Can Velocity and Mass Alone Create Force?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on whether force can be determined solely from velocity and mass, exploring concepts related to impact force and the dynamics of motion in various contexts, such as collisions and rocket propulsion.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the vagueness of the initial inquiry regarding force, suggesting that context is necessary to provide a meaningful answer.
  • One participant emphasizes that force cannot be defined without context, noting that a rocket's force can vary significantly based on whether it uses its thrusters.
  • Another participant argues that an object in motion does not inherently possess force, clarifying that impact force is determined by the rate of deceleration and the characteristics of the colliding objects.
  • A participant references the formula for force related to momentum change, indicating a technical approach to the question.
  • One participant reiterates the question about deriving force from mass and velocity, stating that force is required to change the velocity of a mass.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; multiple competing views remain regarding the relationship between mass, velocity, and force, particularly in different contexts.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the importance of context in defining force, with participants noting that the nature of the interaction (e.g., collision or propulsion) significantly influences the outcome.

John Clement Husain
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can we get Force with velocity and mass only?
 
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Force of what, where, in which setup? Mass and velocity of what?

Your question is way too vague to answer.

Is this a homework problem?
 
No it isn't. Like the force of a punch or a rocket
 
Not without context.

A rocket at a given mass and velocity can either use its thrusters or not use them. The resulting force will be very different.
 
John Clement Husain said:
No it isn't. Like the force of a punch or a rocket
I think you mean impact force? An object in motion does not just "have force".

And the answer is still no: force for an impact(collision) is determined by the rate of deceleration, which depends also on the structure of the objects colliding. It doesn't have a single value and the variation throughout the impact can be very complex.
 
Do you mean formula ## F=\frac{dp}{dt}=m\cdot\frac{dv}{dt}##?
 
John Clement Husain said:
Can we get Force with velocity and mass only?
It takes force to change the velocity of a mass.
 

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