The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass.
Mathematically, this is represented by the equation:
F = m * a
where:
* F is the net force (measured in Newtons, N)
* m is the mass of the object (measured in kilograms, kg)
* a is the acceleration of the object (measured in meters per second squared, m/s²)
Key points:
* Direct proportionality: If the net force increases, the acceleration increases proportionally, assuming the mass remains constant.
* Inverse proportionality: If the mass increases, the acceleration decreases proportionally, assuming the net force remains constant.
Example:
Let's say a 10 kg object experiences a net force of 20 N. Using Newton's Second Law:
a = F/m = 20 N / 10 kg = 2 m/s²
This means the object will accelerate at 2 m/s² due to the applied force.
