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Forces & Newton's Laws Anki Deck (Physics)

By Vegard Gjerde • Based on Masterful Learning • 5 min read
Forces & Newton's Laws Anki Deck (Physics) deck cover

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Use this deck to build automatic recall of Newton’s laws and force patterns so mechanics problems start with the right model, not guessing.

What this deck is for

This deck drills instant recall of the core force relationships — what each symbol means, the units, and the assumptions that make the law valid.

The cards prompt retrieval or elaboration of key concepts and connections. You’ll also get at least one problem with a structured solution that you can self-explain.

This deck does not cover full problem setups. It’s the “law + meaning + validity” layer you need before problem practice pays off.

Coverage

Core ideas

  • Newton’s three laws of motion
  • Friction as a constraint force
  • Centripetal acceleration in circular motion
  • Gravitational force between masses
  • Hooke’s law for springs

Equations in this deck

Newton’s laws:

  • ∑F⃗=0↔a⃗=0\sum \vec{F} = 0 \leftrightarrow \vec{a} = 0 (1st law)
  • ∑F⃗=ma⃗\sum \vec{F} = m\vec{a} (2nd law)
  • F⃗AB=−F⃗BA\vec{F}_{AB} = -\vec{F}_{BA} (3rd law)

Other force laws:

  • f≤FN⋅μf \leq F_N \cdot \mu (friction)
  • ac=v2ra_c = \frac{v^2}{r} (centripetal acceleration)
  • FG=GmMr2F_G = G \frac{mM}{r^2} (gravitation)
  • Fspring=−kxF_{\text{spring}} = -kx (Hooke’s law)

Common traps in forces

Before you drill cards, know the classic failure modes:

  • Normal force = mg: Only true on flat surfaces with no other vertical forces. On inclines or with applied forces, FN≠mgF_N \neq mg.
  • Friction always opposes motion: Friction opposes relative sliding, not motion. It can point in the direction of motion (e.g., accelerating a car).
  • Static vs kinetic confusion: Use fs≤μsFNf_s \leq \mu_s F_N when the object isn’t sliding. Once sliding starts, switch to fk=μkFNf_k = \mu_k F_N.
  • Centripetal force is a separate force: It’s not. Centripetal force is the net radial force provided by real forces (tension, gravity, normal force, etc.).
  • Third law pairs act on the same object: They never do. F⃗AB\vec{F}_{AB} acts on B; F⃗BA\vec{F}_{BA} acts on A.

What this deck does not do

  • It does not replace solving problems. Recall is one ingredient; applying principles to novel situations takes practice.
  • It does not cover kinematics equations — use the companion deck: Kinematics Fundamentals Anki Deck.

How to use it (so it works)

  1. Download the deck and import into Anki (File → Import)
  2. Study daily — short sessions beat long sessions
  3. When you miss a card, don’t reread — explain the miss in one sentence, then move on.
  4. Pair the deck with real setup practice: Problem-Solving Strategies

Where this fits in a typical mechanics sequence

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