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Physics SL

SLHL

Chapter 2: Forces and Newton's Laws

Develop force literacy from free-body diagrams to Newton's laws, then apply net-force reasoning to friction and circular motion.

Estimated chapter time: 165 minutes

IB syllabus: A.2 · SL and HL

Chapter Topics

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  1. 11. How to Read This Chapter
    1. 1.11.1 What This Chapter Adds Beyond Kinematics
    2. 1.21.2 Core Workflow for Every Problem
  2. 22. Force Types, Direction, and Free-Body Diagrams
    1. 2.12.1 Recognizing Common Forces
    2. 2.22.2 Friction, Drag, and Buoyancy as Response Forces
    3. 2.32.3 Drawing a Reliable Free-Body Diagram
  3. 33. Equilibrium and Net Force
    1. 3.13.1 Equilibrium as a Vector Condition
    2. 3.23.2 Choosing Axes to Minimize Algebra
    3. 3.33.3 Worked logic: incline equilibrium and breakaway angle
  4. 44. Newton's First, Second, and Third Laws
    1. 4.14.1 First Law and Inertial Thinking
    2. 4.24.2 Second Law as the Quantitative Engine
    3. 4.34.3 Third Law Pairs Without Confusion
    4. 4.44.4 Worked logic: two-body systems and internal tension
  5. 55. Friction Thresholds and Net-Force Balance
    1. 5.15.1 Static-to-Dynamic Transition
    2. 5.25.2 Interpreting Net Force From Competing Horizontal Forces
  6. 66. Circular Motion and Centripetal Force
    1. 6.16.1 Angular Speed, Period, and Linear Speed
    2. 6.26.2 Why Constant Speed Still Means Acceleration
    3. 6.36.3 Identifying the Real Force Behind the Centripetal Effect

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