Home
Back
Newton's Second Law:
| From: | To: |
Acceleration is calculated using Newton's second law of motion, which 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 provides a fundamental relationship in classical mechanics.
The calculator uses Newton's second law formula:
Where:
Explanation: This equation shows that for a constant mass, acceleration increases with increasing force, and for a constant force, acceleration decreases with increasing mass.
Details: Calculating acceleration is essential in physics, engineering, and various practical applications including vehicle design, sports science, aerospace engineering, and understanding motion in everyday life.
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 acceleration in simple terms?
A: Acceleration is the rate at which an object changes its velocity. It measures how quickly speed or direction changes over time.
Q2: What are the units of acceleration?
A: The standard unit is meters per second squared (m/s²), which means the velocity changes by one meter per second every second.
Q3: Can acceleration be negative?
A: Yes, negative acceleration (deceleration) occurs when an object slows down, meaning its acceleration is in the opposite direction to its motion.
Q4: How does mass affect acceleration?
A: For the same force, objects with greater mass experience less acceleration. This is why it's harder to push a heavy object than a light one.
Q5: Is this formula valid in all situations?
A: Newton's second law applies in classical mechanics for objects moving at speeds much slower than light and in non-relativistic conditions.