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Newton's Second Law:
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Acceleration from force calculation is based on Newton's Second Law of Motion, which states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. This fundamental principle governs how objects move under the influence of forces.
The calculator uses Newton's Second Law equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation shows that for a constant mass, acceleration increases linearly with force. For a constant force, acceleration decreases as mass increases.
Details: Calculating acceleration from force is essential in physics, engineering, automotive design, aerospace, and many practical applications. It helps predict how objects will move under various force conditions and is fundamental to understanding motion dynamics.
Tips: Enter force in Newtons (N) and mass in kilograms (kg). All values must be positive and non-zero. The calculator will compute the acceleration in meters per second squared (m/s²).
Q1: What is the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration?
A: According to Newton's Second Law, force equals mass times acceleration (F = ma). Therefore, acceleration equals force divided by mass (a = F/m).
Q2: What units should I use for the calculation?
A: Use Newtons (N) for force, kilograms (kg) for mass, and the result will be in meters per second squared (m/s²).
Q3: Can this calculator be used for objects in free fall?
A: Yes, for free fall near Earth's surface, the force is weight (mg), so acceleration would be g (approximately 9.8 m/s²).
Q4: What if multiple forces act on an object?
A: Use the net force (vector sum of all forces) in the calculation. The acceleration will be in the direction of the net force.
Q5: Does this work for rotational motion?
A: For rotational motion, use torque instead of force and moment of inertia instead of mass, following the rotational analog: α = τ/I.