ΣF = maF = force (N)m = mass (kg)a = acceleration (ms-2)The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the resultant force acting on it provided the mass is constant.If there is no resultant force acting on an object the motion of the object is constant speed in a straight line.The resultant force changes the motion of the object.The motion of an object is described by its speed and direction. A resultant force will either change its speed or change its direction.
Newton's Second Law of Motion
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Specification: Edexcel Physics (8PH0), AS-level, Topic 2: Mechanics, statement 17. Topic: Motion.
Key terms in this lesson
- resultant force
- The single force that has the same effect on an object as all the individual forces acting on it combined.
More in Motion
- Centre of Gravity
- Moments Question 1
- Moments Question 2
- Newton's First Law of Motion
- Newton's Third Law of Motion
- Constant Acceleration
- Distance from Average Speed
- Constant Acceleration Formulae
All 31 lessons in Motion · All Edexcel AS-level Physics topics