Forces
Update - 1/1/2026
These notes have changed to match the 2025 IB Physics curriculum and a "forces first" sequence. If you are looking for the files that were posted here, you can find them in the notes archive 

Content Guide

Forces - Content Guide (pdf)
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Forces - Content Guide (editable)
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Forces - Content Guide - KEY (pdf)
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Forces - Content Guide - KEY (editable)
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1 - Equilibrium

  • I can define a force (with proper units) in terms of the interaction between two objects
  • I can calculate the resultant vector for 2 vectors in one dimension or at right angles
  • I can calculate the net force on an object
  • I can calculate an unknown force for an object in equilibrium
  • I can describe Newton’s first law
1 - Equilibrium - COMPLETE (pdf)
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1 - Equilibrium - COMPLETE (editable)
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1 - Equilibrium - STUDENT (pdf)
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1 - Equilibrium - STUDENT (editable)
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2 - Types of Forces

  • I can calculate the weight of an object
  • I can describe the difference between mass and weight
  • I can use a diagram to identify the direction of tension and normal forces
  • I can draw a free body diagram with weight, normal force, friction, and any other forces
  • I can describe how the stretch of a spring and its elastic force are related by a spring constant
  • I can calculate spring constant through an equation or Force vs Distance graph
  • I can explain how the direction of an elastic force is related to the deflection of the spring
2 - Types of Forces - COMPLETE (pdf)
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2 - Types of Forces - COMPLETE (editable)
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2 - Types of Forces - STUDENT (pdf)
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2 - Types of Forces - STUDENT (editable)
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3 - Friction and Ramps

  • I can calculate the force of friction when given the normal force and coefficient of friction
  • I can quantitatively compare surfaces based on their coefficients of friction
  • I can describe how the normal force is impacted by an inclined surface
  • I can calculate parallel and perpendicular components of the force due to gravity on a ramp
  • I can calculate the force of friction required to keep an object in equilibrium on a ramp
3 - Friction and Ramps - COMPLETE (pdf)
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3 - Friction and Ramps - COMPLETE (editable)
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3 - Friction and Ramps - STUDENT (pdf)
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3 - Friction and Ramps - STUDENT (editable)
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4 - Buoyant Force

  • I can describe and calculate an object’s density when related to mass and volume
  • I can determine the amount of liquid displaced by an object placed into a container
  • I can calculate the buoyant force on an object placed surrounded by a fluid of known density
  • I can predict whether an object will float or sink based on the buoyant force and weight
  • I can analyze situations where objects are floating when only partially submerged
  • I can find the forces (tension or normal) required to keep a submerged object in equilibrium
4 - Buoyant Force - COMPLETE (pdf)
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4 - Buoyant Force - COMPLETE (editable)
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4 - Buoyant Force - STUDENT (pdf)
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4 - Buoyant Force - STUDENT (editable)
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