What is Laws: Definition and 1000 Discussions

Law is a system of rules created and enforced through social or governmental institutions to regulate behavior, with its precise definition a matter of longstanding debate. It has been variously described as a science and the art of justice. State-enforced laws can be made by a group legislature or by a single legislator, resulting in statutes; by the executive through decrees and regulations; or established by judges through precedent, usually in common law jurisdictions. Private individuals may create legally binding contracts, including arbitration agreements that adopt alternative ways of resolving disputes to standard court litigation. The creation of laws themselves may be influenced by a constitution, written or tacit, and the rights encoded therein. The law shapes politics, economics, history and society in various ways and serves as a mediator of relations between people.
Legal systems vary between countries, with their differences analysed in comparative law. In civil law jurisdictions, a legislature or other central body codifies and consolidates the law. In common law systems, judges make binding case law through precedent, although on occasion this may be overturned by a higher court or the legislature. Historically, religious law influenced secular matters, and is still used in some religious communities. Sharia law based on Islamic principles is used as the primary legal system in several countries, including Iran and Saudi Arabia.Law's scope can be divided into two domains. Public law concerns government and society, including constitutional law, administrative law, and criminal law. Private law deals with legal disputes between individuals and/or organisations in areas such as contracts, property, torts/delicts and commercial law. This distinction is stronger in civil law countries, particularly those with a separate system of administrative courts; by contrast, the public-private law divide is less pronounced in common law jurisdictions.Law provides a source of scholarly inquiry into legal history, philosophy, economic analysis and sociology. Law also raises important and complex issues concerning equality, fairness, and justice.

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  1. Saitama

    Newton's laws - Pedagogical machine

    Homework Statement A "Pedagogical machine" is illustrated in the attachment. All surfaces are frictionless. What force F must be applied to ##M_1## to keep ##M_3## from rising or falling? Ans. clue. For equal masses F=3Mg Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I would like...
  2. SamRoss

    Looking for a clear distinction between laws and kinematics

    Can anyone define the distinction between the laws of nature and the kinematics of nature? I am thinking that laws have more to do with forces and potentials and kinematics have more to do with velocities and reference frames but I cannot formulate a clear definition of one that does not overlap...
  3. D

    MHB Applying the laws of exponents

    Basically I don't know anyone in real life that can help me with this, so I need help checking to see if my answers are correct :) PART A 7) Simplify (5x^3yz^2)^2(-3x^3y^4z) My answer: -75x^9y^6z^5 8) Simplify the problem below using positive exponents only. 8a^-2b^3c^4 18a^5b^-3c My...
  4. N

    What are the force laws for the strong and weak nuclear forces?

    Hello! I have a question that has been bothering me for some time, and I thought this would be a good place to ask. This is my first posting on PF as well, so I hope this is well placed. There are force laws for the coulomb attraction and gravity. Are there similar force laws that can be...
  5. A

    Laws of Multi-Terminal Components

    Hi all, I know about Kirchhoff's voltage and current laws when it comes to simple circuits with two-terminal elements and junctions/nodes of branches. However I'm curious how KVL and KCL are applicable to multi-terminal elements? Does KCL apply to any junction of branches no matter what that...
  6. D

    Fundamental laws and differential equations

    why are many fundamental laws of nature formulated in the form of differential equations?
  7. S

    Engineering Can Kirchoff's laws and Ohm's law be used on circuits with diodes?

    Homework Statement Can Kirchhoff's voltage and current laws, and Ohm's law, be used when analysing circuits with constant voltage and current sources, but also diodes? I'm trying to analyse such a circuit, and I'm finding that current is flowing backwards through one of the diodes...
  8. H

    Conservation Laws and Symmetries Particle Physics

    2) A π0 of kinetic energy 350 MeV decays in flight into 2 γ rays of equal energies. Determine the angles of the γ rays from the incident π0 direction. Not sure where I am going wrong but my answer is not correct. Energy of π0 meson E = 350 MeV Rest mass Energy of π0 meson E0 = 135...
  9. A

    How accurate are physical laws?

