How do you find acceleration when you are only given netwons?

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To find acceleration when given forces in newtons, first calculate the net force by subtracting the downward weight from the upward force, resulting in -460 N. Next, determine the mass by dividing the weight (480 N) by gravitational acceleration (approximately 9.81 m/s²). Finally, divide the net force (-460 N) by the mass to find the acceleration. Correct terminology is crucial for clarity, as mass is derived from weight using the formula m = W/g. Understanding these steps ensures accurate calculations in physics problems involving forces.
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Okay, there is 20 N of force upward and there is 480N of weight pulling down, how do I find the acceleration??
 
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AznBoi said:
Okay, there is 20 N of force upward and there is 480N of weight pulling down, how do I find the acceleration??

Net force is then 20N - 480N = -460N.

Divide by the mass (F = ma).
 
nvm I got it, you just divide N by gravity (dumb me) to get the mass then dvide the N by mass to get acceleration! Thanks anyways! :smile:
 
AznBoi said:
nvm I got it, you just divide N by gravity (dumb me) to get the mass then dvide the N by mass to get acceleration! Thanks anyways! :smile:
Just so you don't confuse people, I think you get the point but your terminology is wrong. You divide the weight by gravitational acceleration to get the mass (W = mg so m = W/g). You then divide the net force by the mass to get the mass' acceleration (F/m = a).

AM
 

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