Newton's Second Law
Physics: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 1.2.5
Force and Acceleration
A force may cause a mass to accelerate. The acceleration can be a change in speed or a change in direction. The acceleration can be a change in both speed and direction.
Resultant force
- The resultant force is the sum of all the forces acting on an object.
- A resultant force causes a change in an object's motion.
- Unbalanced forces (not equal) cause a resultant force.
Resultant force equation
- A resultant force causes an acceleration.
- The acceleration can be calculated with the equation below.
- Resultant force (F) = mass (m) x acceleration (a).
- The equation is Newton's 2nd Law.
Test yourself on Newton's Second Law
Which of the following are true?
What will happen to a moving object if there is no resultant force?
Which of these statements about acceleration are correct?
What is the definition of the resultant force?
If an object has a weight of 10 N and there are other forces acting on the object, will the object accelerate? Do we need more information?