Newton's Second Law:
| From: | To: |
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. This fundamental principle forms the basis for classical mechanics.
The calculator uses Newton's Second Law equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation shows that for a given force, acceleration decreases as mass increases, and for a given mass, acceleration increases as force increases.
Details: Calculating acceleration is essential in physics, engineering, and various applications including vehicle design, sports science, and space exploration. It helps predict how objects will move under different forces.
Tips: Enter force in Newtons (N) and mass in kilograms (kg). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.
Q1: What is the SI unit for acceleration?
A: The SI unit for acceleration is 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, from subatomic particles to celestial bodies, as long as relativistic effects are negligible.
Q3: What if multiple forces act on an object?
A: Use the net force (vector sum of all forces) acting on the object in the calculation.
Q4: How does this relate to weight?
A: Weight is the force of gravity on an object, calculated as mass × gravitational acceleration (approximately 9.8 m/s² on Earth).
Q5: Are there limitations to this formula?
A: At very high speeds (approaching light speed) or very small scales (quantum mechanics), relativistic or quantum effects become significant and classical mechanics may not apply.