    Newton's laws, coulomb's law are all very neat but are they totally accurate? According to modern instruments which can measure up-to remarkable precision, do these laws behave perfectly? I haven't studied quantum mechanics yet but as far as I have heard it's all about probabilities ... we...
  10. A

    Understanding Reaction Forces on a Hinged Pulley under Tangential Force

    A tangential force is appliied on pully hinged at its centre of gravity. will there be any reaction force at its center?? if yes then how much? will it be same as applies force? practically it seems there would be no force at its center?? and if force is applied from the both side say P1 and...
  11. M

    Physics G.11 Question on Forces/Newton's Laws and Friction

    Hi, i am very confused on how your supposed to do these two quesitons. I am currently taking a intensified g11 course during the summer, and i think the teacher is going to fast, and I am not sure how I am supposed to do this. Please help explain each question out thoroughly, also it would be...
  12. S

    Time travel + conservation laws

    Doesn't traditional time travel violate conservation laws? If I could in effect materialize in the past, then the universe, being an isolated system would have suddenly gained matter/energy out of nowhere! Also, the atoms that make up my body would then be in two places at once since they...
  13. T

    Why is squaring so significant when it comes to basic physical laws?

    Why is "squaring" so significant when it comes to basic physical laws? Let me begin by saying I do not have a background in physics, or science for that matter! I just have an interest in things like cosmology and particle physics because I like to understand things. So my question is this...
  14. reenmachine

    Laws of Exponents II: Simplify Expression

    Homework Statement Simplify this expression and express the result with only positive exponants. Homework Equations The expression: ##\left( \frac {(-49^4 \ c^{-2} \ d)^3}{14^6 \ c^{-1} \ d^2} \right)^{-1}## The Attempt at a Solution ##\left( \frac {(-49^4 \ c^{-2} \...
  15. reenmachine

    Simplifying Expression with Laws of Exponents

    Homework Statement Simplify the following expression: ##\frac{(100^3)^\frac{2}{3}}{1000^\frac{1}{3}}## ÷ ##\left( \frac{-10^2}{100^\frac{1}{2}} \right)^3##Homework Equations Start with this side: ##\frac{(100^3)^\frac{2}{3}}{1000^\frac{1}{3}}##...
  16. N

    Laws of Physics: Same Everywhere?

    if relativity is true and a photon can have no time from its point of view and have time from the point of view of an observer does that then mean the universe is not the same at every point Or is there any Reason someone might know of that means the Laws of Physics and not the same every...
  17. A

    What is the Maximum Pressure in kPa for Ammonia in the Haber Process?

    Hello everyone, I'm doing some practice problems for my final exam. I came across this question: «The Haber process is being used at a pressure of 76 000 mmHg at a temperature of 450°C. Gaseous ammonia is cooled and collected after its production, in order that its temperature does not...
  18. A

    Why Are The Laws of Physics Not Symmetrical Between Left and Right?

    Greeting people of Physics, Why are the laws of physics not symmetrical between left and right, future and past, and between matter and antimatter? I.e., what is the mechanism of CP violation, and what is the origin of parity violation in Weak interactions? Are there right-handed Weak...
  19. K

    Moments/torque in relation to laws of motion

    I've just started learning about torque, and understand that tau=Fd, but wondered how this relates to F=ma. For example if there is a rod with a pivot in the middle (say a nail), when one end is pushed down, why does the other end move up? Where is the force that causes the end to move up...
  20. N

    Newtons laws, dynamics questions

    Homework Statement 1) A 1000-kg Car is parked on a 10 degree slope. Determine the magnitude of the frictional force acting on the car 2) A 2000-kg car traveling at an initial speed of 10m/s skids to a stop with a constant acceleration. The coefficient of friction between the tired and the...
  21. C

    Elementary questions relating to Newton's laws of motion

    i) If a wall breaks when it gets hit by a cannonball, did the wall exert an equal and opposite force on the cannonball? ii) Would the force exerted by the cannonball on the wall only be the amount that was needed to break it? iii) Hypothetically, is it possible for the wall to break but...
  22. T

    Is it possible that nature laws constants changed over time

    I am wondering ? is it possible that the constants that govern the laws of physics was different during other periods of our universe history ?
  23. J

    Why things like relativity and evolution aren't called laws?

