Acceleration after applying a force

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of acceleration imparted to a ball when thrown, specifically addressing the effects of ambient forces such as air resistance and gravity once the ball leaves the thrower's hand. It explores the relationship between force, acceleration, and the role of external forces in determining the ball's motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether the acceleration of the ball upon leaving the hand includes contributions from ambient forces like air resistance and gravity.
  • There is a discussion about whether the hand's influence on the ball's acceleration persists after the ball is released.
  • One participant suggests that throwing a ball imparts velocity rather than acceleration, as it results in displacement.
  • Another participant clarifies that while the hand applies a force during contact, once the ball leaves the hand, that force is no longer present, affecting the ball's acceleration.
  • There is a contention regarding whether the ball conserves its acceleration after being thrown, with some asserting that acceleration ceases when the net force is removed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the conservation of acceleration after the ball leaves the hand, with some arguing that it does not conserve acceleration due to the absence of a net force, while others question this assertion. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views present.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the implications of different forces acting on the ball post-release, and there are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of acceleration and velocity in this context.

archaic
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Hello,
1) Suppose I throw a ball with a force ##F=ma##, the instant it leaves my hand, does it have the same acceleration ##a## added to it accelerations due to "ambient" forces (air resistance, gravity..)?
2) If I am right about 1), doesn't my hand already carry the acceleration/deceleration due to those forces? So why isn't it only ##a##?
3) Generally, when I make something move, do I give it acceleration or velocity? I think velocity since I cause a displacement.
 
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archaic said:
Hello,
1) Suppose I throw a ball with a force ##F=ma##, the instant it leaves my hand, does it have the same acceleration ##a## added to it accelerations due to "ambient" forces (air resistance, gravity..)?
While your hand is in contact with the ball you exert some force on it, adding to the net force on the ball, which determines its acceleration. As soon as the ball leaves your hand, your hand no longer exerts a force on it.
 
Doc Al said:
While your hand is in contact with the ball you exert some force on it, adding to the net force on the ball, which determines its acceleration. As soon as the ball leaves your hand, your hand no longer exerts a force on it.
Yes, but the moment it leaves my hand does it conserve that ##a##?
 
archaic said:
Yes, but the moment it leaves my hand does it conserve that ##a##?
No. Something accelerates only when there's a net force on it. Remove the force and there's no longer an acceleration.
 

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