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IB Physics HL A 2 1 Newtons Three Laws of Motion Questions

Practise analysing HL force systems, including variable drag, orbital motion, propulsion and action-reaction pairs.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Physics HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • Use Newton’s first law to explain inertia, constant-velocity motion and translational equilibrium, including the apparent outward sensation in circular motion.
  • Apply Newton’s second law to relate resultant force to acceleration, including slowing down, slopes, pendulum motion, lift and other force-system contexts.
  • Identify genuine Newton’s third-law pairs between two interacting bodies and distinguish them from balanced forces acting on one body.
  • Explain propulsion, lift, contact and collision interactions by tracking the equal-and-opposite forces on the two bodies involved.
  • Determine when the resultant force is zero or non-zero and connect that conclusion to the object’s acceleration or constant velocity, including circular/orbital motion.

Learn this topic

Study A.2.1—Newton’s three laws of motion conceptsOpen the corresponding Concept lesson for explanations, examples and exam connections.

IB Physics HL A 2 1 Newtons Three Laws of Motion Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

This question is about the forces on a skier.

A skier is pulled up a hill by a rope at a steady velocity. The hill makes an angle of 12∘12^{\circ} with the horizontal. The mass of the skier and skis is 73 kg . The diagram below shows three of the forces acting on the skier.

Figure for Question IB Physics HL A 2 1 Newtons Three Laws of Motion Questions question 1 — IB Physics HL

Explain, using Newton's first law of motion, why the resultant force on the skier must be zero.

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