Newton’s Laws of Motion Explained with Examples and Diagrams
Laws of Motion Revision Notes for Quick Exam Preparation
FAQs on Laws of Motion Revision Notes for Quick Exam Preparation
1. What are the three laws of motion in simple words?
Newton's three laws of motion describe how objects move when forces act on them.
- First Law (Law of Inertia): An object stays at rest or moves in a straight line at constant speed unless a force changes its state.
- Second Law (Law of Acceleration): The force on an object is equal to its mass times its acceleration (F = ma).
- Third Law (Law of Action-Reaction): For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
2. How can I remember Newton’s laws of motion for exams?
You can remember Newton’s laws of motion using simple memory tricks and examples.
- First Law: Think of a moving bus suddenly stopping and passengers lurching forward (inertia).
- Second Law: Recall that pushing harder makes objects move faster (F = ma).
- Third Law: Imagine jumping off a boat and the boat moves back (action-reaction).
3. What is the universal law of motion?
The term universal law of motion usually refers to Newton’s laws of motion, which apply to almost all physical objects and scenarios in classical mechanics. These laws help describe and predict the motion and behavior of objects when forces act upon them, making them fundamental for physics and competitive exams such as JEE and NEET.
4. What is covered in laws of motion class 11 notes?
The laws of motion Class 11 notes typically cover:
- Definitions and explanations of Newton’s three laws
- Important formulas, derivations, and SI units
- Concepts of force, inertia, mass, and acceleration
- Applications of the laws in daily life and numericals
- Free-body diagrams and problem-solving strategies
- Revision tips and diagrams for exams
5. Where can I get laws of motion revision notes PDF?
You can download laws of motion revision notes PDF from trusted educational platforms, such as Vedantu, which offer syllabus-aligned summary notes, important formulas, diagrams, and solved numericals tailored for Class 11 Physics and competitive exams.
6. How are Newton’s laws used in daily life?
Newton’s laws of motion appear in everyday situations like walking, riding a bicycle, or playing sports.
- First Law: A book remains at rest on a table unless pushed.
- Second Law: A heavier object needs more force to move than a lighter one.
- Third Law: When you jump, your feet push on the ground, and the ground pushes you up.
7. What are the key formulas related to the laws of motion?
The most important laws of motion formulas include:
- F = ma – Force equals mass × acceleration
- v = u + at – Final velocity formula (for constant acceleration)
- p = mv – Momentum equals mass × velocity
- Impulse = Change in momentum (F × Δt = m(v-u))
8. Why do we draw free-body diagrams for laws of motion problems?
A free-body diagram is used to visually represent all the forces acting on an object, helping you apply Newton’s laws accurately in numericals.
- It clarifies which forces are present and their direction
- Simplifies complex problems for easier solution
- Helps in identifying action-reaction force pairs and calculating net force
9. Are the laws of motion different in a non-inertial frame of reference?
Newton's laws of motion are strictly applicable in inertial frames of reference. In non-inertial frames (which are accelerating or rotating), you must introduce fictitious (pseudo) forces to apply these laws correctly for problem-solving in advanced physics or Class 11 exams.
10. What common mistakes should students avoid when studying the laws of motion?
Common mistakes in laws of motion revision include:
- Confusing inertia with force
- Forgetting to use the correct direction of forces in Free Body Diagrams
- Not applying Newton's third law when considering force pairs
- Miscalculating net force by missing one or more forces
11. Can Newton’s laws be applied at very high speeds or in quantum physics?
Newton’s laws of motion are valid for ordinary speeds and macroscopic objects. At speeds close to light or at atomic scales, relativity or quantum mechanics replaces them, as classical physics is no longer accurate for those cases.
12. What is inertia and how is it related to Newton’s first law?
Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist a change in its state of motion or rest.
- Newton’s first law (the law of inertia) states that objects will not change their motion unless a force acts on them
- Greater mass means greater inertia, so heavier objects are harder to start or stop moving

















