Newton’s second law

Definition

Newton's second law states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. Mathematically, it is expressed as $\vec{F} = m \vec{a}$.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The formula for Newton's second law is $\vec{F} = m \vec{a}$, where $\vec{F}$ is the net force, $m$ is the mass, and $\vec{a}$ is the acceleration.
2. The direction of the acceleration is the same as the direction of the net force.
3. Units: Force (Newtons), Mass (kilograms), and Acceleration (meters per second squared).
4. If no net force acts on an object ($\vec{F} = 0$), it will either remain at rest or move with a constant velocity (zero acceleration).
5. Newton's second law can be applied to both linear and rotational motion.

Review Questions

• What does Newton's second law state about the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration?
• How do you calculate the net force acting on an object if you know its mass and acceleration?
• In what units are force, mass, and acceleration measured according to Newton’s second law?

Related terms

Force:

An interaction that changes the motion of an object. Measured in Newtons (N).

Mass:

A measure of the amount of matter in an object. It determines how much it resists changes in motion.

Acceleration:

$\text{Acceleration} (\vec{a})$ is defined as the rate of change of velocity per unit time.