QUARTER 2

RESEARCH-BASED
INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES (RBIS)
SELF-LEARNING MODULE

NEWTON’S LAWS OF MOTION

RENATO J. BERNARDEZ
Developer
 Welcome to the STEM Senior High School Self-Learning Module, where we
delve into the core principles of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
This module is designed to guide you through the fundamental laws of motion, with
a primary focus on Sir Isaac Newton's contributions. First, we will explore the
concept of action-reaction pairs, shedding light on the equilibrium of forces in the
physical world. Moving forward, we will apply Newton's first law to derive both
quantitative and qualitative insights into contact and noncontact forces acting on
bodies at rest. Next, we'll unleash the power of Newton's second law and kinematics
to analyze velocity, acceleration, and forces on moving bodies.

The module culminates in practical problem-solving, where you'll apply

Newton's laws to scenarios like ropes and pulleys, mobile sculpture design, conveyor
belt dynamics, and determining forces for moving stalled vehicles and safe driving
speeds on banked curved roads. Through interactive exercises, real-world examples,
and assessments, this module offers a holistic learning experience, empowering you
to master the laws of motion and apply them to intriguing challenges in the STEM
realm. Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery and intellectual growth!

Teaching – Learning Activities

I. ESTABLISHING LEARNING GOALS

Directions. Determine the accuracy of the statement. Write TRUE if the statement
is correct, and FALSE if it is wrong.

1. True or False: Newton's First Law states that an object at rest will remain at
rest unless acted upon by an external force.

2. True or False: According to Newton's Second Law, the acceleration of an object

is directly proportional to its mass and inversely proportional to the net force
acting on it.

3. True or False: Newton's Third Law states that for every action, there is an
equal and opposite reaction.

4. True or False: Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state
of motion, and it is described by Newton's Second Law.

5. True or False: If the net force acting on an object is zero, according to Newton's
Second Law, the object will have constant velocity.
 6. True or False: Newton's Third Law implies that the forces in an action-reaction
pair are always of the same type (e.g., both gravitational).

7. True or False: An object in motion will continue to move with a constant

velocity if no external force is applied, as per Newton's First Law.

8. True or False: The weight of an object is a measure of its mass, and it is the
force with which it is attracted towards the center of the Earth.

9. True or False: According to Newton's Second Law, if you apply a force to an

object, the object will always move in the direction of the applied force.

10. True or False: Newton's Laws of Motion are only applicable to large objects
and are not valid at the microscopic scale of particles.

II. ENHANCING AND DEEPENING CONCEPTS

LESSON 01. INERTIAL FRAMES OF REFERENCE

Frames of Reference:
▪ A frame of reference is a coordinate system used to specify positions and
velocities of objects in space.
▪ Different observers may use different frames of reference to describe the same
physical situation.

Inertial Frames:
▪ An inertial frame of reference is a special type of frame that satisfies two key
conditions:
▪ It is in a state of constant, rectilinear motion (constant velocity) or at rest.
▪ It experiences no net force from external sources.

Key Characteristics:
1. Newton's First Law:
▪ An inertial frame is defined based on Newton's First Law of Motion.
▪ The law states that an object will remain at rest or move at a constant
velocity unless acted upon by a net external force.
2. Constant Velocity:
▪ In an inertial frame, any object not subject to external forces will either
be at rest or move with a constant velocity.
▪ Constant velocity implies both constant speed and constant direction.
3. Absence of Acceleration:
▪ In an inertial frame, there is an absence of acceleration in the absence
of external forces.
▪ Acceleration may result from external forces such as friction, gravity,
or applied forces.

Examples of Inertial Frames:

1. Stationary Earth:
▪ For many practical purposes, the Earth is considered an inertial frame,
especially in small-scale observations.
 2. Free-Falling Elevator:
▪ In the absence of air resistance, a freely falling elevator can be
considered an inertial frame.

Non-Inertial Frames:
▪ Frames that do not satisfy the conditions of an inertial frame are termed
non-inertial frames.
▪ Examples include accelerating cars, rotating platforms, etc.

Importance:
▪ Inertial frames are crucial for formulating the laws of physics, particularly
Newton's laws of motion.

LESSON 02. LAW OF INTERACTION

Newton's Third Law of Motion states that for every action, there is an equal
and opposite reaction. This law is fundamental in understanding interactions
between objects.

▪ Action-Reaction Pairs: In any interaction between two objects, the force one
object exerts on the other (action) is met with an equal and opposite force
exerted by the second object (reaction).

