The second law, specifically Newton's Second Law of Motion, describes the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration.
Understanding Newton's Second Law
Newton's Second Law essentially states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass.
Here's a breakdown:
- Net Force: This is the vector sum of all forces acting on an object.
- Mass: This is the measure of an object's inertia, or resistance to acceleration.
- Acceleration: This is the rate of change of velocity of an object.
The Formula
The law can be represented mathematically as:
F = ma
Where:
- F = Net Force (measured in Newtons)
- m = Mass (measured in kilograms)
- a = Acceleration (measured in meters per second squared)
Explanation of Relationship
The relationship mentioned in Newton's second law can be summarized as:
- Direct Proportionality (Force and Acceleration): The greater the net force acting on an object, the greater its acceleration will be, assuming the mass remains constant. If you double the force, you double the acceleration.
- Inverse Proportionality (Mass and Acceleration): For a constant force, the greater the mass of an object, the smaller its acceleration will be. If you double the mass, you halve the acceleration.
Example
Imagine pushing a shopping cart.
- A greater push (greater force) will cause the cart to accelerate faster.
- A shopping cart filled with groceries (greater mass) will accelerate slower than an empty cart when pushed with the same force.
Key Takeaway From Reference
The reference given states that the acceleration of an object depends upon two variables – the net force acting on the object and the mass of the object. The acceleration of the body is directly proportional to the net force acting on the body and inversely proportional to the mass of the body.
