Newton's Second Law Calculator
Calculate force, mass, or acceleration using F = ma.
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Select which variable to solve for, then enter the other two values. The calculator computes the result instantly. This is the most fundamental equation in physics: F = ma.
About Newton's Second Law
Newton's second law of motion is the cornerstone of classical mechanics. It states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. Published in 1687 in the Principia Mathematica, this law enables us to predict motion, design structures, launch spacecraft, and analyze virtually any mechanical system. It connects the cause (force) to the effect (acceleration).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Newton's second law?
Newton's second law states that the net force on an object equals its mass times its acceleration: F = ma. It is the fundamental equation of classical mechanics.
What are the units of force?
Force is measured in newtons (N). One newton is the force required to accelerate a 1 kg mass at 1 m/s2.
Does F = ma work for all situations?
F = ma works for constant-mass objects in non-relativistic situations. For variable mass (rockets) or relativistic speeds, more general forms of Newton's second law are needed.