top of page
20260825_094114780_iOS.png

›

›

›

›

Newton’s Second Law

Forces

Newton’s Second Law

To explain how resultant force and mass affect acceleration and use Newton’s second law in calculations.

Bullseye Dart Icon.png

What you will learn

Blue Circular Checkmark Icon.png

How resultant force affects acceleration

Blue Circular Checkmark Icon.png

How mass affects acceleration for a given force

Blue Circular Checkmark Icon.png

How to calculate force using mass and acceleration

Blue Circular Checkmark Icon.png

How to rearrange Newton’s second law

Blue Circular Checkmark Icon.png

How to interpret force, mass and acceleration questions

Explanation

Resultant force, mass and acceleration are linked by F = ma. At constant mass, acceleration is proportional to resultant force; at constant force, larger mass gives smaller acceleration. Inertial mass measures resistance to acceleration and is the ratio of resultant force to acceleration. Example: A 4 kg object has 20 N driving force and 8 N resistance. Calculate acceleration. Resultant = 20 − 8 = 12 N; a = F/m = 12/4 = 3 m/s² in the driving direction. Use clear labels. Avoid unjustified claims.

bottom of page