Forces and Motion Interactive Simulation

Newton's second law: a net force on an object makes it accelerate. The acceleration equals the force divided by the mass (a = F/m). A bigger push makes it speed up faster; a heavier object accelerates more slowly for the same push. Students can change force and mass and compare what happens. Use it for physics inquiry with Grades 3–4, Middle School, and High School on a projector or student device.

Standards: NGSS 3-PS2-1, 3-PS2-2

• Push harder (more force) and the block speeds up faster
• A heavier block (more mass) accelerates more slowly for the same push
• Read a = F/m straight off the live formula with your own numbers
• How force, mass, and acceleration are all related by one equation

1. 1Predict how changing force will affect the acceleration, then test the prediction.
2. 2Use evidence from the live calculation and visual to explain the result.

Questions teachers ask