In Newton's Second Law, acceleration is given by $a=\frac{F}{m}$. On which two variables does acceleration depend?

• A. Mass $m$ and time $t$
• B. Net force $F$ and velocity $v$
• C. Net force $F$ and mass $m$
• D. Displacement $x$ and time $t$

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall Newton's Second Law, which states that acceleration \(a\) is related to net force \(F\) and mass \(m\) by the formula: \[a = \frac{F}{m}\]
2. Identify the variables in the formula: acceleration \(a\) depends directly on the net force \(F\) applied to an object and inversely on the mass \(m\) of the object.
3. Understand that time \(t\), velocity \(v\), and displacement \(x\) are not variables in this specific formula for acceleration, although they may relate to motion in other contexts.
4. Conclude that acceleration depends on the net force \(F\) and the mass \(m\), because changing either will affect the acceleration according to the formula.
5. Therefore, the two variables on which acceleration depends in Newton's Second Law are net force \(F\) and mass \(m\).