Newtons 2nd Law of

Motion

F = ma
force = mass *
acceleration
use net force

Proportions
Susan pushes a box that accelerates at a rate
of 3m/s2. If Susan triples the force what is the
new acceleration?
directly proportional multiply
3 * 3 = 9 m/s2
If instead, the mass of the box triples what is
the new acceleration?
inversely proportional - divide
3 / 3 = 1 m/s2

Another way to think of net

force is the sum of the forces.
Example: Karen pushes on a 200 kg refrigerator
with a force of 60N. Bob helps by pushing in the
same direction as Karen with a force of 80N. The
force of friction between the fridge and floor is
30N. What is the acceleration of the refrigerator?

To Calculate Weight (Fg)

F = ma
Replace acceleration with g

Fg = mg

Example:
1kg = 2.2 lbs
What is the mass of a 176 lb man?
What is the weight of the man on Earth (in N)?

What if he were on Jupiter?

Putting it all Together:

Now that you know how to
calculate weight it is expected
that you will label all freebody diagrams with the
appropriate weight and
normal force.

Example:
A 30N dog on a skateboard is pulled by rope with a
force of 8N. The dog accelerates at 2 m/s2. What
is the force of friction between the board and
road?

Example 2:
A 15 kg desk is pushed with a constant velocity of
4m/s. The force of friction acting on the desk is
20N. Determine the normal force and applied
force acting on the desk.