Home Back

Force Calculator (Newton's Second Law)

Newton's Second Law:

\[ F = m \times a \]

kg
m/s²

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From: To:

1. What is Newton's Second Law?

Newton's Second Law of Motion states that the force acting on an object is equal to the mass of that object multiplied by its acceleration (F = m × a). This fundamental principle describes how the velocity of an object changes when it is subjected to an external force.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses Newton's second law equation:

\[ F = m \times a \]

Where:

Explanation: The greater the mass of an object, the more force is needed to accelerate it at the same rate. Similarly, greater acceleration requires more force for the same mass.

3. Importance of Force Calculation

Details: Understanding and calculating force is essential in physics, engineering, and everyday applications. It helps in designing structures, vehicles, understanding motion, and solving practical problems involving movement and mechanics.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and acceleration in meters per second squared. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the resulting force in Newtons.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a Newton equivalent to?
A: One Newton is the force needed to accelerate 1 kg of mass at 1 m/s² (1 N = 1 kg·m/s²).

Q2: How does this relate to weight?
A: Weight is the force of gravity on an object, calculated as mass × gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s² on Earth).

Q3: Can this be used for rotational motion?
A: For rotational systems, torque (τ = I × α) is used, which is analogous to F = m × a but for angular motion.

Q4: What if multiple forces act on an object?
A: The net force is the vector sum of all individual forces, which determines the object's acceleration.

Q5: How does air resistance affect this calculation?
A: Air resistance is another force that opposes motion, so the net force would be the applied force minus air resistance.

Force Calculator© - All Rights Reserved 2025