What is the relationship between mass, acceleration, and force in Newton's Second Law?

The correct statement regarding the relationship between mass, acceleration, and force, as defined by Newton's Second Law of Motion, is that force equals mass multiplied by acceleration. This fundamental principle indicates that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. In mathematical terms, this is represented as F = ma, where F stands for force, m for mass, and a for acceleration.

This relationship highlights that when a force is applied to an object, its mass resists that acceleration; thus, for a constant force, an increase in mass will result in a decrease in acceleration. Conversely, for a fixed mass, increasing the force applied will result in an increase in acceleration. This principle is a cornerstone of classical mechanics, providing a clear framework for understanding how forces affect the motion of objects.