Final answer:
Newton's 2nd Law states that force equals mass times acceleration, and it explains how a force can cause an object to accelerate or decelerate. It also highlights the principle that every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Newton's 2nd Law states that the force acting on an object is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its acceleration. Mathematically, this can be represented as F = ma, where F is the force, m is the mass, and a is the acceleration. This law explains how a force can cause an object to accelerate or decelerate depending on its mass and the applied force. For example, when you push a car with a certain force, it will accelerate faster if it has a smaller mass compared to a car with a larger mass under the same force. This law also demonstrates the concept that every action has an equal and opposite reaction, meaning that when you apply a force on an object, the object applies an equal and opposite force on you.
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