Why is force mass times acceleration? Specifically, why acceleration? What’s the difference between force and momentum?
In: Physics
Acceleration is a change in velocity over time. Velocity of a mass cannot change unless a force acts upon it. The change in velocity is a function of the force in newtons divided by the mass in kilograms.
Momentum is the energy a mass carries as a result of its velocity. For velocity to change, energy must transfer. That energy is given to, or removed from the mass through application of force. When the force cease, so does the change in momentum.
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