If a 2 kg object accelerates at 3 m/s², the net force is 6 N. Newton’s second law gives the relationship F = ma, so multiplying the mass by the acceleration gives F = 2 kg × 3 m/s² = 6 kg·m/s², or 6 newtons.
The newton is the SI unit of force, named after English physicist Isaac Newton. One newton is the force needed to accelerate a 1 kg mass by 1 m/s². This makes the units in the calculation especially useful: kilograms multiplied by metres per second squared become newtons.
“Net force” means the vector total of all forces acting on an object. A 6 N net force does not necessarily mean only one force is present; several pushes or pulls may combine to produce that result. The acceleration points in the direction of the net force.
A common mix-up is dividing instead of multiplying. Rearranging Newton’s law is necessary only when solving for mass or acceleration: m = F/a and a = F/m.