Answer
No, ma is not considered a force.
Work Step by Step
The textbook defines a force as something that exerts push or pull on an object. Additionally, the textbook mentions that forces are vector quantities. Although mass multiplied by the acceleration vector equals the net force on an object, this does not mean that when combined, they are forces. Firstly, mass is a scalar quantity and cannot exert a push or pull on an object. Second, acceleration, although a vector quantity, cannot exert a push or pull force on an object. While both of these quantities are not forces, they are related to forces, and it is stated that if both quantities are present, then the object is said to exert a force.
