What is the unit of force?

The SI unit of force is the Newton (N). One Newton equals 1 kg × 1 m/s². It is the force needed to accelerate 1 kg at 1 m/s².

Physics

Newton's Second Law

Formula

F = m × a

What is Newton's Second Law?

Newton's Second Law states that the force acting on an object equals its mass times its acceleration. The greater the mass, the more force is needed to achieve the same acceleration.

Variables

F
F — Force (in Newtons)
m
m — Mass (in kilograms)
a
a — Acceleration (in m/s²)

Worked Examples

Example 1

What force is needed to accelerate a 5 kg object at 3 m/s²?

Solution:

F = 5 × 3 = 15 Newtons

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Formulas

Kinetic Energy

KE = ½ × m × v²

Gravitational Potential Energy

PE = m × g × h

Ohm's Law

V = I × R

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