Newton’s second law gives a = Fnet ÷ m for constant mass. A two-kilogram cart with a four-newton net force accelerates at two metres per second squared. The velocity grows steadily under that constant force, while displacement grows more quickly because the cart covers more ground each second.
Forces, motion and energy · Discover & try
How do force and mass change acceleration?
Reading level 3 of 5 · IndependentChange
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Newton
The force unit that accelerates one kilogram at one metre per second squared.
Mass
A measure of resistance to acceleration.
Net force
The directional sum of external forces.
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Calculated constant-force motion from rest, with friction and rotation omitted.
What to look for
- Hold force fixed while changing mass.
- Hold mass fixed while changing force.
- Compare calculated metres with the schematic display scale.
Explain what you noticed
A separate 3 kg cart experiences a constant net force of 9 N. What is its acceleration?
Keep this idea: For a fixed mass, acceleration follows net force; for a fixed net force, more mass means less acceleration.
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