UPCAT Physics — Newton's Laws, Dynamics & MomentumSlides
Visual slide deck for Newton's Laws, Dynamics & Momentum. Perfect for reviewers who prefer seeing concepts laid out with diagrams and bullet points rather than long paragraphs. Built specifically for UPCAT Physics aspirants preparing for the 2026 cycle.
Exam context
For the University of the Philippines College Admission Test, University of the Philippines tests Physics under a "Core" label, with Newton's Laws, Dynamics & Momentum in the 3rd slot across 6 chapters. UPCAT candidates must clear the UPG ≤ 2.2 typical cut on the 2026 paper, which draws about 20 Physics questions. Date to watch: Mid-2026 (announced by UP Admissions).
Newton's Laws, Dynamics & Momentum - Slides
This chapter explores the fundamental principles of motion through Newton's three laws, the concept of dynamics, and momentum. These concepts form the foundation of classical mechanics and help us understand how forces affect the motion of objects in our daily lives. From understanding why we feel pushed back in a jeepney when it suddenly accelerates, to explaining how rockets launch into space, these principles govern all motion around us.
Slides
Newton's Laws, Dynamics & Momentum - Chapter Overview
This chapter covers the essential principles that govern all motion in the universe. Newton's laws provide the framework for understanding how forces create changes in motion, while momentum helps us analyze collisions and interactions between objects.
Notes
This overview slide introduces students to the comprehensive nature of the chapter, showing how Newton's laws connect to both dynamics and momentum concepts.
Topic
Chapter Introduction
Slide Id
S1
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
1
Mermaid Diagram
Code
mindmap root((Newton's Laws Dynamics Momentum)) Newton's Laws First Law Inertia Objects at Rest Objects in Motion Second Law F equals ma Acceleration Net Force Third Law Action Reaction Equal Opposite Dynamics Force Types Applied Force Gravity Normal Force Friction Motion Analysis Free Body Diagrams Net Force Momentum Definition Mass times Velocity Vector Quantity Conservation Elastic Collision Inelastic Collision Applications Sports Transportation
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
A mind map showing the main topics covered in this chapter and their interconnections
What is Dynamics?
Dynamics goes beyond just describing motion - it explains the causes of motion. While kinematics tells us how fast a jeepney is moving, dynamics explains why it slows down when the driver applies the brakes.
Notes
This slide establishes the foundational concept of dynamics and differentiates it from kinematics, setting up the framework for understanding Newton's laws.
Topic
Dynamics Definition
Slide Id
S2
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
2
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Object in Motion] --> B{What factors affect it?} B --> C[fa:fa-hand-paper Applied Force] B --> D[fa:fa-arrow-down Gravity] B --> E[fa:fa-arrows-alt Normal Force] B --> F[Friction Force] C --> G[Change in Motion] D --> G E --> G F --> G G --> H[fa:fa-calculator Analyze with Dynamics]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Flowchart showing how various forces in dynamics affect the motion of objects
Newton's First Law - The Law of Inertia
The first law tells us that objects naturally resist changes to their state of motion. A book on your desk won't start moving by itself, and a rolling ball would keep rolling forever if no forces acted on it.
Notes
This slide introduces the concept of inertia with relatable Filipino examples that students experience daily in public transportation.
Topic
Newton's First Law
Slide Id
S3
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
3
Mermaid Diagram
Code
stateDiagram-v2 [*] --> AtRest: Object at Rest [*] --> InMotion: Object in Motion AtRest --> AtRest: No Net Force InMotion --> InMotion: No Net Force AtRest --> InMotion: Net Force Applied InMotion --> AtRest: Net Force Applied InMotion --> ChangedMotion: Net Force Applied ChangedMotion --> InMotion
Type
mermaid_stateDiagram
Description
State diagram showing how objects maintain their state of motion unless acted upon by a net force
Newton's Second Law - F = ma
This law quantifies the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration. It's the most mathematically useful of Newton's laws and allows us to calculate unknown quantities when we know the other two.
Notes
This slide emphasizes the mathematical nature of the second law and provides a framework for problem-solving that students will use throughout physics.
