Force Calculator (F = ma)
Calculate force, mass, or acceleration using Newton's second law F = ma. Enter any two values to find the third.
How to Use the Force Calculator (F = ma)
- Enter the known physical values in the corresponding fields.
- Select the appropriate units if multiple options are available.
- The unknown value is computed instantly from the formula.
- Review the result and the formula explanation below.
Quick Reference
| From | To |
|---|---|
| m=1 kg, a=9.8 m/s² | 9.8 N |
| m=10 kg, a=9.8 m/s² | 98 N |
| m=50 kg, a=2 m/s² | 100 N |
| m=1000 kg, a=1 m/s² | 1,000 N |
| m=70 kg, a=9.8 m/s² | 686 N |
| m=5 kg, a=3 m/s² | 15 N |
Use Cases
- •Solving physics homework or exam problems with the correct formula.
- •Verifying experimental measurements and calculations in the lab.
- •Understanding physical relationships between quantities.
- •Quick engineering calculations for design or estimation.
Formula
F = m × a. Mass: m = F / a. Acceleration: a = F / m. Where F is force in newtons, m is mass in kg, a is acceleration in m/s².
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Newton's second law?
Newton's second law states that force equals mass times acceleration: F = ma. A net force on an object causes it to accelerate.
What is a newton?
One newton (N) is the force needed to accelerate 1 kg by 1 m/s². 1 N ≈ 0.102 kgf (kilogram-force).
How is weight related to force?
Weight is the gravitational force on an object: W = mg, where g ≈ 9.81 m/s². A 1 kg object weighs about 9.81 N.
Can force be negative?
Force is a vector. A negative value indicates direction opposite to the chosen positive axis, not a violation of physics.