Alternative Equation of Motion

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the alternative equation of motion for a particle A relative to a reference frame S, defined as \(\vec{a}_A = \frac{\vec{F}_A}{m_A} - \frac{\vec{F}_S}{m_S}\). This equation reveals that particle A can exhibit non-zero acceleration without an acting force, contradicting Newton's laws unless the net force on particle S is zero, thereby classifying S as an inertial frame. The conversation emphasizes that Newton's laws are applicable in inertial frames, which are characterized by the absence of net forces acting on them. The equation can be utilized in any non-rotating reference frame without introducing fictitious forces.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with Newton's laws of motion
  • Knowledge of inertial and non-inertial reference frames
  • Basic mathematical skills for manipulating vector equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of non-inertial reference frames in classical mechanics
  • Explore the concept of fictitious forces in accelerating frames
  • Investigate the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration in various reference frames
  • Learn about advanced topics in mechanics, such as Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics
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Students of physics, educators in classical mechanics, and researchers exploring advanced motion dynamics will benefit from this discussion.

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In classical mechanics, the acceleration \vec{a}_A of a particle A relative to a reference frame S (non-rotating) fixed to a particle S, is given by the following equation:

\vec{a}_A = \frac{\vec{F}_A}{m_A} - \frac{\vec{F}_S}{m_S}
where \vec{F}_A is the net force acting on particle A, m_A is the mass of particle A, \vec{F}_S is the net force acting on particle S, and m_S is the mass of particle S.

In contradiction with Newton's first and second laws, from the above equation it follows that particle A can have non-zero acceleration even if there is no force acting on particle A, and also that particle A can have zero acceleration (state of rest or of uniform linear motion) even if there is an unbalanced force acting on particle A.

On the other hand, from the above equation it also follows that Newton's first and second laws are valid in the reference frame S only if the net force acting on particle S equals zero. Therefore, the reference frame S is an inertial reference frame only if the net force acting on particle S equals zero.
 
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Yes, Newton's laws hold true in inertial reference frames. This is one way to define an inertial reference frame..
 
Matterwave said:
Yes, Newton's laws hold true in inertial reference frames. This is one way to define an inertial reference frame..


This equation of motion can be applied in any non-rotating reference frame (inertial or non-inertial) without the need to introduce fictitious forces.

The forces acting on a reference frame determines if the reference frame is inertial or non-inertial.
 
Looks to me that hidden behind all that junk is the assumption that there is some universal inertial frame of reference. If you work in frame S and this frame is "fixed to a particle S" than in frame S there are no forces acting on S. Everything else after that is nonsense.
 
I'm not sure if you're posting this because you're confused or because you want to propose this as a new way of calculating acceleration. If it's the former you seem to have answered your own question (Newton's laws are valid in inertial frames which are frames with no net acceleration) but if it's the latter I don't think this is particularly new.
 

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