Topic
Newton's Second Law
Slide Id
S4
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
4
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[fa:fa-calculator F = ma] --> B{What do we know?} B -->|Know F and m| C[Calculate a = F/m] B -->|Know F and a| D[Calculate m = F/a] B -->|Know m and a| E[Calculate F = ma] C --> F[fa:fa-arrow-right Higher F → Higher a] D --> G[fa:fa-weight Higher m → Lower a] E --> H[fa:fa-balance Force creates acceleration]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Flowchart showing the mathematical relationship in Newton's second law and how to solve for different variables
Newton's Third Law - Action and Reaction
When you push on something, it pushes back on you with equal force. This might seem strange, but it's why we can walk (we push back on the ground, and the ground pushes forward on us) and why rockets can fly in space.
Notes
This slide clarifies the often-misunderstood concept that action-reaction pairs act on different objects, which is why motion can still occur.
Topic
Newton's Third Law
Slide Id
S5
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
5
Mermaid Diagram
Code
sequenceDiagram participant Person participant Object Person->>Object: Action Force Object-->>Person: Reaction Force (Equal & Opposite) Note over Person,Object: Forces are simultaneous Note over Person,Object: Act on different objects Note over Person,Object: Equal magnitude, opposite direction
Type
mermaid_sequence
Description
Sequence diagram showing the simultaneous nature of action-reaction force pairs
Types of Forces in Dynamics
Understanding different types of forces is crucial for analyzing motion. Each force type has specific characteristics and affects objects in different ways. Forces combine as vectors to create net force.
Notes
This slide provides a comprehensive overview of force types that students will encounter in problems, with familiar examples from their daily life.
Topic
Force Types
Slide Id
S6
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
6
Mermaid Diagram
Code
mindmap root((Types of Forces)) Applied Force Human Push Machine Pull Contact Force Gravitational Force Weight Always Downward mg formula Normal Force Support Force Perpendicular Prevents Penetration Friction Force Static Friction Kinetic Friction Opposes Motion
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Mind map organizing the different types of forces encountered in dynamics problems
Weight vs Mass - Important Distinction
This distinction is crucial in physics. Your mass is the same whether you're in Manila or on the International Space Station, but your weight would be different due to changes in gravitational field strength.
Notes
This slide addresses a common misconception and provides the foundation for understanding gravitational force calculations.
Topic
Weight vs Mass
Slide Id
S7
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
7
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[fa:fa-user Person] --> B[Mass = 60 kg] A --> C[Weight on Earth] A --> D[Weight on Moon] B --> E[Constant Everywhere] C --> F[W = mg = 60 × 9.8 = 588 N] D --> G[W = mg = 60 × 1.6 = 96 N] E --> H[fa:fa-balance Same Mass, Different Weight] F --> H G --> H
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Flowchart illustrating the difference between mass and weight with numerical examples
Free Body Diagrams - Visualizing Forces
Free body diagrams help us visualize and organize all the forces acting on an object. This makes it easier to apply Newton's laws and solve for unknown quantities systematically.
Notes
This slide teaches a fundamental problem-solving tool that students will use throughout their study of physics and engineering.
Topic
Free Body Diagrams
Slide Id
S8
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
8
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Real Situation] --> B[Identify Object] B --> C[Identify All Forces] C --> D[Draw Simple Object] D --> E[Add Force Arrows] E --> F[Label Forces with Values] F --> G[Apply Newton's Laws] G --> H[fa:fa-calculator Solve Problem]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Step-by-step process for creating and using free body diagrams to solve physics problems
Introduction to Momentum
Momentum tells us how much 'oomph' a moving object has. A heavy truck moving slowly might have the same momentum as a light car moving fast. This concept helps us understand collisions and impacts.
Notes
This slide introduces momentum with intuitive examples that help students understand why momentum is important in analyzing motion and collisions.
Topic
Momentum Definition
Slide Id
S9
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
9
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart LR A[fa:fa-weight Mass m] --> C[fa:fa-calculator Multiply] B[fa:fa-tachometer Velocity v] --> C C --> D[Momentum p = mv] D --> E{Compare Objects} E --> F[Higher mass → Higher p] E --> G[Higher velocity → Higher p] F --> H[fa:fa-arrow-right More difficult to stop] G --> H
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Flowchart showing how mass and velocity combine to create momentum and its effects
Conservation of Momentum
The law of conservation of momentum states that in a closed system (no external forces), the total momentum remains constant. This principle helps us predict the outcomes of collisions and explosions.
