1. What is Net Force?

Net force is the vector sum of all forces acting on an object. It determines the object's acceleration according to Newton's second law of motion.

2. Newton's Second Law

The calculator uses Newton's second law:

Where:

• \( F_{net} \) — Net force (Newtons, N)
• \( m \) — Mass of the object (kilograms, kg)
• \( a \) — Acceleration (meters per second squared, m/s²)

Explanation: The net force acting on an object equals its mass multiplied by its acceleration. This is one of the fundamental laws of classical mechanics.

3. Importance of Net Force

Details: Understanding net force is essential for analyzing motion, designing structures, and solving problems in physics and engineering.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and acceleration in m/s². All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if multiple forces act on an object?
A: First calculate the vector sum of all forces to find the net force, then use F=ma.

Q2: What's the difference between mass and weight?
A: Mass is constant (kg), while weight is a force (N) that depends on gravity (w=mg).

Q3: How does this relate to free-body diagrams?
A: Free-body diagrams help visualize all forces acting on an object to determine the net force.

Q4: What if acceleration is zero?
A: Zero acceleration means the net force is zero (object is at rest or moving at constant velocity).

Q5: Can this be used for rotational motion?
A: For rotational motion, use τ = Iα (torque = moment of inertia × angular acceleration).