Key Characteristics:
1. Equal Magnitude, Opposite Direction
▪ Action and reaction forces have the same magnitude but act in opposite
directions.
▪ Mathematically, if object A exerts a force F on object B, then object B
exerts a force −F of the same magnitude on object A.

2. Same Type of Force:

▪ Action and reaction forces are of the same type (e.g., gravitational,
electromagnetic, or contact forces).
▪ If object A applies a gravitational force on object B, the reaction is an
equal gravitational force applied by object B on object A.

Examples of Action-Reaction Pairs:

1. Walking on the Ground:

▪ Action: The foot exerts a downward force on the ground.
▪ Reaction: The ground exerts an equal and opposite upward force on the
foot.

2. Rocket Propulsion:
▪ Action: The rocket expels gases downward.
▪ Reaction: The expelled gases exert an equal and opposite force upward
on the rocket, propelling it forward.

3. Book on a Table:
▪ Action: The book exerts a downward force on the table.
▪ Reaction: The table exerts an equal and opposite upward force on the
book.
Importance:
▪ Identifying action-reaction pairs is crucial for understanding the dynamics of
motion and interactions between objects.
▪ Newton's Third Law ensures that forces always occur in pairs, allowing for the
analysis and prediction of motion in various scenarios.

Misconceptions:
▪ It's important to clarify that action and reaction forces act on different objects.
They do not cancel each other out, as they are applied to different bodies.

LESSON 03. LAW OF INERTIA

Introduction
▪ Newton’s First Law of Motion states that an object at rest will stay at rest, and
an object in motion will stay in motion with a constant velocity unless acted
upon by a net external force.
▪ In equilibrium, the net force acting on an object is zero, allowing us to draw
conclusions about the forces involved.

Applying Newton’s 1st Law:

1. Equilibrium Conditions:
▪ In equilibrium, the forces acting on an object balance each other out,
resulting in a net force of zero.
▪ Mathematically, ΣF = 0, where ΣF represents the vector sum of all the
forces acting on the object.
2. Contact Forces:
▪ For an object at rest on a horizontal surface, the contact force (normal
force) equals the weight of the object (N = mg).
▪ If the object is on an inclined plane, the normal force is adjusted to be
perpendicular to the surface.
▪ Frictional forces, if present, can also be considered in equilibrium
conditions.
3. Noncontact Forces:
▪ When considering noncontact forces, such as gravitational forces,
equilibrium conditions lead to insights into the distribution of mass
and the presence of other celestial bodies.
▪ For example, in the case of a satellite in orbit, the gravitational force
pulling it toward Earth is balanced by the centrifugal force pulling it
away.

Quantitative Analysis:
1. Vector Sum of Forces:
▪ Express all forces acting on the object as vectors and apply vector
addition to find the net force.
▪ If the net force is zero, the object is in equilibrium.
2. Numerical Calculations:
▪ In quantitative analysis, numerical values for forces can be used to
determine the equilibrium state.
▪ Forces can be expressed in Newtons (N) or other appropriate units.
Qualitative Analysis:
1. Direction of Forces:
▪ Qualitatively, examine the direction of forces to ensure they balance
out to zero.
▪ Consider the geometry of the problem to understand how forces
contribute to equilibrium.
2. Nature of Forces:
▪ Consider the nature of contact and noncontact forces, understanding
how they influence each other.
▪ For example, gravitational and normal forces may act in opposite
directions to establish equilibrium.

Illustrative Examples

Scenario 1: Object on a Horizontal Surface. A book of mass m = 2kg is placed on a

horizontal surface. The coefficient of friction between the book and the surface is μ
= 0.2. Determine the force of friction and the normal force acting on the book.
Solution:

1. Contact Forces
a. Weight of the Book
• N = mg
• N = (2 kg) x (9.8 m/s2) = 19.6 N
b. Frictional Force
• Ffriction = µ • N
• Ffriction = 0.2 x 19.6 N = 3.92 N
2. Equilibrium Conditions
• In equilibrium, the forces balance, so ΣF = 0.
• ΣF = N − Fparallel = 42.64N − 24.01N = 18.63N
The force of friction is 3.92N, and the normal force is 19.6N, ensuring
equilibrium.

Scenario 2: Object on an Inclined Plane. A box of mass m = 5 kg is on an inclined

plane with an angle of 300 to the horizontal. Determine the normal force and the
component of weight parallel to the incline.
Solution:

1. Contact Forces
a. Weight of the Box
• N = mg cos θ (where θ is the angle of the incline)
• N = 5 kg x 9.8 m/s2 x cos 300
• N = 42.64 N
b. Weight Component Parallel to Incline
• Fparallel = mg sinθ
• Fparallel = 5 kg x 9.8 m/s2 x sin 300
• Fparallel = 24. 01 N
 2. Equilibrium Conditions
• In equilibrium, ΣF = 0.
• ΣF = N – Fparallel = 42.64 – 24.01 = 18.63 N

The normal force is 42.64N, and the weight component parallel

to the incline is 24.01N, ensuring equilibrium.

