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System

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College Physics I – Introduction

Definition

A system is a defined collection of objects considered for analysis. It separates the objects of interest from the environment to study forces and motion.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. In Newton's second law, a system helps identify which forces act on the objects being studied.
  2. Internal forces within a system do not affect the net force or acceleration of the system.
  3. The boundary of a system is arbitrary and can be chosen to simplify problem-solving.
  4. External forces acting on a system determine its acceleration according to $F = ma$.
  5. Choosing an appropriate system can make it easier to apply Newton's laws and solve dynamics problems.

Review Questions

  • What role does a system play in applying Newton’s second law?
  • Why are internal forces within a system typically ignored when calculating net force?
  • How do external forces influence the acceleration of a system?
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