Notes
This slide presents one of physics' most important conservation laws with clear mathematical representation that students can apply to collision problems.
Topic
Momentum Conservation
Slide Id
S10
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
10
Mermaid Diagram
Code
sequenceDiagram participant Obj1 as Object 1 participant Obj2 as Object 2 Note over Obj1,Obj2: Before Collision Obj1->>Obj1: p1i = m1v1i Obj2->>Obj2: p2i = m2v2i Note over Obj1,Obj2: Total: p1i + p2i Obj1->>Obj2: Collision occurs Note over Obj1,Obj2: After Collision Obj1->>Obj1: p1f = m1v1f Obj2->>Obj2: p2f = m2v2f Note over Obj1,Obj2: Total: p1f + p2f = p1i + p2i
Type
mermaid_sequence
Description
Sequence diagram showing how momentum is conserved before and after a collision between two objects
Types of Collisions
Understanding collision types helps us choose the right approach for solving problems. Elastic collisions conserve both momentum and kinetic energy, while inelastic collisions only conserve momentum.
Notes
This slide helps students distinguish between collision types and select appropriate problem-solving approaches, which is crucial for UPCAT-style problems.
Topic
Collision Types
Slide Id
S11
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
11
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Collision Occurs] --> B{Do objects stick together?} B -->|No| C[Elastic Collision] B -->|Yes| D[Inelastic Collision] C --> E[fa:fa-check Momentum Conserved] C --> F[fa:fa-check Kinetic Energy Conserved] D --> G[fa:fa-check Momentum Conserved] D --> H[fa:fa-times Kinetic Energy Lost] E --> I[Use: m₁v₁ + m₂v₂ = m₁v₁' + m₂v₂'] G --> J[Use: m₁v₁ + m₂v₂ = m₁ + m₂v']
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Decision flowchart for identifying collision types and choosing the appropriate conservation equations
Work and Its Relationship to Force
Work connects force to energy concepts. When you apply a force and move an object, you do work on it. This work can increase the object's kinetic energy or potential energy.
Notes
This slide introduces the work-energy relationship that bridges dynamics with energy concepts, essential for comprehensive physics understanding.
Topic
Work and Force
Slide Id
S12
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
12
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[fa:fa-hand-paper Apply Force F] --> B{Does object move?} B -->|Yes| C[Distance d > 0] B -->|No| D[Distance d = 0] C --> E[Work = F × d] D --> F[Work = 0] E --> G{Force direction vs motion?} G -->|Same direction| H[fa:fa-plus Positive Work] G -->|Opposite direction| I[fa:fa-minus Negative Work] G -->|Perpendicular| J[fa:fa-circle Zero Work]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Flowchart showing when work is done and how the direction of force relative to motion affects the sign of work
Power - Rate of Doing Work
Power tells us how quickly work is done or energy is transferred. A powerful engine can do the same amount of work as a weak engine, but it does it much faster.
Notes
This slide connects the concept of work to power, helping students understand efficiency and performance in mechanical systems.
Topic
Power
Slide Id
S13
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
13
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart LR A[fa:fa-calculator Work Done W] --> C[fa:fa-divide Divide by Time] B[fa:fa-clock Time t] --> C C --> D[Power P = W/t] D --> E[Measured in Watts] F[fa:fa-hand-paper Force F] --> G[fa:fa-multiply Multiply by Velocity] H[fa:fa-tachometer Velocity v] --> G G --> I[Alternative: P = Fv] E --> J[fa:fa-lightbulb Higher Power = Faster Work] I --> J
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Flowchart showing two ways to calculate power and emphasizing that power indicates the rate of work
Problem-Solving Strategy for Dynamics
Systematic problem-solving is crucial for success in physics. Following these steps helps organize your thinking and reduces errors, especially in complex problems involving multiple forces and objects.
Notes
This slide provides a systematic approach to problem-solving that students can apply to UPCAT and other entrance exam physics problems.
