4.5.6.2.2 Newton’s Second Law

Question 1

Newton’s Second Law:

Answer 1

the acceleration of an object is proportional to the resultant force acting on the object, and inversely proportional to the mass of the object

Question 2

Equation for Newton’s Second Law:

Answer 2

• Resultant force = mass x acceleration
• F = ma

Question 3

What is the relationship between acceleration and the resultant force in F=ma?

Answer 3

• acceleration is directly proportional (linear relationship) to the resultant force acting on an object
  
  • as there is a straight line through the origin on a force acceleration graph
  • mass is constant F=ma

Question 4

What is the relationship between acceleration and the mass in F=ma?

Answer 4

• acceleration is inversely proportional to the mass of an object
  
  • inversely proportional - reciprocal graph - force is constant
  • a = F/m (F is constant)
  • a graph of mass against acceleration would decrease quite quickly and then curve off - mass and acceleration are inversely proportional

Question 5

Inertial mass:

Answer 5

• a measure of how difficult it is to change the velocity of an object
• inertial mass is defined as the ratio of force over acceleration