Can be force computed this way?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the accuracy and complexity of physics formulas, specifically the formula for force (f) which equals acceleration (a) multiplied by mass (m). The question arises if other variables, represented by letters b, e, d, and r, should be included in the formula if they are all equal to 1. The conversation also considers the possibility of unobserved factors affecting the formula and the implications this has on understanding physics.
  • #1
K don't know
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It is well known that
force (f) = acceleration (a) X mass (m)

Can I say that actually:
f = a X m X b X e X d X r
where
b = e = d = r = 1?
 
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  • #2
Mathematically you can since multiplying by one doesn't change the result, but physically it wouldn't make much sense. What are those letters supposed to represent?
 
  • #3
The computation would be more "accurate" if you used the formula
[tex] f=ma \sqrt{br} d^e[/tex] where again b=d=e=r=1.:wink::smile:
 
  • #4
Drakkith said:
Mathematically you can since multiplying by one doesn't change the result, but physically it wouldn't make much sense. What are those letters supposed to represent?

Well, the right wording of the questions is, are all physics formulas complete and absolute?!.

If the formulas are derived from observing a physical event occurring multiple times with a fixed trend, then basically, we can assume that we are only observing changing factors, while there are many other static or unchanging factors that were held constant in all the times that we were observing that we didn't observe. If the math doesn't conflict with the previous assumption, then we might need to revise all our understanding of physics and try to answer questions like "how many such variable are there? why are they constant? can we change them? what will happen if we change them?"
 
  • #5
nasu said:
The computation would be more "accurate" if you used the formula
[tex] f=ma \sqrt{br} d^e[/tex] where again b=d=e=r=1.:wink::smile:

That is too complex for future students. Let just keep it all in one line :wink::smile:
 
  • #6
K don't know said:
If the formulas are derived from observing a physical event occurring multiple times with a fixed trend, then basically, we can assume that we are only observing changing factors, while there are many other static or unchanging factors that were held constant in all the times that we were observing that we didn't observe.

Assuming that unobserved effects are occurring makes little sense. It greatly complicates things and serves no useful purpose.
 

1. Can force be computed using mathematical equations?

Yes, force can be computed using mathematical equations such as Newton's laws of motion or the law of gravitation.

2. Is it possible to calculate force without using equations?

No, force is a physical quantity that requires mathematical equations to calculate accurately.

3. Can force be measured directly?

Yes, force can be measured directly using instruments such as a dynamometer or force sensor.

4. How do we determine the direction of force?

The direction of force can be determined by the direction in which an object is accelerating or by the direction of the external force acting on the object.

5. Are there different types of force that can be computed?

Yes, there are various types of force that can be computed, including gravitational force, frictional force, and applied force.

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