Calculating force with only mass and distance known

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter GMCOWNER
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Force Mass
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around calculating the force applied to a block given its mass and the distance it travels, without knowing the acceleration. Participants explore the information needed to perform this calculation and clarify the scenario presented.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that there is not enough information to calculate the force.
  • Another participant asks for clarification on what additional information is needed to proceed with the calculation.
  • A further contribution seeks to clarify the scenario by asking for details about how the block is set on a peg and how pressure is applied, questioning the terminology used.
  • Participants express the need for a detailed explanation or a proper drawing of the experiment to provide meaningful assistance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the information provided is insufficient to calculate the force, but there is no consensus on what specific additional information is required or how to interpret the scenario.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include ambiguity in the description of the experimental setup, the use of the term "pressure" versus "force," and the lack of details regarding the direction of movement.

GMCOWNER
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Say I have a block with a known mass and surface area. If I apply an unknown force to the block and it travels a known distance how can I calculate the applied force. It seems simple if I had a known acceleration but I do not.
PLEASE HELP!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You simply do not have enough information.
 
What other information would i need?
 
As AJ said not enough information is given. is this a example, if so can you type it up, or up load it?
 
Basically i have a block that is set on a peg 3.5" off of the ground. We apply a unknown pressure to it and see how far it travels. I need to find out what the force applied to the block is. How can i calculate this. If i do not have enough info what other info do i need?
 
It still isn't clear what you mean.

'Set on a peg' could mean anyone of a number of scenarios.

How are you applying pressure? Do you know what exactly the word pressure actually means in physics? Or do you mean a force?

'See how far it travels' - In which direction, up? down? sideways?

You will need to explain in careful detail exactly what your experiment looks like if we are to help you. A proper drawing would be helpful (Not some hasty scribble - do it carefully).
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Velocity calculation of an accelerated mass based on an increasing force
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Undergrad Modeling Coulomb Friction for a Moving Point Mass in a Circular Bowl
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
Undergrad Determine if the block will slide or flip over after contact
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Undergrad Help to model transmission of forces through a medium
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Undergrad Not a physics major -- Question about how far we can kick an object
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
2K
Undergrad Work-Energy Theorem for Moving Block and Spring System?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
High School Why Is an Object's Weight Equal to the Force of Gravity It Experiences?
  • · Replies 51 ·
2
Replies
51
Views
5K
Undergrad Mass of Backpack in Moving Elevator
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Undergrad Calculate combined friction on multiple different surfaces?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
11K
Graduate 1 pulley with mass, 1 mass on the cord, 1 external force, no gravity
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K