I'm not sure what you mean by "instantaneous". If you mean something like an impulsive force (a quick push to the side that lasts a short time), then that could certainly change the speed since it would not be continually adjusted to be perpendicular to the velocity.mackygood said:What if the force was instantaneous? Would it still not affect the speed?
A perpendicular force will not change the speed but will change the velocity.skeptic2 said:A perpendicular force will not increase velocity but it will increase speed.
Among your many clues that this cannot possibly be correct is that you're adding two quantities with different units.skeptic2 said:If an object is traveling upwards at velocity v and at point p it is influenced by force f in the horizontal direction, its velocity [in the upwards direction] is unchanged but its speed has increased to √(v^2 + f^2).
Hurkyl said:Among your many clues that this cannot possibly be correct is that you're adding two quantities with different units.
A force perpendicular to velocity is a force that acts at a 90 degree angle to the direction of an object's motion. This means that the force is acting in a direction that is perpendicular to the object's velocity vector.
A force perpendicular to velocity does not directly affect an object's speed. This is because the force is acting at a right angle to the direction of motion, so it does not add or subtract from the object's speed. However, it can cause the object's direction to change, which can indirectly affect its speed.
A force in the same direction as velocity will increase an object's speed, while a force perpendicular to velocity will not. The two forces act in different directions, so they have different effects on the object's motion.
Yes, a force perpendicular to velocity can change an object's direction. This is because the force is acting at a right angle to the object's motion, causing it to turn or change its course.
Understanding the concept of a force perpendicular to velocity is important in many areas of science and engineering. For example, it is crucial in understanding circular motion, projectile motion, and the behavior of objects in orbit. It also helps us to understand the relationship between forces and motion in general.