Learning Exercise
Newton’s Second Law: Investigating Force, Mass, and Acceleration with 3D Simulation
In this learning exercise, students use the 3JCN Newton’s Second Law simulation to explore the relationship between net force, mass, and acceleration. Students change the applied force and object mass, observe the motion in the 3D simulation, and compare the results with Newton’s Second Law, F=ma.
Students should record several trials with different forces and masses, calculate the predicted acceleration, and compare it with the simulation behavior. This activity helps students connect the mathematical equation F=ma with physical motion and visual intuition.
Link: https://www.new3jcn.com/mechanics/newtons-second-law-simulation.html
- Material:
- 3JCN Physics Simulation — Free Interactive 3D Physics Simulations (OER)
- Date last modified:
- May 26, 2026
- Created by:
- Thomas Nguyen
- License:
-
3JCN Physics Simulation is a free CC BY 4.0 open educational resource containing more than 350 interactive 3D physics... see more
Exercise
Students will use the 3JCN Newton’s Second Law simulation to investigate the relationship between net force, mass, and acceleration:
https://www.new3jcn.com/mechanics/newtons-second-law-simulation.html
First, students keep the mass constant and change the applied force. They observe how the acceleration changes and compare the result with Newton’s Second Law:
F=ma
or
a=F/m
Next, students keep the applied force constant and change the mass. They observe that a larger mass produces a smaller acceleration for the same force.
Students should record at least five trials in a data table, calculate the theoretical acceleration, and compare their calculations with the motion shown in the simulation.
At the end of the activity, students write a short conclusion explaining how the simulation demonstrates that acceleration is directly proportional to net force and inversely proportional to mass.
Disciplines
Technical Notes
This learning exercise uses the 3JCN Newton’s Second Law web-based simulation. The simulation runs in a browser using HTML5, JavaScript, WebGL, and Three.js. Students should use a desktop or laptop computer with a modern browser such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari. A large screen is recommended so students can clearly see the 3D motion, force arrows, sliders, and data displays. No software installation or login is required.
Requirements
Students need access to a computer or large-screen device with an internet connection and a modern web browser with WebGL enabled, such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari. No installation or login is required. Students should have basic knowledge of force, mass, acceleration, and Newton’s Second Law.
Topics
Newton’s Second Law; Force; Mass; Acceleration; Net Force; F=ma; Motion; Dynamics; Inertia; Introductory Physics; Mechanics; Interactive Physics Simulation; 3D Physics Visualization; Virtual Physics Lab; Open Educational Resources; OER
Type of Task
Learning Objectives
After completing this learning exercise, students will be able to:
1. State Newton’s Second Law in words and equation form.
2. Explain the relationship between net force, mass, and acceleration.
3. Predict how acceleration changes when applied force increases.
4. Predict how acceleration changes when mass increases.
5. Use a = F/m to calculate acceleration from force and mass.
6. Compare theoretical calculations with the behavior shown in the 3D simulation.
Assessment
Students can be assessed by submitting a short worksheet or lab report that includes:
1. A data table with at least five trials using different force and mass values.
2. Calculations of acceleration using a = F/m.
3. A comparison between the calculated acceleration and the motion shown in the simulation.
4. A short written conclusion explaining how the simulation demonstrates Newton’s Second Law.
The instructor may also assess student understanding through class discussion, group explanation, or a short quiz asking students to predict how acceleration changes when force or mass is changed.