How Should a Constant Force Affect an Acceleration-Time Graph?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of how a constant force affects an acceleration-time graph, specifically in the context of a toy car moving along a horizontal line. Participants are exploring the implications of applying a constant force while ignoring friction.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to sketch the acceleration-time graph based on the applied force. Questions arise regarding the nature of the graph, with some suggesting it should be a straight line above zero, while others encourage calculations to reinforce understanding of the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes varying interpretations of the graph's shape, with some participants expressing confidence in their answers while others seek validation. There is a recognition of the relationship between force and acceleration, but no explicit consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that friction is negligible and are focused on the implications of a constant force and mass on acceleration.

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Acceleration/time graphs!

Hey all...

I'm having tons of trouble with what seems to be an extremely easy question. :mad:

The question portrays a toy car...which can move in either direction along a horizontal line (the + position axis) The car is given a large force toward the right of constant magnitude is applied to the car. (it says to assume that friction is so small that it can be ignored).

The task is to sketch on an acceleration/time graph a solid line caused by the applied large force.

My guess was that the graph would look like a perfectly straight line somewhere above zero...but I am usually always wrong about this kind of thing :cry:

Can anyone help me? Thanks! :smile:
 
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You have a constant net force, and a constant mass, what do you think the acceleration would be like? Calculate the acceleration of the object for a few different points in time if you need to. The actual calculation won't be important, the important part will be realizing that the actual calculation isn't important. ;)
 
im turning in my homework with the answer to this as a solid, STRAIGHT, and HORIZONTAL line above the zero mark...

just curious - did i get it right? :) ...or wrong? :rolleyes:
 
Right. F = ma you said the force was constant, we know the mass is constant, thus the acceleration must be constant as well.
 

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