Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Net force equations are mathematical expressions that represent the total force acting on an object. They take into account both the magnitude and direction of all the forces acting on an object.
Related terms
Newton's 2nd Law of Motion: This law states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass.
In equilibrium, the net force acting on an object is zero, meaning there is no acceleration. It can occur when all forces cancel each other out or when there are no external forces present.
Force Diagrams: Force diagrams, also known as free-body diagrams, visually represent all the forces acting on an object using arrows. They help analyze and calculate net forces accurately.