Newton's Second Law:
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Newton's Second Law of Motion states that the force acting on an object is equal to the mass of that object multiplied by its acceleration (F = m × a). This fundamental principle describes the relationship between an object's mass, its acceleration, and the applied force.
The calculator uses Newton's Second Law equation:
Where:
Explanation: The greater the mass of an object, the more force is needed to accelerate it. Similarly, the greater the acceleration required, the more force must be applied.
Details: Understanding force calculations is essential in physics, engineering, and many practical applications like vehicle safety design, sports science, and space exploration.
Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and acceleration in meters per second squared. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What are the units of force?
A: The SI unit of force is the Newton (N), where 1 N = 1 kg·m/s².
Q2: How does this relate to weight?
A: Weight is a special case of force where acceleration is due to gravity (9.81 m/s² on Earth).
Q3: Can this be used for rotational motion?
A: For rotational motion, torque (τ = I × α) is the rotational equivalent, where I is moment of inertia and α is angular acceleration.
Q4: What if multiple forces act on an object?
A: The net force is the vector sum of all individual forces acting on the object.
Q5: How does air resistance affect this calculation?
A: Air resistance is an opposing force that reduces net acceleration. For precise calculations, it must be accounted for separately.