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PhysicsExam prep14 min read

Newtonian Mechanics: Forces and Motion

Master Newton's three laws and apply them to everyday motion problems.

Last updated July 18, 2026

In this guide

  1. 1. First law: inertia
  2. 2. Second law: F = ma
  3. 3. Third law: action-reaction

1.First law: inertia

An object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion at constant velocity unless acted on by an unbalanced force.

2.Second law: F = ma

The net force on an object equals its mass times its acceleration. Bigger mass or bigger acceleration means more force.

3.Third law: action-reaction

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Forces always come in pairs acting on different objects.