What is Newton's second law of motion?

Prepare for the Praxis II General Science Test with interactive quizzes, complete with flashcards and multiple-choice questions enriched with hints and explanations. Ace your certification exam!

Newton's second law of motion states that the force acting on an object is equal to the mass of that object multiplied by its acceleration. This relationship is expressed mathematically as F = ma, where F represents force, m stands for mass, and a is acceleration. This equation highlights how the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass.

This law explains that a greater force results in greater acceleration, while a larger mass requires more force to achieve the same acceleration. Furthermore, it emphasizes the influence of both the size of the object (its mass) and the influence exerted on it (force) in determining its motion. Understanding this law is fundamental in physics, providing insight into how objects interact and move under applied forces.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy