Force from mass and deceleration
Used on the ASP. The worked example below is computed by code and checked against the source.
F = m × a = m × (v1 − v0) ÷ t
m = mass (kg); v = velocity (m/s); t = time (s); F in newtons. The sign shows direction; use the magnitude.
Worked example
80 kg stopped from 5 m/s in 0.25 s.
80 × (0 − 5) ÷ 0.25 = −1,600 N, so 1,600 N
Where it appears on the exam
ASP: ASP11 Domain 1, Mathematical Calculations
Blueprint: ASP11 Domain 1, task 10: general physics (force, acceleration, velocity)
Practice: Physics: Force and Motion
Source
The formula comes from
NASA Glenn Research Center, Beginner's Guide to Aeronautics: Newton's Second Law of Motion(opens grc.nasa.gov in a new tab)“If the mass is a constant and using the definition of acceleration a as the change in velocity with time, the second law reduces to the more familiar product of a mass and an acceleration: F = m * a Since acceleration is a change in velocity with a change in time t, we can also write this equation in the third form shown on the slide: F = m * (v1 - v0) / (t1 - t0)”
Questions
- What is the formula for force from mass and deceleration?
- F = m × a = m × (v1 − v0) ÷ t. m = mass (kg); v = velocity (m/s); t = time (s); F in newtons. The sign shows direction; use the magnitude.
- Will this formula be given on the BCSP exam?
- BCSP says the formula is included in the question whenever one is needed, unless the question is testing whether you know the formula. You can't bring a formula sheet into the exam, so learn what each formula does and when to use it.
BCSP on formulas at the exam
BCSP, What to Expect When Sitting for a BCSP Exam (item 7)(opens bcsp.org in a new tab)“For any question requiring a mathematical formula, the formula will be included within the exam question (unless the question is specifically testing your knowledge of a formula). You will not be provided or permitted to bring a formula sheet.”
Related
- Mean, median and sample standard deviation
- Fault tree gates (independent events)
- Unit conversions
- ASP formula sheet
Checked 2026-10-16. Spot a problem? Email hello@passcited.com.