Scenario 3: Object Connected by a System of Pulleys. A system consists of two masses,

m1 = 3 kg and m2 = 2 kg, connected by a string passing over a frictionless pulley. m1
is on a horizontal surface, and m2 hangs vertically. Calculate the tension in the string
and the acceleration of the system.

Solution:
1. Contact Forces
a. Weight of m1:
• Nhorizontal = m1 • g
• Nhorizontal = 3 kg x 9.8 m/s2 = 29.4 N

b. Weight of m2:
• Nvertical = m2 • g
• Nvertical = 2 kg x 9.8 m/s2 = 19.6 N

2. Equilibrium Conditions
• In equilibrium, the net force is zero for each mass.
• For m1: Nhorizontal – T = 0
• For m2: Nvertical – T = m2 • a
3. System of Equations
• 29.4 N – T = 0
• 19.6 N – T = 2 kg • a
4. Solving the System
• From the first equation, T = 29.4 N
• Substitute T into the second equation: 19.6 N – 29.4 N = 2 kg • a
• Solve for a: a = - 4.9 m/s (negative because its accelerating upward)

The tension in the string is 29.4 N, and the system accelerates

upward at 4.9 m/s2.
Scenario 4: Object on an Inclined Plane with Friction. A block of mass m = 4kg is on a
rough inclined plane (θ = 450) with a coefficient of friction μ = 0.4. Calculate the
acceleration of the block.
Solution:

1. Contact Forces
a. Weight Component Parallel to Incline
• Fparallel = m • g • sin θ
• Fparallel = 4 kg x 9.8 m/s2 x sin 450
• 27.76 N
 b. Weight Component Perpendicular to Incline
• N = m • g • cos θ
• N = 4 kg x 9.8 m/s2 x cos 450
• 27.76 N

c. Frictional Force
• Ffriction = µ • N
• Ffriction = 0.4 x 27.76 N
• Ffriction = 11.1 N

2. Equilibrium Conditions
• In equilibrium, the net force is zero for each mass.
• Fparallel – Ffriction = m • a

3. Solving for Acceleration

• 27.76 N – 11.1 N = 4 kg • a
• a = 4.41 m/s2d

The block accelerates down the incline with an acceleration

of 4.41 m/s2.

Conclusion:
▪ Applying Newton’s First Law to bodies in equilibrium provides valuable
insights into the nature of forces acting on them.

▪ Quantitative and qualitative analyses allow us to draw conclusions about the

balance of forces, providing a foundation for more complex problem-solving in
physics.

LESSON 04. LAW OF ACCELERATION

Newton’s Second Law of Motion relates the motion of an object to the net force
acting on it and its mass. Kinematics, on the other hand, deals with the motion of
objects without considering the forces causing the motion.

Applying Newton’s 2nd Law:

1. Mathematical Formulation:
▪ F = ma expresses the relationship between force (F), mass (m), and
acceleration (a).
▪ This equation is fundamental for understanding how forces influence
the motion of an object.

2. Quantitative Analysis:
▪ Use Newton’s 2nd law to solve problems involving forces, masses, and
accelerations.
▪ Calculate net forces, individual forces, or accelerations based on given
parameters.
Applying Kinematics
1. Equations of Motion:
▪ Kinematic equations, such as vf = vi + at and d = vit + ½at, relate
initial velocity (vi), final velocity (vf), acceleration (a), displacement (d),
and time (t).
▪ These equations are valuable for solving problems involving the
motion of objects.

2. Quantitative Analysis:
▪ Use kinematic equations to calculate velocities, displacements, and
accelerations in various scenarios.
▪ Combine kinematics with Newton’s 2nd law to analyze the motion of
objects under the influence of forces.
Integration for Comprehensive Analysis:

1. Velocity and Acceleration:

▪ Combine information from Newton’s 2nd law and kinematics to obtain
a comprehensive understanding of how forces influence velocity and
acceleration.
Sample Problem: An object of mass m = 2kg is subjected to a net force F =
10N along a straight path. Initially at rest (vi = 0), find the velocity (vf) and
acceleration (a) of the object after t = 3s.
a. Apply Newton’s 2nd Law:
• F = ma
F
• a= m
10N
• a= = 5 m/s2
2kg

b. Apply Kinematics
• vf = vi + at
• vf = 0 + (5 m/s2 × 3 s)
• vf = 15 m/s

After 3 seconds, the object has a velocity of 15 m/s and an

acceleration of 5m/s2.

