How it’s calculated
Newton’s second law says the acceleration of an object is proportional to the net external force on it and inversely proportional to its mass. One newton is the force that accelerates 1 kg at 1 m/s².
Example (OpenStax University Physics Vol. 1 §5.3): a net force of 51 N on a 24 kg lawn mower gives a = 51 ÷ 24 = 2.1 m/s².
Use the net force: the vector sum of all forces, e.g. push minus friction.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between mass and weight?
Mass (kg) is the amount of matter; weight is the gravitational force on it, W = m·g. A 10 kg mass weighs about 98 N on Earth.
How many newtons is a pound?
One pound-force is 4.448 N. A kilogram-force is 9.807 N.
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Sources
- University Physics Volume 1, §5.3 Newton's Second Law — OpenStax
- NIST Guide to the SI, Appendix B.8: Factors for Units Listed Alphabetically — U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology
Formulas are taken from the free public references above. Results are provided “as is” for informational and educational purposes only. See our disclaimer.
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