Final answer:
To determine the units when using Newton's Second Law, ensure mass is measured in kilograms, acceleration in meters per second squared, resulting in force being calculated in newtons (kg·m/s²). Units should be checked to be consistent and reasonable.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the units of your answer when using Newton's Second Law (F=ma), you need to ensure that mass is in kilograms (kg), acceleration is in meters per second squared (m/s²), and the resulting force is in newtons (N). The formula F=ma indicates that force is the product of mass and acceleration. Therefore, if mass is given in kg and acceleration in m/s², the force is calculated in newtons (kg·m/s²).
For example, to find the force applied on a 5-kg object that is accelerating at 2 m/s², you would multiply the mass by the acceleration: F=ma=5kg×2m/s²=10 N. Check the answer to ensure the units are correct: the force should indeed be in newtons.
When solving for mass or acceleration by rearranging the formula to m=F/a or a=F/m, apply the corresponding units accordingly. If force is given in newtons and acceleration in m/s², the mass will be in kilograms. Conversely, if mass is in kilograms and force in newtons, acceleration will be in m/s².