Final answer:
The formula F = ma is the mathematical statement for Newton's second law of motion, indicating that the net force on an object is the product of its mass and acceleration, with force measured in newtons (N).
Step-by-step explanation:
The formula F = ma represents Newton's second law of motion, which states that the net force (Fnet) acting on an object is equal to the mass (m) of the object multiplied by the acceleration (a) of the object.
This law implies that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force applied and inversely proportional to its mass. When considering the magnitudes of force and acceleration, the equation can simply be written as Fnet = ma.
The unit of force in this context is the newton (N), which is defined as the force needed to accelerate a 1-kg mass at a rate of 1 m/s².