Acceleration Formula:
From: | To: |
Definition: This calculator computes acceleration using Newton's second law of motion, which relates force, mass, and acceleration.
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 determine how much the object will accelerate.
Details: Understanding acceleration is fundamental in physics, engineering, and various real-world applications like vehicle dynamics, projectile motion, and mechanical systems.
Tips: Enter the force in Newtons and mass in kilograms. Both values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What is a Newton (N)?
A: A Newton is the SI unit of force, defined as the force needed to accelerate 1 kg of mass at 1 m/s².
Q2: Does this formula work for all situations?
A: This is the basic form of Newton's second law, which applies to classical mechanics. For relativistic speeds or quantum scales, different formulas apply.
Q3: What if the mass is zero?
A: The calculator requires mass > 0. Division by zero is mathematically undefined and physically impossible.
Q4: How does this relate to gravity?
A: On Earth, gravitational acceleration (g) is about 9.81 m/s². The weight force is calculated as mass × g.
Q5: Can I use pounds for force and mass?
A: You would need to convert to consistent units (Newtons and kilograms) for accurate results in this calculator.