Lesson 4 of 15

Newton's Second Law

Newton's Second Law

The most important equation in classical mechanics:

F = ma quad Rightarrow quad a = rac{F}{m}

Force (FF) is measured in Newtons (N=kgm/s2\text{N} = \text{kg} \cdot \text{m/s}^2). Mass (mm) in kilograms. Acceleration (aa) in m/s².

Physical Meaning

A net force causes acceleration proportional to the force and inversely proportional to mass. A heavier object requires more force to achieve the same acceleration.

Examples

Force (N)Mass (kg)Acceleration (m/s²)
1001010.0
50225.0
9.8119.81 ← gravitational acceleration
200825.0

Net Force

The FF in F=maF = ma is always the net force — the vector sum of all forces acting on the object. If you push a block with 50 N and friction provides 20 N opposing, the net force is 30 N.

Your Task

Implement acceleration(F, m) returning acceleration in m/s².

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