Newton's 2nd Law: Force, Mass, & Acceleration

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In a discussion about force and motion, it is clarified that according to Newton's second law (F=ma), force is involved whenever there is acceleration, whether it is an increase or decrease in velocity. A 1 kg object moving at 100 m/s and another at 0 m/s both have zero net force acting on them until they collide. Upon impact, the change in velocity indicates that a force is indeed applied. Deceleration is defined as negative acceleration, which also results in a force being calculated using the mass and the rate of change of velocity. Understanding these principles clarifies the role of force in both acceleration and deceleration scenarios.
Alan3030
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Apologies for what I assume is a rookie question. Given F=ma if you have a 1 kg object traveling in e.g. space say x @ 100m/s then F = 0 on that object. If you have another 1kg object say y sitting at 0 m/s, F=0. If they impact there must be force involved? Does negative acceleration give you a F? if so what's the math?
 
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Yes a force is involved anytime there is an acceleration an increase in velocity or a deceleration a decrease in velocity. A deceleration is a negative acceleration. Force on an object is equal to the mass of the object times the instantaneous time rate of change of its velocity.
 
Thanks that makes sense now :)
 

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