Newton's Second Law

📖 What is Newton's Second Law?

Newton's Second Law states that the force acting on an object is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its acceleration. It explains why heavier objects need more force to accelerate.

🔤 What Each Variable Means

F

Force (Newtons, N) The push or pull acting on an object. 1 N = 1 kg·m/s²

m

Mass (kilograms, kg) The amount of matter in an object. Not the same as weight!

a

Acceleration (m/s²) The rate of change of velocity. How fast speed is changing.

📝 Step-by-Step Example

A car of mass 1200 kg accelerates at 3 m/s². What force is needed?

1

Identify known values m = 1200 kg a = 3 m/s²

2

Write the formula F = m × a

3

Substitute values F = 1200 × 3

✓

Answer: F = 3600 N

The engine needs to produce 3600 Newtons of force.

🧮 Interactive Calculator

Mass (kg)

Acceleration (m/s²)

Result will appear here

🔄 Rearranged Versions

Find Mass:

m = F / a

Find Acceleration:

a = F / m

📖 What is Newton's Second Law?

🔤 What Each Variable Means

📝 Step-by-Step Example

🧮 Interactive Calculator

🔄 Rearranged Versions

🔗 Related

🎯 Quick Fact