Can one calculate velocity from force used?

In summary: If you make the same assumptions but use the weight of the object instead of the force, the equation will still work. If you push with a force of 10N and a weight of 2kg the equation would bev=10Nt/m+u
  • #1
Q7heng
10
0

Homework Statement


This is a general problem, but if a 2kg object is given a push with a force of 20N, would one be able to calculate the velocity of the object if the surface is frictionless? Or does one need work and energy to find out the velocity?

Homework Equations


F=ma
Work=F delta distance
KE=1/2mv2

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to find acceleration through that but wouldn't that be irrelevant on a frictionless track?
 
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  • #2
You posted equations showing that velocity can be determined from work done and mass, and that work done can be determined from force and distance force advanced.
You have quoted a mass and a force. What's missing if you want to determine the velocity?
 
  • #3
Q7heng said:

Homework Statement


This is a general problem, but if a 2kg object is given a push with a force of 20N, would one be able to calculate the velocity of the object if the surface is frictionless? Or does one need work and energy to find out the velocity?

Homework Equations


F=ma
Work=F delta distance
KE=1/2mv2

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to find acceleration through that but wouldn't that be irrelevant on a frictionless track?
Why would acceleration of the mass be irrelevant? The mass is starting out at zero velocity, so how does the velocity change?

Do you know the relationship between acceleration and velocity?

Do you know Newton's Laws of Motion?
 
  • #4
Q7heng said:
This is a general problem, but if a 2kg object is given a push with a force of 20N, would one be able to calculate the velocity of the object if the surface is frictionless?

If you know the starting velocity you can work out the final velocity as a function of time...

Definition of acceleration...

dv/dt = a

Integrate both sides.

v = at + constant

The constant is the starting velocity and gives you the equation of motion...

v = at + u ....... (1)

F = ma
a = F/m .....(2)

put (2) into (1)

v = Ft/m + u

I've omitted some assumptions.
 

1. How is velocity related to force?

Velocity is directly proportional to force, meaning that as the force applied to an object increases, its velocity will also increase. This relationship is described by Newton's Second Law of Motion: Force = Mass x Acceleration.

2. Can velocity be calculated using only the force applied?

No, velocity cannot be calculated using only the force applied. In order to calculate velocity, you also need to know the mass of the object and the acceleration it experiences. Simply knowing the force applied is not enough information.

3. What are the units of velocity and force?

The units of velocity are typically meters per second (m/s) or kilometers per hour (km/h), while the units of force are typically Newtons (N) or pounds (lbs). However, other units may also be used depending on the specific system of measurement being used.

4. How does friction affect the calculation of velocity from force?

Friction is a force that opposes motion, and it can affect the calculation of velocity from force by reducing the net force acting on an object. This means that the acceleration of the object will be less, resulting in a lower velocity. In order to accurately calculate velocity, the force of friction must be taken into account.

5. Can velocity and force be used to predict the future motion of an object?

Yes, velocity and force can be used to predict the future motion of an object. By knowing the initial velocity, mass, and force acting on an object, we can use equations of motion to calculate its position and velocity at any given time in the future. However, external factors such as air resistance and friction may also affect the object's motion and should be considered in the prediction.

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