![]() Activity Materials for Students |
Newton's second law of motion pertains to the behavior of objects for which all existing forces are not balanced. The second law states that the acceleration of an object is dependent upon two variables - the net force acting upon the object and the mass of the object. As learned in the "The Rocket Simulation" Lab, the acceleration of an object depends directly upon the net force acting upon the object, and inversely upon the mass of the object. As the force of propulsion acting upon the rocket-chair increased, the acceleration of the rocket-chair increased. As the mass of the rocket-chair increased, the acceleration of the rocket-chair decreased.
Newton's second law of motion can be formally stated as follows:
http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/phys/Class/newtlaws/u2l3a.html
The acceleration of an object as produced by a net force is directly proportional to the magnitude of the net force, in the same direction as the net force, and inversely proportional to the mass of the object. |
|
by the National Science FoundationOpinions expressed are those of the authorsand not necessarily those of the National Science Foundation. |
|