2 kg block: From the free-body diagram in q 2.1,
the 1 kg block. This will assist in getting the following equation: look at only the horizontal forces acting on the 2 kg block. This
will assist in getting the following equation:
Fnet = ma
Fnet = ma
FT + Fk = ma
FX + FT + Fk = ma Ff = µk N
FT - 1,2 = 1a
35.cos 250 - FT - 0,721 = 2a = (0,15)(4,808)
FT = 1a + 1,2 ………….. (1) = 0,721 N
FT = 31 - 2a ………….. (2)

(1) = (2): 1a + 1,2 = 31 – 2a

3a = 29,8
a = 9,933 m∙s-2

2.5
You can use either eq (1) or eq (2) from q 2.4 to calculate FT.
I will use eq (1): FT = 1a + 1,2
= 1(9,933) + 1,2
= 11,133 N

NB. Step 1: Whether the question is asked or not you must ALWAYS draw separate free body diagrams for each object
indicating ALL the forces acting on the object. Thereafter we only look at the forces acting in the direction of
motion (left-right or up/down 0r along an incline, depending on the question).
The applied force (or FX component) , the tension force and the force of friction will be included only if you
working with he horizontal forces.
The force of gravity, FY component and the normal, will be included only if you working with the vertical forces).

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 However, the vertical forces must only be considered when you need to calculate friction force, given the
coefficient of friction.

Step 2: Calculate the acceleration of the box. Remember that we consider the y- and x-directions separately.

EXAMPLE 3
In the diagram below, a small object of mass 2 kg is sliding at a constant velocity of 1,5 ms-1 down a rough plane inclined
at 7o to the horizontal surface.

At the bottom of the plane, the object continues sliding onto the rough horizontal surface and eventually comes to a
stop.
The coefficient of kinetic friction between the object and the surface is the same for both the inclined surface and the
horizontal surface
3.1 Write down the magnitude of the net force acting on the object. (1)
3.2 Draw a labelled free-body diagram for the object while it is on the inclined plane. (3)
3.3 Calculate the
3.3.1 Magnitude of the frictional force acting on the object while it is sliding down the inclined plane. (3)
3.3.2 Coefficient of kinetic friction between the object and the surfaces. (3)
3.3.3 Distance the object travels on the horizontal surface before it comes to a stop. (5)

ANSWER TO EXAMPLE 3
3.1 0 N/zero/nul✓ (1)

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3.2
N N ACCEPT/AANVAAR
N fk
fk
● fk
●
w//
w w⊥
w

Accepted labels/Aanvaarde benoemings

w Fg/Fw/weight/mg/gravitational force/N Fg/Fw/gewig/mg/gravitasiekrag
f Ffriction/Ff/friction/fk Fwrywing/Fw/wrywing/fk
N FN/Fnormal/normal force FN/Fnormaal/normaalkrag
(3)

3.3.1 Fnet = ma
✓ 1 mark for any of these/1 punt vir enige van hierdie
fk - mgsin = 0
fk = mgsin
fk = (2)(9,8) sin7o ✓
fk = 2,39 N ✓ (2,389) N (3)

3.3.2 fk = μkN
✓ 1 mark for any of these/1 punt vir enige van hierdie
= μkmgcos7o
2,389 = μk(2)(9,8)cos7o ✓
µk = 0,12 ✓ (3)

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 3.3.3
Fnet = ma
- fk = ma ✓ 1 mark for any of these/1 punt vir enige van hierdie

- μkN = ma
- μk(mg) = ma
- (0,12)(2)(9,8) ✓= 2a✓
a = -1,176 m.s-2 (-1,18)

vf2 = vi2 + 2aΔx

0 = (1,5)2 + 2(-1,176)Δx✓
Δx = 0,96 m
Distance is/Afstand is 0,96 m

EXERCISES FOR CONSOLIDATION PURPOSES

Please use ample time to complete the following activities (questions 1 to 3), which will aid in preparing you for tests / examinations in future.

QUESTION 1
Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions. Each question has only ONE correct answer. Choose the
answer and write only the letter (A–D) next to the question number (1.1 – 1.3), for example 1.1.11 E.

1.1 According to Newton's Second Law of Motion, the acceleration of an object is

A independent of its mass.

B always equal to its mass.

C directly proportional to its mass.

D inversely proportional to its mass. (2)

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1.2 A constant horizontal force F is applied to a box resting on a horizontal, frictionless surface. Which ONE of the following
statements regarding force F is CORRECT?

