Intuitive

Newton's second law tells us that how an object $\color{magenta}{\text{gets faster}}$ depends on its $\color{olive}{\text{mass}}$ and the $\color{blue}{\text{total force }}$ acting on it.

Formulated a bit differently it tells us that the $\color{magenta}{\text{acceleration}}$ of an object is given by the ratio of the $\color{blue}{\text{force }}$ acting on it divided by its $\color{olive}{\text{mass}}$.

Concrete

Abstract

Why is it interesting?

Newton's second law is the most fundamental equation of classical mechanics. It is still used nowadays, for example, by engineers.

Definitions

• $\vec F$ is the force that acts on the object in question.
• $\vec a$ is the acceleration of the object. The acceleration is the rate of change of the velocity $\vec v$ of the object, which in turn is the rate of change of the location $\vec r$ of the object: $a = \ddot{r} = \dot{v}$.