The change in acceleration of an object primarily depends on alterations in the net force applied to the object and variations in its mass.
Based on established physics principles, and as stated in the provided reference, the acceleration of an object depends on the mass of the object and the amount of force applied. This fundamental relationship (often summarized by Newton's Second Law, F = ma) means that any change in the factors determining acceleration—force and mass—will result in a change in the acceleration itself.
Key Factors Influencing Changes in Acceleration
A change in an object's acceleration occurs when there is a change in the external influences acting upon it, specifically the net force, or a change in its intrinsic property, mass.
- Change in Applied Force:
- If the net force acting on an object changes (becomes stronger, weaker, or changes direction) while the object's mass remains constant, its acceleration will change proportionally and in the direction of the new net force.
- Example: Pushing a swing harder increases its acceleration during the push. Reducing the pushing force decreases the acceleration.
- Change in Object's Mass:
- If the net force acting on an object remains constant but the object's mass changes (increases or decreases), its acceleration will change inversely.
- Example: A truck accelerating with a constant engine force will accelerate less if loaded with goods (increasing mass) and more if the load is removed (decreasing mass).
The relationship can be visualized in a simple way based on the factors acceleration depends on:
| Factor Influencing Acceleration | Impact on Acceleration (Assuming Other Factor is Constant) | What Causes Acceleration to Change? |
|---|---|---|
| Net Force Applied | Directly Proportional | Change in Net Force |
| Object's Mass | Inversely Proportional | Change in Mass |
The provided reference also touches upon Newton's Third Law, noting, "Whenever one object exerts a force on another object, the second object exerts an equal and opposite on the first." While this principle explains the nature of force interactions, the core dependency for acceleration itself, and thus for changes in acceleration, lies with the mass and the applied force.
Practical Implications
Understanding what affects changes in acceleration is vital in many fields:
- Vehicle Performance: Car manufacturers manipulate force (engine power, braking) and mass (lightweight materials) to achieve desired acceleration and deceleration characteristics.
- Sports: Athletes apply force to change their acceleration (e.g., pushing off the ground to sprint faster) or deal with changing mass (though less common).
- Engineering Design: Structures and machines are designed considering the forces they will experience and their mass to prevent unwanted or dangerous acceleration changes.
In summary, a change in an object's acceleration is a direct consequence of a change in the net force exerted on it or a change in its mass, stemming from the fundamental principle that acceleration is determined by these two quantities.