Force F will cause the box to move with …

A constant acceleration.
B constant velocity.
C constant kinetic energy.
D constant momentum. (2)

1.3 The diagram below shows three blocks, P, Q and R, suspended from a ceiling. The blocks are identical, stationary and have the
same mass but are at different heights above the ground. The connecting strings are massless and inextensible. The tensions in
the strings attached to blocks P, Q and R are TP, TQ and TR respectively

ceiling

TP
TQ
TR

ground

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 Which ONE of the following statements about the tensions is CORRECT?
A TP > TQ > TR

B TP < TQ < TR

C TP = TQ = TR

D TP > TQ and TQ < TR (2)

1.4 An object, of mass m, hangs at the end of a string from the ceiling of a lift cage. The lift is moving upward at CONSTANT SPEED.
The acceleration due to gravity is g

m constant speed

Which ONE of the following statements regarding the tension (T) in the string is CORRECT? The tension T

A will be equal to mg.

B will be less than mg.

C will be greater than mg.

D cannot be determined without knowing the speed of the lift cage. (2)

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QUESTION 2
A learner constructs a push toy using two blocks with masses 1,5 kg and 3 kg respectively. The blocks are connected by a massless,
inextensible cord
The learner then applies a force of 25 N at an angle of 30o to the 1,5 kg block by means of a light rigid rod, causing the toy to move across
a flat, rough, horizontal surface, as shown in the diagram below. The coefficient of kinetic friction (µk) between the surface and each
block is 0,15 25 N

30°

3 kg 1,5 kg

2.1 State Newton's second law of motion in words. (2)

2.2 Calculate the magnitude of the kinetic frictional force acting on the 3 kg block. (3)
2.3 Draw a labelled free-body diagram showing all the forces acting on the 1,5 kg block. (5)
2.4 Calculate the magnitude of the:
2.4.1 Kinetic frictional force acting on the 1,5 kg block (3)
2.4.2 Tension in the cord connecting the two blocks. (5)

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QUESTION 3
The diagram below shows a 10 kg block lying on a flat, rough, horizontal surface of a table. The block is connected by a light, inextensible
string to a 2 kg block hanging over the side of the table. The string runs over a light, frictionless pulley. The blocks are stationary

table surface
10 kg

2 kg

3.1 State Newton's FIRST law in words. (2)

3.2 Write down the magnitude of the NET force acting on the 10 kg block. (1)

When a 15 N force is applied vertically downwards on the 2 kg block, the 10 kg block accelerates to the right at 1,2 m∙s-2
3.3 Draw a free-body diagram for the 2 kg block when the 15 N force is applied to it. (3)
3.4 Calculate the coefficient of kinetic friction between the 10 kg block and the surface of the table. (7)
3.5 How does the value, calculated in QUESTION 3.4, compare with the value of the coefficient of STATIC friction for the
10 kg block and the table? Write down only LARGER THAN, SMALLER THAN or EQUAL TO (1)
3.6 If the 10 kg block had a larger surface area in contact with the surface of the table, how would this affect the coefficient
of kinetic friction calculated in QUESTION 2.4? Assume that the rest of the system remains unchanged. Write down only
INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME. Give a reason for the answer. (2)

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CONSOLIDATION Summary of lesson content, which you should be familiar with at this stage:

• State Newton's second law of motion: When a resultant/net force acts on an object, the object will accelerate in
the direction of the force at an acceleration directly proportional to the force and inversely proportional to the
object’s mass.
• Draw force diagrams and free-body diagrams for objects that are in equilibrium or accelerating.
• Apply Newton's second law of motion to a variety of equilibrium and non-equilibrium problems, including: a single
object; and two-body systems.
• NOTE: When an object accelerates, the equation Fnet = ma must be applied separately in the x and y directions. If
there is more than one object, a free-body diagram must be drawn for each object and Newton's second law must
be applied to each object separately. Separate equations set up for each object and the two equations solved
simultaneously.

