Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Part 1: learning the formula
• Method 2 of 2: Part 2: using the formula
• Tips

A force is a physical quantity that, when exerted on a body, creates a tension or pressure therein, or causes the body to change its movement, accelerate it. Newton's second law describes how force is related to mass and motion. This relationship is used to calculate force. In general, the greater the mass of a body, the greater the force required to move the body.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Part 1: learning the formula

1. Multiply mass by acceleration. The force (F) required to make a body of a certain mass (m) move with a certain acceleration (a) is defined in Newton's second law. The formula is as follows: F = m x a. In other words, force is mass multiplied by acceleration.
2. Use the correct units. We denote mass in kilograms, acceleration in meters per second squared (m / s). Strength is indicated in Newtons (N).
3. Keep in mind that weight and mass are not the same in physics. If the weight of a body is given in N (Newtons), you can divide it by 9.8 to calculate the mass of the body. A weight of 10 N is therefore 1.02 kg (10 / 9.8 = 1.02).

Method 2 of 2: Part 2: using the formula

1. Calculate the force required to accelerate a 1000 kg car at 5 m / s.
   • Check that you are using the correct units.
   • Multiply 1000 kg by 5 m / s to calculate the force in Newtons.
2. Calculate the force exerted on a cart with a weight of 100 N accelerating at 2.5 m / s.
   • Remember: 100 N equals 9.8 kg. So you can convert Newtons to kg by dividing by 9.8 kg. The new value of the mass in kg must be 10.2 kg (100 N / 9.8 kg).
   • Multiply your new value of the mass (10.2 kg) by the acceleration (2.5 m / s).

Tips

• Always read the statement thoroughly and see if it is weight or mass.
• The definition of a Newton, the standard unit of force, is as follows: N = kg * m / s.
• Make sure you use the correct units for mass (kg) and acceleration (m / s).