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10 Examples of Newtons Second Law

September 14, 2023
written by Qamar Zaman

Newtons Second Law of Motion is one of the fundamental principles in physics. It states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. Examples of Newton’s second law of motion include Car Acceleration and Rocket Launch.

Examples of Newtons Second Law

Here are ten examples of Newton’s Second Law in action.

image of Examples of Newtons Second Law

1. Car Acceleration

It is a common example of Newton second law of motion. When you press the gas pedal in a car, the engine exerts a force on the vehicle. The acceleration of the car is directly proportional to the force applied and inversely proportional to the car’s mass. A heavier car will require more force to accelerate at the same rate.

2. Jumping on a Trampoline

When you jump on a trampoline, your weight exerts a force on the trampoline’s surface. The trampoline’s fabric provides an upward force (tension) that accelerates you upwards. The harder you jump, the greater the upward acceleration.

3. Baseball Pitch

A pitcher throws a baseball with a certain force. The ball’s mass determines its acceleration. A heavier baseball requires more force to achieve the same acceleration as a lighter one.

4. Rocket Launch

During a rocket launch, the engines produce a massive force to propel the rocket into space. The acceleration of the rocket depends on both the force generated by the engines and the rocket’s mass.

5. Weightlifting

In weightlifting, athletes lift heavy weights. The force applied to lift the weight determines the acceleration of the weight. Heavier weights require more force to lift and accelerate.

6. Pushing a Shopping Cart

When you push a shopping cart in a store, the force you exert determines its acceleration. A cart with a heavier load will require more force to move at the same rate.

7. Sliding a Book Across a Table

To slide a book across a table, you apply a force. The book’s mass affects how easily it accelerates or decelerates in response to the applied force.

8. Bicycle Riding

When you pedal a bicycle, the force you apply to the pedals accelerates the bike. The bicycle’s mass and the force you exert determine its acceleration.

9. Ice Skating

In ice skating, you push off the ice with your skate blades, generating a force. Your acceleration on the ice depends on the force applied and your mass.

10. Skydiving

When a skydiver jumps out of an airplane, the force of gravity accelerates them toward the ground. The acceleration is influenced by the skydiver’s mass and the gravitational force.

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