Physics Practice Tests – Newton’s Law of Motion (Questions with Answers and Explanations)

A catapult used to hold a stone of mass 500 g is extended by 20 cm with an applied force F. If the stone leaves with a velocity of 40 ms^-1, the value of F is _______

A. 4.0 x 10⁴ N    B. 4.0 x 10³ N    C. 2.0 x 10³ N    D. 4.0 x 10² N

A body of mass 2kg moving vertically upwards has its velocity increased uniformly from 10 ms^-1 to 40 ms^-1 in 4s. Neglecting air resistance, calculate the upward vertical force acting on the body. [g = 10 ms^-2] (JAMB 1997) 

A. 15 N       B. 20 N      C. 35 N       D. 45 N

Determine the momentum of a railway wagon of mass 50 tonnes moving at a velocity of 72 km/h.

A. 10⁵ kg m/s      B. 10⁶ kg m/s      C. 10⁷ kg m/s      D. 10⁸ kg m/s

The driver in a motor car, of which the total mass is 800 kg and which is travelling at 20 ms^-1, suddenly observes a stationary dog in his path 50 m ahead. If the car brakes can exert a force of 2000 N, what will most likely happen? (JAMB 1981) 

A. The car will be able to stop immediately the driver notices the dog
B. The car will stop 30 m after hitting the dog
C. The car will stop 20 m in front of the dog
D. The driver will quickly reverse the car

A 0.05 kg bullet travelling at 500 ms^-1 horizontally strikes a thick vertical wall. It stops after penetrating through the wall a horizontal distance of 0.25 m. What is the magnitude of the average force the wall exerts on the bullet? (JAMB 1985) 

A. 25 N      B. 50 N      C. 250 N      D. 25000 N