Classical Mechanics Calculator - Physics, Forces & Motion Solver
Solve physics problems for force, motion, and energy. Free classical mechanics calculator using Newton's laws for students and engineering professionals.
Newton's First Law
Law of InertiaNewton's Second Law
F = maNewton's Third Law
Action and ReactionUniversal Gravitation
F = G(m₁m₂)/r²Momentum
p = mvKinetic Energy
KE = ½mv²Potential Energy
PE = mghWork
W = Fdcos(θ)Power
P = W/tImpulse
J = FtCentripetal Force
F_c = mv²/rNewton's Second Law
F = ma
Input Values
Solve physics problems involving forces, motion, gravitation, energy, and momentum. Ideal for students, educators, and professionals working with classical mechanics. Get instant results with detailed step-by-step solutions for 11 essential physics formulas.
How to Use Classical Mechanics Calculator
Choose Your Formula
Select from 11 physics equations using the dropdown menu. Options include the three laws of motion, universal gravitation, energy equations, momentum, work, power, impulse, and centripetal force.
Enter Your Values
Input the known quantities for your selected equation. Most equations allow you to solve for one unknown when you provide the others. For instance, with F = ma, you can find force from mass and acceleration, or determine acceleration from force and mass.
View Results
Click "Calculate" to see your results. The tool displays all computed values with proper units and includes a detailed step-by-step solution showing how each result was obtained.
Calculator Features
Three Laws of Motion
Solve problems involving forces, acceleration, and motion using all three fundamental laws
Universal Gravitation
Find gravitational forces between any two masses using the law of universal gravitation
Energy Equations
Work with kinetic energy, potential energy, work, and power with detailed solutions
Momentum & Impulse
Solve problems involving linear momentum, impulse, and related quantities
Centripetal Force
Determine the force required for circular motion
Step-by-Step Solutions
See detailed work showing how each result is obtained
Input Validation
Automatic checks ensure you provide the correct number of inputs for each equation
Complete Function List
- First Law of Motion (Law of Inertia) - Analyze equilibrium conditions:
- Second Law of Motion (F = ma) - Find force, mass, or acceleration:
- Third Law of Motion - Determine action and reaction forces:
- Universal Gravitation - Find gravitational force between masses:
- Momentum (p = mv) - Solve for momentum, mass, or velocity:
- Kinetic Energy (KE = ½mv²) - Find kinetic energy, mass, or velocity:
- Potential Energy (PE = mgh) - Determine gravitational potential energy:
- Work (W = Fdcos(θ)) - Find work done by a force:
- Power (P = W/t) - Solve for power, work, or time:
- Impulse (J = Ft) - Find impulse, force, or time:
- Centripetal Force (F_c = mv²/r) - Determine force for circular motion:
Common Calculations & Examples
Example 1: Calculate Force from Mass and Acceleration
Problem: A 10 kg object accelerates at 5 m/s². What force is applied?
Steps:
- Select "Newton's Second Law" from the formula dropdown
- Enter mass: 10 kg
- Enter acceleration: 5 m/s²
- Leave force empty (this is what we're calculating)
- Click "Calculate"
Explanation: Using F = ma, we get F = 10 kg × 5 m/s² = 50 N. This demonstrates the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration.
Example 2: Calculate Kinetic Energy
Problem: A 2 kg ball moves at 10 m/s. What is its kinetic energy?
Steps:
- Select "Kinetic Energy" from the formula dropdown
- Enter mass: 2 kg
- Enter velocity: 10 m/s
- Leave kinetic energy empty
- Click "Calculate"
Explanation: Using KE = ½mv², we get KE = 0.5 × 2 kg × (10 m/s)² = 100 J. Energy of motion depends on both mass and the square of velocity.
Example 3: Calculate Gravitational Force
Problem: Find the gravitational force between Earth (5.97 × 10²⁴ kg) and a 70 kg person at Earth's surface (6.37 × 10⁶ m from center).
Steps:
- Select "Universal Gravitation" from the formula dropdown
- Enter mass1: 5.97e24 kg
- Enter mass2: 70 kg
- Enter distance: 6.37e6 m
- Click "Calculate"
Explanation: Using F = G(m₁m₂)/r², this finds the gravitational force (weight) acting on the person. The result closely matches the standard weight: 70 kg × 9.8 m/s² ≈ 686 N. The slight difference (687 N vs 686 N) occurs because we're using the exact gravitational constant and Earth's precise mass, while g = 9.8 m/s² is an approximation.
Example 4: Calculate Momentum
Problem: A 0.5 kg ball has a momentum of 10 kg⋅m/s. What is its velocity?
Steps:
- Select "Momentum" from the formula dropdown
- Enter mass: 0.5 kg
- Enter momentum: 10 kg⋅m/s
- Leave velocity empty
- Click "Calculate"
Explanation: Using p = mv, we rearrange to v = p/m = 10 kg⋅m/s / 0.5 kg = 20 m/s. Momentum remains constant in collisions, making it a fundamental quantity in physics.
Example 5: Calculate Work Done
Problem: A 100 N force pushes a box 5 m along the floor at a 30° angle. How much work is done?
Steps:
- Select "Work" from the formula dropdown
- Enter force: 100 N
- Enter distance: 5 m
- Enter angle: 30°
- Click "Calculate"
Explanation: Using W = Fdcos(θ), we get W = 100 N × 5 m × cos(30°) ≈ 433 J. The angle component shows that only the force component parallel to displacement contributes to work.