Tags | |
The Upward Acceleration from Thrust or Lift calculator computes acceleration as a function of Mass (M) and the difference of two vertical forces, upward thrust or lift (Ft) and downward pull of gravity (Fg).
INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:
- (Ft) Upward Force (thrust or lift)
- (Fg) Downward Force of Fravity.
- (m) Mass of object
Acceleration (a): The calculator computes the acceleration (A) in meters per second squared. However, this can be automatically converted to other acceleration units via the pull-down menu.
The Math / Science
The formula for upward acceleration is:
`a = (F_t - F_g)/m`
where:
- a = upward acceleration
- Ft = vertical force of thrust or lift
- Fg = downward force of gravity
- m = mass of object
This is a form of Newton's formula, F = m * a that computes a total force. If you solve for acceleration, you get:
Then substitute F for the net force of upward trust and downward gravity (F = Ft - Fg).
This is anecdotally the forces on a rocket, with `F_t` being the force of thrust (upward), and `F_g` being the force of gravity (downward).
References
- Light and Matter(Dr. Benjamin Crowell) Chapter 4.3 Newton's Second Law