ANSWERS TO EXERCISES FOR CONSOLIDATION

QUESTION 1
1.1 D
1.2 A
1.3 C
1.4 A

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QUESTION 2/VRAAG 2
2.1 When a resultant/net force acts on an object, the object will accelerate in the
(direction of the net/resultant force). The acceleration is directly proportional
to the net force and inversely proportional to the mass of the object.
Wanneer 'n netto krag op 'n voorwerp inwerk, versnel die voorwerp in die
rigting van die netto krag teen 'n versnelling direk eweredig aan die krag en
omgekeerd eweredig aan die massa van die voorwerp. (2)
2.2 fk = μkN✓= μkmg
1 mark for any of the formulae
= (0,15)(3)(9,8)✓
= 4,41 N✓ 1 punt vir enige van die formules (3)

2.3
N✓ N✓

fk ✓
fk ✓ Fx/25cos30o
T✓ T✓
Fy/25sin30o
25 N ✓
w✓
w✓

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 Accepted Labels/Aanvaarde benoemings
Fg/Fw/force of Earth on block/weight/gravitational force
w
Fg/Fw/krag van Aarde op blok/gewig/gravitasiekrag
FN/Fnormal/normal force
N
FN/Fnormaal/normalekrag
Tension/FT
T
Spanning/FT
fk fkinetic friction/kinetiesewrywing/ff/w/f//Ff/wkinetic friction/kinetiesewrywing
Fapplied/FA/F
25 N
Ftoegepas/FA/F

2.4.1 OPTION 1/OPSIE 1 OPTION 2/OPSIE 2

fk = μkN = μk(25sin 30o + mg) fk = μkN = μk(25cos 60o + mg)
= 0,15[(25sin30o)✓ + (1,5)(9,8)✓] = 0,15[(25cos60o)✓ + (1,5)(9,8)✓]
= 4,08 N✓ = 4,08 N✓ (3)

2.4.2 POSITIVE MARKING FROM

QUESTION 2.2 AND QUESTION 2.4.1
POSITIEWE NASIEN VANAF VRAAG 2.2 EN VRAAG
2.4.1
OPTION 1/OPSIE 1
For the 1,5 kg block/Vir die 1,5 kg blok
Fnet = ma
✓

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 Fx + (-T) +(- fk) = ma
25 cos 30o – T – fk = 1,5a
(25 cos 30o – T) – 4,08 = 1,5a
17,571 – T = 1,5a ……….(1)
✓either one

For the 3 kg block

enigeen
Vir die 3 kg blok
T – fk = 3a
T – 4,41 = 3a ………….(2)
13,161 = 4,5 a
a = 2,925 m∙s-2
T = 13,19 N ✓ (13,17 N – 13,19 N)

QUESTION 3
3.1 A body will remain in its state of rest or continues at constant velocity in a straight line unless a non-zero resultant/net
force
acts on it
'n Liggaam sal in sy toestand van rus of beweging teen konstante snelheid 'n 'n reguitlyn bly tensy 'n nie-nul
resulterende/netto krag daarop inwerk

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3.2 0 (N)✓/zero/nul (newton) (1)

OR/OF
T T T OR/OF T

• •
Accept/Aanvaar
w w w w
F F F F (3)

3.4 Fnet = ma ✓
Fa+Fg+(-T) = ma
(Fa+mg)+(-T) = ma
[15+(2)(9,8) –T]✓= (2)(1,2)✓
T = 32,2 N
Fnet = ma
T+(-fK) = ma
T-μkN=ma
✓
T-μkmg=ma
32,2- (μk(10)(9,8)✓ = (10)(1,2)✓
μk = 0,21✓ (7)

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 3.5 Smaller than/Kleiner as ✓ (1)
3.6 Remains the same/Bly dieselfde ✓
The coefficient of kinetic friction is independent of the surface areas in contact.
Die kinetiese wrywingskoëffisiënt is onafhanklik van die oppervlakareas
waarmee in kontak is
OR/OF
The coefficient of kinetic friction depends only on the type of materials used or
the weight.✓
Die kinetiese wrywingskoëffisiënt hang slegs af van die tipe materiaal gebruik
of die gewig (2)

Value of Newtons laws of motion in everyday practices.

VALUES /
APPLICATIONS Visit the following weblink and watch the video illustrating the value of using Newton’s laws of motion to explain some of
IN PRACTICE the activities we are engaged with in our daily lives, which include understanding:
• Newton’s first law and inertia when swinging, ice skating and cycling.
• Newton’s second law when vehicles suddenly stop and the movement (acceleration) of objects with different
masses.
• Newton’s third law and action-reaction force pairs in activities concerned with bouncing balls, jumping, walking,
and cycling.
A look into real-life applications of Newton’s laws:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxvBSQx3SYg

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