1.6 Newton's second law and Inertia

Question 1

What is Newton’s second law?

Answer 1

1. The larger the force acting on an object, the more it accelerates
2. Acceleration is inversely proportional to the mass of the object ( an object with larger mass will accelerate less than with a smaller one)

Question 2

How are force and acceleration related?

Answer 2

They are directly proportional

Question 3

What formula describes Newton’s second law?

Answer 3

F = m * a

F - force (N)
m = mass(kg)
a = acceleration (m/s^2)

Question 4

What is centripetal force?

Answer 4

It’s the resultant force acting towards the centre of a circle when an object is travelling in a circle

Question 5

What is inertia?

Answer 5

It’s the tendency to continue moving at the same velocity

Question 6

What does an object’s inertial mass represent?

Give an example

Answer 6

How difficult it is to change the velocity of an object

If a bowling ball and a golf ball were rolling towards you at the same velocity, it would require more force to stop the bowling ball as it has a higher inertial mass

Question 7

How is inertial mass calculated?

Answer 7

m = F/a

m = inertial mass (kg)
F = force (N)
a = acceleration (m/s^2)

Inertial mass is defined as the ratio of force over acceleration