Definitions [1]
Define Newton’s second law of motion.
Newton’s second law of motion states that the rate of change of momentum is directly proportional to force applied and takes place in the direction of the force.
Formulae [1]
Formula: Newton's Second Law of Motion
General Form: \[\vec F\] =\[\frac{d\vec{p}}{dt}\]
For Constant Mass: \[\vec F\] = m\[\vec a\]
Momentum: \[\vec p\] = m\[\vec v\]
Theorems and Laws [1]
Law: Newton’s Second Law of Motion
Statement:
The rate of change of linear momentum of a rigid body is directly proportional to the applied (external unbalanced) force and takes place in the direction of force.
F = Δp = m\[\frac {dv}{dt}\] = ma
Importance:
- It provides a mathematical formulation for the quantitative measure of force: F = \[\frac {Δp}{Δt}\] = ma.
- It defines momentum as the product of mass and velocity: p = mv.
- Aristotle's fallacy is overcome by establishing that it is the resultant unbalanced force — not force itself — that is required to maintain a change in the state of motion.
