Computing force given mass and distance

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Rodj Obiso
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    Computing Force Mass
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the force required to move a 50 kg object over a distance of 500 meters, with an emphasis on the lack of time information and the role of friction in the scenario. The conversation explores theoretical aspects of force, mass, and acceleration, as well as practical considerations related to friction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that force is equal to the product of mass and acceleration, but highlights that acceleration is not provided.
  • Another participant questions the conditions under which the object is being moved, suggesting scenarios such as sliding on the ground, floating on water, or floating in space.
  • It is confirmed by multiple participants that the object is sliding on the ground.
  • One participant suggests looking up static and kinetic friction to understand the forces involved.
  • A later reply indicates that knowing the coefficient of friction would allow for the calculation of acceleration from a given force.
  • Another participant reiterates that there is no unique answer to the force required, stating that any force overcoming static friction would suffice, and larger forces would result in shorter movement times.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the force required depends on overcoming static friction, but there is no consensus on a specific force value due to the lack of information about acceleration and friction coefficients.

Contextual Notes

The discussion is limited by the absence of specific values for the coefficient of friction and the lack of time information, which affects the ability to calculate a definitive force.

Rodj Obiso
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if you have an object weighing 50kgs, and you have to move it forward with a distance of 500m, no time given, what force do you need?

Force is equal to the product of mass and
acceleration?
acceleration is not given.
 
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Rodj Obiso said:
you have to move it
Sliding over ground? Floating on water? Floating in space?
 
Yes., sliding on the ground.
 
Rodj Obiso said:
Yes., sliding on the ground.
Look up static and kinetic friction.
 
okay. I'm on it.
Thank you!
 
Yes if it is sliding on the ground and you know the coefficient of friction then you will be able to calculate the acceleration of the object from applying a given force
 
Rodj Obiso said:
if you have an object weighing 50kgs, and you have to move it forward with a distance of 500m, no time given, what force do you need?

There is no unique answer. To move the object, you can use any force that overcomes the static friction force. Larger forces will move it the required distance in shorter times.
 

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