College Physics II – Mechanics, Sound, Oscillations, and Waves

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External force

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College Physics II – Mechanics, Sound, Oscillations, and Waves

Definition

An external force is any force that originates from outside a system and acts on the objects within that system. It can change the motion of the objects by altering their velocity or causing deformation.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. External forces are responsible for changes in momentum of a system.
  2. Newton's Second Law, $F=ma$, describes how an external force affects an object's acceleration.
  3. External forces can be contact forces (e.g., friction) or non-contact forces (e.g., gravity).
  4. The net external force acting on a system is crucial for determining the motion of the center of mass.
  5. In collisions, external forces determine whether momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.

Review Questions

  • What distinguishes an external force from an internal force?
  • How does Newton's Second Law relate to external forces?
  • Why are external forces important when analyzing collisions?
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