Calculating Net Force

Front

Force Noun

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[forss]

Back

Force

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A push or pull in a particular direction that can cause a change in an object's state of motion.

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Example: This diagram shows the formula F=ma, used to calculate force, labeling each variable with its name (Force, mass, acceleration) and unit.

Front

Net Force Noun

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[net forss]

Back

Net Force

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The total amount of force acting on an object, calculated as the sum of all individual forces and their directions.

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Example: When two forces push an object in the same direction, the net force is found by adding the forces together, resulting in a larger force.

Front

Newtons (N) Noun

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[noo-tunz]

Back

Newtons (N)

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The standard international (SI) unit used to measure the magnitude of force, named after Sir Isaac Newton.

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Example: This diagram shows the different forces (measured in Newtons) acting on a box, which are used to calculate the overall net force.

Front

Balanced Forces Noun

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[bal-ansd for-sez]

Back

Balanced Forces

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Equal forces acting on an object in opposite directions, resulting in a net force of zero and no change in motion.

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Example: Two people pull a rope with equal and opposite force, so the rope does not move. This shows balanced forces, resulting in a net force of zero.

Front

Unbalanced Forces Noun

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[un-bal-ansd for-sez]

Back

Unbalanced Forces

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Unequal forces acting on an object, resulting in a net force greater than zero and causing a change in motion.

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Example: When two forces (F1, F2) pull an object in the same direction, they combine to create a larger, unbalanced net force (FR).

Front

Inertia Noun

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[in-ur-shuh]

Back

Inertia

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The natural tendency of an object to resist any change in its state of motion, whether at rest or moving.

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Example: A ball rolling on a flat surface with no friction will keep moving at a constant speed, showing its inertia, or its resistance to changes in motion.

Front

Acceleration Noun

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[ak-sel-uh-rey-shuhn]

Back

Acceleration

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Any change in an object's velocity, which includes a change in its speed, direction of motion, or both.

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Example: A force from a compressed spring pushes a ball, causing it to change from being at rest to moving, which demonstrates acceleration.