Force Calculator – Newton's Second Law & Types of Forces
Calculate force, mass, or acceleration using Newton's Second Law (F = m × a), plus gravitational, elastic, and friction forces. Includes unit conversions and practical examples.
Force, Mass & Acceleration Calculator
Other Force Calculators
Gravitational Force
Formula: F = G·m₁·m₂ / r²
Elastic (Spring) Force
Formula: F = -k·x
Friction Force
Formula: F = μ·N
Force Visualization
Interact with calculator above and we'll display Force vs. Acceleration for the input mass if possible.
About Newton's Laws and Forces
Newton's Second Law:
"The net force acting on an object is equal to its mass times its acceleration." (F = m × a)
Everyday Applications:
- Car acceleration – The force from the engine determines how quickly your car speeds up.
- Sports – Kicking a soccer ball (the harder you kick, the greater the acceleration).
- Lifting objects – The force needed depends on the mass (weight) and how quickly you lift it.
Types of Force:
- Gravitational: Pulls masses toward each other (e.g. gravity keeps us on Earth).
- Elastic (Spring): Restoring force from stretching/compressing a material.
- Friction: Opposes the motion between touching surfaces.
Units:
Force – newtons (N), kilonewtons (kN), pound-force (lbf)
Mass – kilograms (kg), grams (g), pounds (lb)
Acceleration – meters/second² (m/s²), feet/second² (ft/s²), standard gravity (g)
Mass – kilograms (kg), grams (g), pounds (lb)
Acceleration – meters/second² (m/s²), feet/second² (ft/s²), standard gravity (g)
Quick Facts:
- 1 N is the force needed to accelerate 1 kg by 1 m/s².
- 1 lbf ≈ 4.4482 N
- The gravitational force between you and the Earth is your weight.
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