Acceleration Formula:
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Definition: This calculator computes acceleration using Newton's second law of motion, which states that acceleration is directly proportional to force and inversely proportional to mass.
Purpose: It helps physics students and professionals determine the acceleration of an object when the applied force and mass are known.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The force is divided by the mass to calculate the resulting acceleration.
Details: Understanding acceleration is fundamental in physics, engineering, and various applications from vehicle dynamics to space exploration.
Tips: Enter the force in Newtons and mass in kilograms. Both values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What is the unit of acceleration?
A: The standard unit is meters per second squared (m/s²).
Q2: What if the mass is zero?
A: Mass cannot be zero in this calculation (division by zero is undefined).
Q3: Does this formula work for all situations?
A: This applies to classical mechanics. For relativistic speeds, Einstein's special relativity must be considered.
Q4: How do I convert pounds to Newtons?
A: Multiply pounds by 4.448 to get Newtons (1 lb ≈ 4.448 N).
Q5: What about friction or other forces?
A: The force (F) should be the net force acting on the object, accounting for all forces including friction.