What is Newton's Second Law?

Newton's Second Law states that the force acting on an object is equal to the mass of that object multiplied by its acceleration. This relationship can be expressed in the formula F = ma, where F represents the force, m represents mass, and a represents acceleration. This law emphasizes how an object's motion can be changed when a net force is applied, which directly demonstrates how the acceleration of an object is dependent on both the force acting on it and its mass. A heavier object requires more force to achieve the same acceleration as a lighter object, illustrating the principle that force, mass, and acceleration are interconnected. Understanding this law is fundamental in physics, particularly in mechanics, as it provides a clear formula for predicting how an object will respond to applied forces.