1.2.5

Newton's Second Law

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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.
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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

1Forces & Motion

1.1Basics of Motion

1.2Forces

1.3Effects of Forces

1.4Stopping Distance

1.5Forces & Elasticity

2Electricity

3Waves

4Energy Resources & Energy Transfers

5Solids, Liquids & Gases

6Magnetism & Electromagnetism

7Radioactivity & Particles

8Astrophysics

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