Newton's 2nd Law of Motion
The acceleration of an object equals the Net Force on an object divided by the mass. OR Force is equal to the mass of an object multiplied by it's acceleration.
- F = m a
- Force (net force) = mass * acceleration
- Units: Newtons (N) OR kg * m/s2 (They are interchangeable)
What does this mean? Think about throwing a baseball vs. a bowling ball!
- If you want to throw the baseball with more acceleration (faster) you have to add more force.
- If you want to throw a bowling ball (more mass) as fast as the baseball, you have to add more force.
- If you throw a baseball at 10 N of force, then throw the bowling ball at 10 N of force, the baseball accelerates faster than the bowling ball. (more mass = less acceleration)
Video: Examples of Newton's 2nd Law