1.5.3

Force & Acceleration

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Force and Acceleration

A force may cause a mass to accelerate. This acceleration can be a change in speed, a change in direction or a change in both speed and direction.

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Resultant force

  • The resultant force is the sum of all of the forces acting on an object.
  • The change in an object’s motion is caused by the resultant force.
  • If the forces acting on an object are unbalanced (not equal) it means that a resultant force is acting on the object.
  • The resultant force and acceleration act in the same direction.
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Resultant force equation

  • A resultant force causes an acceleration.
  • The acceleration can be calculated with this equation.
  • Resultant force (F) = mass (m) x acceleration (a).
  • This is Newton's 2nd Law.

Jump to other topics

1Motion, Forces & Energy

1.1Physical Quantities & Measurement Techniques

1.2Motion

1.3Mass & Weight

1.4Density

1.5Forces: Effects of Forces

1.6Forces: Turning Effects of Forces

1.7Forces: Centre of Gravity

1.8Momentum

1.9Energy, Work, & Power: Energy

1.10Energy, Work & Power: Work

1.11Energy, Work & Power: Energy Resources

1.12Energy, Work & Power: Power

1.13Pressure

2Thermal Physics

3Waves

4Electricity & Magnetism

4.1Simple Phenomena of Magnetism

4.2Electrical Quantities: Electric Charge

4.3Electrical Quantities: Electric Current

4.4Electromotive Force & Potential Difference

4.5Electrical Quantities: Resistance

4.6Electrical Energy & Electrical Power

4.7Electric Circuits: Circuit Diagrams & Components

4.8Electric Circuits: Series & Parallel Circuits

4.9Electric Circuits: Action & Use

4.10Electrical Safety

4.11Electromagnetic Effects: Electromagnetic Induction

4.12Electromagnetic Effects: The A.C. Generator

4.13Magnetic Effect of a Current

4.14Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor

4.15Electromagnetic Effects: The D.C. Motor

4.16Electromagnetic Effects: The Transformer

5Nuclear Physics

6Space Physics

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