Newton's Second Law:
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Newton's Second Law of Motion states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. The formula is expressed as F = m × a, which can be rearranged to a = F/m.
The calculator uses Newton's second law equation:
Where:
Explanation: The acceleration of an object depends on both the magnitude of the net force acting upon it and its mass.
Details: Calculating acceleration is fundamental in physics and engineering, helping to understand motion dynamics, design mechanical systems, and solve real-world problems involving forces and motion.
Tips: Enter force in newtons (N) and mass in kilograms (kg). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.
Q1: What units should I use for this calculation?
A: Use newtons (N) for force and kilograms (kg) for mass to get acceleration in meters per second squared (m/s²).
Q2: Can this formula be used for any object?
A: Yes, Newton's second law applies to all objects, though at relativistic speeds or quantum scales, more complex physics may be needed.
Q3: What if multiple forces are acting on an object?
A: Use the net force (the vector sum of all forces) in the calculation.
Q4: How does this relate to everyday experiences?
A: This principle explains why pushing a light object produces more acceleration than pushing a heavy object with the same force.
Q5: What's the difference between mass and weight?
A: Mass is the amount of matter (kg), while weight is the force of gravity on that mass (N). Weight = mass × gravitational acceleration.