Resultant Forces and Newtons 2nd Law

When dealing with Newtons 2nd Law, we are talking about the sum of all forces on an object, usually called the resultant force.

Newtons 2nd Law

The resultant force on an object is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its acceleration. OR

Example 1: This car has a motive force of 2000N (from the engine), but it also has a resistive force of 425N (air resistance). What is the resultant force?

F = ma

If the cars mass is 1500kg, what will its acceleration be?

Example 2: A husky is pulling a 50kg sledge along on the snow, with a force of 100N. Assuming there is no friction, how fast will they accelerate?

Now there is another husky to help him, who also pulls with a 100N force. What is the resultant force?

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Resultant Forces and Newtons 2nd Law

What is their acceleration?

Finally, a particularly stupid driver has set two packs of two dogs against each other. Each group of two applies a 200N force, but in opposite directions. What is the resultant force?

What is the acceleration?

1) Calculate the resultant force in each of the following situations. a. A bus travelling east has a motive force of 17000 N and a resistive force of 4000 N.

b. A parachutist has a weight of 650 N, but near the start of his jump experiences an air resistance of 65 N.

c. This same parachutist later experiences an air resistance of 650 N.

d. A box slides along the floor, having been pushed, and experiences a friction of 30 N.

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