Explore the Forces and Motion: Newton's Second Law
Push a cart with different forces and friction and see acceleration, speed and net force. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Forces and Motion: Newton's Second Law with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Forces and Motion: Newton's Second Law?
Push a cart with different forces and friction and see acceleration, speed and net force. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Vehicle design, safety and sport all depend on F = ma and friction.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Net force = mass × acceleration.
Friction opposes motion.
Without friction, a moving cart keeps moving.
Push with 300 N on ice and on sand.
Double the mass.
Push, then set the force to zero and watch on ice.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Physics learners
Physics students in middle school, high school and first-year university, teachers who want a quick demonstration for the projector, and anyone revising for exams.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Forces and Motion: Newton's Second Law on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Double the mass. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
What is net force?
The sum of all forces on an object. It decides the acceleration.
Why does the cart stop on sand?
Friction is large, so the net force is opposite the motion and slows it.
Is the Forces and Motion: Newton's Second Law free to use?
Yes. The Forces and Motion: Newton's Second Law is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Physics group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Forces and Motion: Newton's Second Law work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Forces and Motion: Newton's Second Law takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 2 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Forces and Motion: Newton's Second Law?
1. In the Forces and Motion: Newton's Second Law, use the controls to change Ground, Cart mass. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Forces and Motion: Newton's Second Law, pick an option such as Ice, Wood, Sand, Force arrows to switch modes or load an example. 3. In the Forces and Motion: Newton's Second Law, press "Go!", "Pause", "Return cart" to start, reset or change what is happening. 4. Start with this experiment: Push with 300 N on ice and on sand. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Forces and Motion: Newton's Second Law responds in real time. 5. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Net force = mass × acceleration.
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Try the Forces and Motion: Newton's Second Law now
Push a cart with different forces and friction and see acceleration, speed and net force. Free to use.
Try it free