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briteliner
Sep2-08, 05:19 PM
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
In a lab frame of reference, an observer finds Newtons second law is valid in the form of Fnet=ma. Show that Newtons second law is not valid in a reference frame moving past the laboratory frame of problem 1 with a constant acceleration a1. assume that mass is an invariant quantity and is constant in time.


2. Relevant equations
f=ma


3. The attempt at a solution
i dont get how to show this, i get how to show that the velocities and displacement would be different but not how to relate that to the force

edziura
Sep7-08, 07:33 PM
Suppose instead that we wish to show that NSL is valid in a 2nd frame moving at constant speed b. The Galilean (sp?) transformation is

x' = x - bt

where the primed quantities are in the moving frame, and b is some constant speed. If we differentiate this twice with repsect to time, we obtain

a' = a

Since mass is invariant, F = ma holds in both frames.

Now do the same thing, but assume that b = a1 t, also the speed of the moving frame but written in terms of a constant acceleration a1 and time. You should find that acceleration is this case is not invariant.