Force, Mass and Acceleration Calculations

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Part 1: Calculate Force

WALT: We Are Learning To use the equation F = m × a to calculate force.

Success criteria: I can identify mass and acceleration, substitute values into the formula, show my working, and give my answer in newtons (N).

Formula bank: Force (F) is measured in newtons (N). Mass (m) is measured in kilograms (kg). Acceleration (a) is measured in metres per second squared (m/s²).

Support: Use the formula bank for every question. Read each question aloud or use text-to-speech if helpful. Underline the mass and acceleration values before calculating.

1. A 5 kg object accelerates at 3 m/s². Calculate the force acting on it.

2. A 12 kg sled accelerates at 2.5 m/s². Calculate the resultant force.

3. A 0.8 kg ball accelerates at 6 m/s². Calculate the force acting on the ball.

4. A 1500 kg car accelerates at 0.4 m/s². Calculate the resultant force on the car.

Part 2: Calculate Mass and Acceleration

Rearrange the equation when needed: m = F ÷ a and a = F ÷ m.

5. A force of 48 N acts on a 6 kg object. Calculate its acceleration.

6. A force of 120 N produces an acceleration of 8 m/s². Calculate the object's mass.

7. A 7.5 N force acts on a 2.5 kg toy car. Calculate the car's acceleration.

8. A force of 900 N gives a vehicle an acceleration of 7.5 m/s². Calculate the vehicle's mass.

Part 3: Apply the Equation

For each problem, write the equation you will use, substitute the values, calculate, and include the correct unit.

9. A 10 kg object is pushed with a force of 65 N. Calculate its acceleration.

10. A rocket engine produces a force of 240 N and the rocket accelerates at 12 m/s². Calculate the rocket's mass.

11. A shopping trolley has a mass of 18 kg and accelerates at 2.2 m/s². Calculate the force needed to accelerate it.

12. A cyclist and bicycle have a combined mass of 75 kg. A resultant force of 450 N acts forwards. Calculate the acceleration.

Extension

A 20 kg cart and a 40 kg cart are each pushed with a force of 100 N. Calculate the acceleration of each cart. Explain which cart accelerates faster and why.

Check your work: Circle any answer that is not in N, kg, or m/s². Check that your units and significant figures are sensible.