Topic
Problem-Solving Strategy
Slide Id
S14
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
14
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[fa:fa-book Read Problem] --> B[Identify Given & Find] B --> C[fa:fa-pencil Draw Free Body Diagram] C --> D[Choose Coordinate System] D --> E[fa:fa-calculator Apply Newton's Laws] E --> F[Solve Algebraically] F --> G[Substitute Numbers] G --> H[fa:fa-check Check Answer] H --> I{Makes sense?} I -->|No| J[fa:fa-arrow-left Review Steps] I -->|Yes| K[fa:fa-star Solution Complete] J --> C
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Step-by-step flowchart for systematically solving dynamics problems with feedback loops for checking work
Real-World Applications
Newton's laws and momentum concepts are not just academic topics - they're fundamental to many technologies and safety systems we use daily. Understanding these principles helps us make better decisions and design better solutions.
Notes
This slide connects theoretical physics concepts to practical applications that students encounter in daily life and various career fields.
Topic
Real-World Applications
Slide Id
S15
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
15
Mermaid Diagram
Code
mindmap root((Real World Applications)) Transportation Car Safety Airbags Seatbelts Crumple Zones Traffic Engineering Stopping Distance Turn Banking Sports Ball Games Momentum Transfer Spin Effects Athletics Running Technique Jumping Mechanics Engineering Structural Design Force Distribution Earthquake Safety Aerospace Rocket Propulsion Satellite Orbits Daily Life Walking Lifting Objects Using Tools
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Mind map showing the wide range of real-world applications of Newton's laws and momentum in various fields
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Recognizing common mistakes helps you avoid them and improve your problem-solving accuracy. These errors are particularly important to watch for in entrance exams where precision is crucial.
Notes
This slide addresses frequent student errors, helping them develop better problem-solving habits and avoid common pitfalls in exams.
Topic
Common Mistakes
Slide Id
S16
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
16
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[fa:fa-warning Common Mistakes] --> B[Mass vs Weight] A --> C[Vector vs Scalar] A --> D[Incomplete Diagrams] A --> E[Action-Reaction Confusion] B --> F[fa:fa-check Always use mg for weight] C --> G[fa:fa-check Consider direction always] D --> H[fa:fa-check Include ALL forces] E --> I[fa:fa-check Forces act on different objects] F --> J[fa:fa-star Better Problem Solving] G --> J H --> J I --> J
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Flowchart identifying common student mistakes and their corrections to improve problem-solving accuracy
Chapter Summary and Key Takeaways
This chapter has covered the fundamental principles that govern all motion in our universe. From understanding why you feel pushed when a jeepney accelerates, to predicting the outcome of collisions, these concepts form the foundation of classical mechanics.
Notes
This concluding slide reinforces the interconnections between all chapter topics and emphasizes their practical importance.
Topic
Chapter Summary
Slide Id
S17
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
17
Mermaid Diagram
Code
mindmap root((Chapter Summary)) Newton's Laws First Law Inertia Second Law F=ma Third Law Action-Reaction Key Concepts Force Types Free Body Diagrams Problem Solving Momentum Definition p=mv Conservation Law Collision Analysis Applications Transportation Sports Engineering Safety Systems
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Comprehensive mind map summarizing all major topics covered in this chapter on Newton's laws, dynamics, and momentum
References
- BRAINBOX UPCAT AND OTHER COLLEGE ENTRANCE - Physics.pdf
- CET 2026 COMPREHENSIVE LECTURE NOTES - Science.pdf
- THE UPCAT CHAMPION CET - Science.pdf
- Newton, Isaac. Principia Mathematica (Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy)
- Halliday, Resnick, and Walker. Fundamentals of Physics
- Philippine Department of Education K-12 Physics Curriculum Guide
In summary
Newton's Laws, Dynamics, and Momentum form the cornerstone of classical physics and provide the framework for understanding all motion around us. From the simple act of walking to the complex mechanics of space flight, these principles govern everything. As you prepare for the UPCAT and other entrance exams, remember that these concepts are not just formulas to memorize, but powerful tools for analyzing and predicting the behavior of the physical world. Practice applying these laws systematically, use free body diagrams to organize your thinking, and always consider the real-world applications that make physics both practical and fascinating.
Ready to practise for the UPCAT 2026?
Super Tutor's AI review plan adapts to your weak areas and builds a weekly practice schedule around your target UPCAT exam date.