The force that acts on an object causes it to accelerate. The relationship is given by the simple equation \$F = m a\$.
The direction of the acceleration is the same as the direction of the applied force (unless other forces act in the opposite direction). ⚡️
- \$F\$ = total force applied (in newtons, N)
- \$m\$ = mass of the object (in kilograms, kg)
- \$a\$ = acceleration produced (in metres per second squared, m/s²)
Imagine you push a shopping cart.
If the cart is light (small \$m\$), a small push (small \$F\$) gives it a noticeable speed (large \$a\$).
If the cart is heavy (large \$m\$), the same push gives it a smaller speed (small \$a\$).
The cart moves in the direction you push – the acceleration is in the same direction as the force.
A 10 kg box is pushed with a force of 50 N.
Using \$F = m a\$:
\$a = \frac{F}{m} = \frac{50\,\text{N}}{10\,\text{kg}} = 5\,\text{m/s}^2\$
The box accelerates forward at 5 m/s².
| Quantity | Symbol | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Force | \$F\$ | newton (N) |
| Mass | \$m\$ | kilogram (kg) |
| Acceleration | \$a\$ | metre per second squared (m/s²) |
- Use \$F = m a\$ to link force, mass and acceleration.
- Remember that acceleration points in the same direction as the net force.
- Always check units and consider other forces that might be acting.
- Practice with real‑world examples to build intuition.