Highlights:
chapter 4 of an intro physics text designed for life-science students introducing Newton's laws of motion
Abstract:
Life science students often see Newton's laws as something to memorize, not as fundamental principles that constrain and explain motion. This chapter presents Newton's laws as mathematical representations of 6 conceptual ideas built from direct observation of simple experiments: focusing on objects (“object egotism”), inertia, interactions, superposition, mass, and reciprocity. We describe Newton’s laws as a powerful framework for modeling motion, clearly distinguishing it from phenomenological laws that have limited applicability.
Resource Types:
Student reading, Instructor supplement, Restricted access
Remote Learning Ready:
This resource has been designed or adapted for use in remote learning.
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TOPICS
Physics Topics:
Classical Mechanics > Applications of Newton's Laws, Newton's First Law, Newton's Second Law, Newton's Third Law
Life Sciences Topics:
None
Chemistry Topics:
None
Math Topics:
Algebra; Differential Calculus; Geometry; Graphical Analysis; Integral Calculus; Trigonometry
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SUBMISSION DETAILS
Copyright: 2025 Edward Redish, Ginny Redish
CC BY-NC-SA - Attribution, No Commercial uses and Share Alike. Derivative works must have the same license.Last Edit Date:
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