Students are introduced to Newton’s three laws of motion – Newton’s first law of motion (inertia), Newton’s second law of motion (F=ma) and Newton’s third law of motion (for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction).
Concept: Newton’s second law
The second of Sir Isaac Newton’s three laws of motion, Newton’s second law says “Force is equal to the product of mass and acceleration.”
Newton’s first law explains that in order to overcome inertia, you need an outside force. Newton’s second law builds on this idea. This law explains how an outside force will affect an object’s motion.
Learn more about Newton’s second law in the following Whybricks activities:
Why do some roads have truck escape ramps?
This investigation is all about scientific inquiry, getting students to plan and carry out investigations exploring Newton’s second law (F=ma), gravity and inclined planes.
Why do swings swing?
This investigation is all about scientific inquiry, getting students to plan and carry out investigations exploring levers, potential and kinetic energy, and Newton’s second law (F=ma).
Why do rubber bands snap back?
This investigation is all about scientific inquiry, getting students to plan and carry out investigations exploring potential and kinetic energy as well as Newton’s second law (F=ma).