JEE foundation learners · 8 min
Newton’s second law
Connect the net force on an object to its mass and acceleration, and reason about units.
Use the relationship between net force, mass and acceleration in a one-dimensional example.
The relationship
For constant mass, the net force on an object equals its mass multiplied by its acceleration: F = ma. Acceleration points in the direction of the net force.
Example
A 2 kg object accelerating at 3 m/s² has a net force of 2 × 3 = 6 N.
Use net force
Add forces with their directions before applying F = ma. Opposing forces can reduce the net force.
Example
A 10 N push right and 4 N force left give a net force of 6 N right.
Check the units
Mass in kilograms multiplied by acceleration in metres per second squared gives force in newtons.
Example
1 N = 1 kg·m/s²
Knowledge check
Try it yourself
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About this lesson
Source: Original GyanStudio learning material. Editorial review pending. Last updated 5 November 2026.
This learning preview is not an official exam notice or a substitute for checking the relevant authority’s current information.