Assumption on central forces between two particles

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on demonstrating that Newtonian mechanics is invariant under Galilean transformations, specifically addressing the assumptions about the forces between two interacting particles. The participant successfully completed part A but struggles with part B, seeking clarification on the necessary assumptions regarding the force. Key points include the acknowledgment of Newton's third law, which states that forces are equal and opposite, and the implication that the interaction occurs along a single axis due to the presence of only two particles. The conversation suggests revisiting the reasoning behind part A to identify any implicit assumptions related to Galilean relativity. Understanding these assumptions is crucial for a comprehensive answer to part B.
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Homework Statement



Consider Newton’s force law for two particles interact through a central force F12(r1',r2',u1,u2), where by Newton’s third law F12 = -F21.

m1(d^2r1/dt^2) = F12(r1,r2,u1,u2)

m2(d^2r2/dt^2) = F21(r1,r2,u1,u2)

A. Show that Newtonian mechanics is form invariant with respect to a Galilean transformation?
B. What assumptions about the force must be made?

Homework Equations


Newton's third law:
F12 = -F21

Galilean Transform:
t'=t
m'=m
r'=r-vt

The Attempt at a Solution



I did the A. without a problem. It's the B. that troubles me a bit. I'm sure I'm missing what my prof wants me to find...

I wrote that the forces are equal and have opposite directions. The problem must lie on a single axis since there is only two particles. I'm not sure what other assumption we can make..

Thanks for the help!
 
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When you did part a, you had to make some assumptions.
What were they?

If you did not notice any assumptions, you did not complete part a.
Try going back over your working in more detail... check each step for its reasoning.
Though you may just be expected to list the assumptions for Galilean relativity.
 
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