How to Use the F=ma Calculator
Newton's second law F=ma is a cornerstone of physics. It states that the force acting on an object equals its mass times its acceleration. Select which value you want to find, enter the other two, and the answer appears instantly.
- Force (F): measured in Newtons (N). The push or pull on an object.
- Mass (m): measured in kilograms (kg). The amount of matter in the object.
- Acceleration (a): measured in m/s². Negative values represent deceleration.
Example: To accelerate a 10 kg object at 5 m/s², you need F = 10 × 5 = 50 N. Apply Earth's gravity (9.8 m/s²) to calculate the weight of any object.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can acceleration be negative?
Yes. A negative acceleration means the object is decelerating (braking). This calculator accepts negative values.
Can I calculate weight with this tool?
Yes. Set acceleration to 9.8 m/s² (Earth's gravity) to find the gravitational force (weight) on any mass.
What if mass or acceleration is zero?
A zero denominator makes mass or acceleration undefined. Enter a nonzero value to get a valid result.