Newton's Second Law
I can explain what the equation F = m × a means and use it to carry out calculations.
Newton's Second Law
I can explain what the equation F = m × a means and use it to carry out calculations.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Resultant force = mass × acceleration, F = m × a
- An object that is thrown in the air experiences a constant gravitational force towards the centre of Earth.
- An object that is thrown in the air is constantly accelerating towards the centre of Earth.
Keywords
Resultant force - the overall effect of the forces acting on an object
Acceleration - caused by a resultant force and results in a change in speed and/or direction of movement
Mass - the amount of matter in an object, measured in kilograms (kg)
Common misconception
When applying the equation F = m × a, pupils may take F to be any one of the forces acting on the object, rather than specifically the resultant force.
Provide some more complex examples, in which forces act in opposite directions, so pupils are required to work out the resultant force in preparation for completing calculations.
To help you plan your year 11 combined science lesson on: Newton's Second Law, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 combined science lesson on: Newton's Second Law, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 combined science lessons from the Forces make things change unit, dive into the full secondary combined science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
mass -
kilograms
displacement -
metres
velocity -
metres per second
acceleration -
metres per second squared
force -
newtons

Exit quiz
6 Questions
resultant force -
The overall effect of the forces acting on an object.
acceleration -
A change in velocity caused by a resultant force.
mass -
The amount of matter in an object, measured in kilograms (kg).