    I was reading in my textbook the definition of a scientific law: must be found experimentally valid over a wide range of observed phenomena. So why arent things like the theory of general relativity and the theory of evolution called the laws of evolution and the laws of relativity? Will that...
  24. S

    A few questions about using power laws

    Have a homework question about power law density distributions that I could use a little help on... Given a power-law distribution, ρ(R) \propto R^{-\propto}, show that a flat rotation curve can be obtained if \propto = 2 and that solid body rotation is obtained if \propto = 0. Also, I'm...
  25. P

    Chemistry Relationships & Equations, Laws

    Homework Statement Does anyone know any laws equations or any other relative information between a weather balloon and scuba diving. I need to state their relationships and how the laws and equations can be used in our daily lives. Homework Equations Henry's Law, I'm not sure what else...
  26. D

    Understanding Gas Laws: Explaining the Relationship Between Pressure and Volume

    Hey guys. I'm new to the forum :). I'm a high school student who takes physical sciences as one of my subject. The thing is that I've been confused about something I read on chemistry. This might sound stupid but please try and understand that this is confusing me. In the gas laws, Gay Lussac's...
  27. V

    Nature of Laws of Physics (Gravity)

    I am going to explain what I am looking for, of course all the while hoping that what I am looking for actually exists, by talking about how I got comfortable with the idea of harmonic oscillators. I never quite understood why the forces on a harmonic oscillator were of the form ## F=-kx ##...
  28. P

    Help Laws of Motion and question help

    Homework Statement A train moves off from a station and accelerates uniformly for 30.0 s over a distance of 225 m. It continues with the speed acquired for another 135 s, then the driver applies the brakes and the train comes to rest with uniform retardation at the next station in a further...
  29. marcus

    What Are the Possible Strategies for the Game of Single-Shot Work Extraction?

    So one can even have "beyond standard Thermodynamics" :biggrin: I just came across this and it seems interesting. http://arxiv.org/abs/1207.0434 Laws of thermodynamics beyond the von Neumann regime Dario Egloff, Oscar C. O. Dahlsten, Renato Renner, Vlatko Vedral (Submitted on 2 Jul 2012)...
  30. Q

    Kirchhoff's laws question circuit?

    Homework Statement I have the circuit in the figure.I have to find i1 and R Homework Equations I am thinking about applying the division of the current and any of the K's laws but I don't know where to start.Can you pleas give me a hint? The Attempt at a Solution I tried to find...
  31. W

    Newton's Three Laws: 1st and 3rd

    1. Which of these are possible wording of Newton's Three Laws? Pick which ones are correct. Objects always fall. An object in motion always stays in motion unless acted upon by a force. When two objects interact, they experience equal and opposite forces. What goes up, must come down. An...
  32. E

    Validity of Kirrchoff's Laws in Electrical Circuits

    Homework Statement a) Find the current through the battery and each resistor inthe circuit shown. b) What is the equivalent resistance of the resistornetwork? http://s3.amazonaws.com/answer-board-image/db89d3f298e4098e8852b10c30cb3f53.jpg Homework Equations Kirrchoff's laws...
  33. K

    Troubleshooting Circuit with Kirchhoff's Laws

    Hello, I am quite confused about this circuit: http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=1zvtnxf&s=6 It's quite possible, that this circuit doesn't make any sense, it was made by me, out of curiosity. I know there is a junction, but from there I just can't set up any loops which would make any...
  34. J

    Laws that should really be made

    i think a few are 1. of course gay marriage why shouldn't everyone have the right to marry who they love there is more straight marriage divorce than gay marriage 2. the same amount taxed on a person no matter how much money they make thats all i got for now tell me what you think
  35. J

    Attempt to combine Charles and Boyles laws

    Homework Statement At altitude of 160 km, the density of the air is 1.5 x 10^-9 kg/m^3 also the temp at that altitude is 500 K ( that's what it says! ) What is the pressure at that altitude? Homework Equations pV = nRT and mass density of air = "rho" the 1-values are at STP...
  36. M

    Why Can Kirchhoff's and Ohm's Laws Be Applied in the S-Domain?

