Force: Mass m Velocity Change from v1 to v2

In summary, force is defined as the rate of change of momentum at a given instant, not the total change over a period of time. The standard equation for force is mass times the acceleration, not mass times the change in velocity. The push given to a mass that causes its velocity to change is called force, not impulse. These definitions are important in understanding Newtonian mechanics.
  • #1
chandran
139
1
A block of mass m is resting on a frictionless surface and a push is given to it along the surface.

Now because of the push the velocity of the mass changes from v1 to v2. ofcourse v1 is zero. So this is what that push has done to the mass m. This push is called force. so force gives a result in which the mass m changes its velocity from v1 to v2.

I am defining force=m*(v2-v1).

Any thoughts on this further
 
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  • #2
so according to your definition, a push that makes the velocity of the mass go from v1 to v2 in 1 second is the same force as a push that makes the velocity of the mass go from v1 to v2 in 4 hours. this is not the way force is defined in Newtonian machanics.

However you may, if you please, define 'force' the way you did, and develop chandranian mechanics from there. Have fun :smile:
 
  • #3
chandran, I'm not sure what your point is. As quasar987 pointed out, you are free to "define" terms any way you want, but this is not the standard definition of "force". In fact, m(v2-v1), "mass times the change in velocity" is normally called "impulse"- the change in the momentum over a certain time. Force is normally defined as the "rate[\b] of change" of momentum at a given instant, not the total change of a time period.
 

1. What is force?

Force is a physical quantity that describes the strength or energy behind an object's motion or position. It is measured in Newtons (N).

2. How is force related to mass and velocity change?

According to Newton's Second Law of Motion, force is equal to the product of an object's mass (m) and its acceleration (a). Velocity change, or change in velocity over time, can be calculated using the equation v2-v1/t. Therefore, force is related to mass and velocity change through the equation F = m * (v2-v1)/t.

3. What does the equation F = m * (v2-v1)/t represent?

This equation represents the relationship between force, mass, and velocity change (or acceleration) in a given scenario. It is commonly used to calculate the force needed to accelerate an object or the mass of an object given its acceleration and force.

4. How does force affect an object's motion?

Force can cause an object to change its motion in different ways. If the force is in the same direction as the object's motion, it can increase its speed. If the force is in the opposite direction, it can slow down or stop the object's motion. Additionally, a net force acting on an object can change its direction of motion.

5. How is force measured and what are some common units?

Force is measured using a device called a force meter or dynamometer. The most common unit of force is the Newton (N), but other units such as pound (lb) and kilogram-force (kgf) are also used. In some cases, force can also be measured in multiples of these units, such as kilonewtons (kN) or meganewtons (MN).

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