2. Contact and Noncontact Forces:

▪ Identify and analyze forces acting on objects, distinguishing between
contact forces (e.g., tension, friction) and noncontact forces (e.g.,
gravitational, electromagnetic).
▪ Understand how these forces contribute to the overall motion of
objects.
 Sample Problem: A block of mass m = 5kg is placed on a horizontal surface.
There is a coefficient of friction μ = 0.3 between the block and the surface. A
force of F = 30N is applied horizontally to the block.
For Contact Forces
a. Gravitational Force:
• Fgravity = mg

• Given: m = 5 kg and g = 9.8 m/s

• Fgravity = (5kg) × (9.8m/s2) = 49N

b. Frictional Force
• Ffriction = µ • Fnormal

• Given: µ = 0.3 and Fnormal = Fgravity

• Ffriction = 0.3 x 49 N = 14.7 N

c. Net Force and Acceleration

• Apply Newton’s 2nd Law: Fnet = ma

• Fnet = Fapplied – Ffriction

• Fnet = 30 N – 14.7 N = 15.3 N

Fnet 15.3 N
• a= = = 3.06 m/s2
m 5 kg

For Noncontact Forces:

a. Applied Force
• Fapplied = 30N (Given)

b. Normal Force
• Fnormal = Fgravity = 49N

c. Equation of Motion
• Fnet = Fapplied – Ffriction
• Fnet = 30 N – 14.7 N = 15.3 N

The net force acting on the block is 15.3N and the acceleration
3.06m/s2.

Qualitative Analysis:
1. Direction of Forces
▪ Consider how the direction of forces influences the direction of acceleration
and, consequently, the motion of objects.
 2. Nature of Forces
▪ Qualitatively analyze the nature of contact and noncontact forces to gain
insights into the interactions between objects.
Conclusion:
▪ Applying Newton’s 2nd Law and kinematics enables a thorough analysis of
the motion of objects, including their velocity and acceleration.
▪ Integrating these principles allows for both quantitative and qualitative
conclusions about the forces acting on objects, whether they are contact
or noncontact forces, and their impact on the overall motion of one or more
bodies.

ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITIES
I. Answer the following questions based on the lessons discussed in this
module.

A. Unistructural:
1. What is a frame of reference, and what is its primary purpose?
2. Define an inertial frame of reference based on the given conditions.
3. State Newton's First Law of Motion and its significance in defining an
inertial frame.
4. Provide an example of a non-inertial frame and explain why it does not
meet the conditions of an inertial frame.

B. Multi-structural:
1. List and explain the two key conditions that define an inertial frame of
reference.
2. Identify and describe at least three examples of inertial frames
mentioned in the lesson.
3. Enumerate the key characteristics of action-reaction pairs according to
Newton's Third Law.
4. Provide examples of action-reaction pairs in different scenarios and
describe the forces involved.

C. Relational:
1. How do the conditions for an inertial frame relate to the concept of
equilibrium and Newton's First Law?
2. Explain the relationship between the net force, equilibrium, and the
vector sum of forces in a given scenario.
3. Relate the concept of action-reaction pairs to the conservation of
momentum and the analysis of motion.
4. How does the presence of friction influence the equilibrium conditions
in a scenario involving an object on an inclined plane?

D. Extended Abstract:
1. Develop a hypothetical scenario in which the absence of inertial frames
would impact the formulation of Newton's laws of motion.
2. Discuss the philosophical implications of Newton's Third Law and its
role in shaping our understanding of interactions in the physical world.
 3. Consider a situation where the forces acting on an object are not in
equilibrium. Explore the potential consequences of such a scenario on
the object's motion and the application of Newton's laws.

II. Solve the following. Show your solutions.

1. An object of mass m = 3 kg is subjected to a net force F = 15 N along a

straight path. Initially at rest (vi = 0), find the velocity (vf) and acceleration
(a) of the object after t = 4 s.

2. A block of mass m = 8 kg is placed on a horizontal surface. The coefficient

of friction μ = 0.2 between the block and the surface. A force of F = 40 N is
applied horizontally to the block.

3. A mass m1 = 5 kg hangs vertically, connected by a string to a mass m2 = 2

kg on a rough horizontal surface (μ = 0.3). Calculate the acceleration of the
system.

4. Three blocks with masses m1 = 2 kg, m2 = 3 kg, and m3 = 4 kg are connected

on an incline. The coefficient of friction between m2 and the incline is 0.1.
Calculate the acceleration of the system.