    I am looking for a proof to why we can apply kirchhoffs laws and ohm's law in the s-domain. If anyone has an intuitive explanation or possibly knows of a link explaining it that would be awesome. Thanks
  37. A

    Dynamics, Newton's laws, Problem with free body diagram and work

    Homework Statement A boy skateboards down a curved playground ramp. If we treat the boy and his skateboard as a particle of total mass m = 25:0 kg, he moves through a quarter-circle with radius R = 3:0 m. He starts from rest at point A and there is no friction. (a) Find his speed at the...
  38. M

    My Version of Laws of Thermodynamics

    Hi everyone, Here is my version of laws of thermodynamics which I would like to share it with you and hear your feedback: Zeroth Law: More than being a law, it is a definition for temperature and it follows: Two systems are in thermal equilibrium iff (if and only if) they have the same...
  39. T

    Can Newton's Laws of Motion be simplified?

    The three laws are already very simple and basic, is there any way to reduce them further?
  40. A

    Understanding laws of thermodynamics

    say we have closed system (box) consisting vacuum and one mechanichal clock, wound to have (potential) energy (within spring) for say ten revoluntion for second hand in the begining. now when watch is allowed to have ten revolution of second hand and then it stops at the same location at it...
  41. N

    Using Newton's Laws Question involving tension

    Homework Statement An old rope can now safely suspend 120 kg. When the rope is tied to a beam, it hangs down with a vertical length of 12.0 m. Calculate the minimum time required for an 85 kg person starting from rest to climb the entire length of the rope without breaking it. Homework...
  42. B

    Associative, Commutative, and Distributive Laws for Congruence Classes

    Homework Statement We are supposed to prove that the addition and multiplication of congruence classes for integers are associative, commutative, and distributive. Homework Equations None The Attempt at a Solution To me, it seems like this would just be trivial as all these...
  43. R

    Problem related to Newton's Laws

    Homework Statement Homework Equations ƩF=0 ƩF= m a The Attempt at a Solution Since there is no friction do I assume the objects will move? or it will remain equilibrium since m1 is 120N which is way higher than 50N.
  44. E

    Misconception of Newton's laws?

    A bird flies by pushing downwards the air below its wings with a force. According to Newton's third law, the air pushes the wings upwards. As a result, the bird is lifted. Also consider the case of a rocket. The fuel it ejects exerts an upward force and as a result, the rocket moves upwards...
  45. R

    Using Newton's Laws - A problem involving 3 masses and an incline

    This is my first time posting. I see there is a protocol for making proper posts, so I am sorry if I make any errors. Homework Statement I have a problem involving a system with an incline and three masses. A picture of the system is in the attachment labeled 15.1. I am to calculate the...
  46. M

    Consistency of Maxwell's laws with the Lorentz Transformation

    Homework Statement I am trying to prove that Maxwell's laws are consistent with special relativity if one frame is moving in the x direction with another. Homework Equations In this case, I know that \frac{\partial}{\partial x'} = \gamma \frac{\partial}{\partial x} + \frac{\gamma v}{c^2}...
  47. G

    Laws About Living With Someone Else In America

    So back in my parents house if I had a friend over that my parents did not want over they could ask the person to leave. If the person didn't leave it would trespassing (despite me wanting my friend over). Yes? So how does the whole situation work out when you share a space with someone...
  48. J

    Why the laws of physics will eventually decay Moore's Law

    I was reading an article and it said that eventually, when you get silicon transistors to a certain size, they won't be able to operate anymore and will end up melting. I have always wondered the following... what is the point of trying to make transistors smaller when we can just make the...
  49. P

    Probability and De Morgan's laws question.

    Hi, Homework Statement A coin is tossed three times. I am asked for the probability that EITHER the first toss yields heads, OR the second toss yields tails, OR the third yields heads. I am expected to use De Morgan's Laws but am not sure how to define the events the themselves. I'd...
  50. R

    Power dissipation in a circuit (Kirchoff's Laws)

    Homework Statement Three resistors, R1 = 27 Ω, R2 = 42 Ω, and R3 = 53 Ω, are connected in a multiloop circuit, as shown in the figure. Determine the amount of power dissipated in the three resistors. Homework Equations Junction Rule Loop Rule The Attempt at a Solution I...
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