Explaining the Relationship Between Force and Acceleration: Newton's Second Law

[flyingpig]

closed

 

[ideasrule]

Homework Statement

In frame of reference where ther are no external, unbalanced forces, show that Newton's Second Law includes the Law of Inertia

Homework Equations

f=ma

The Attempt at a Solution

I thought the Law of Inertia is only in the First law, the second law states that unless you push an object, the velocity of that object would not change.

No, that's the first law. The second law is F=ma.

 

[flyingpig]

No, that's the first law. The second law is F=ma.

I know, read my question...it wants me to explain that.

 

[ideasrule]

I know, read my question...it wants me to explain that.

I don't think we're understanding each other. You said:

"the second law states that unless you push an object, the velocity of that object would not change."

It's the first law that says that, not the second. The second law is F=ma. The question wants you to explain why F=ma implies that unless you push an object, the velocity of that object would not change. To begin, what would "F" be if you don't push an object?

 

[flyingpig]

I don't think we're understanding each other. You said:

"the second law states that unless you push an object, the velocity of that object would not change."

It's the first law that says that, not the second. The second law is F=ma. The question wants you to explain why F=ma implies that unless you push an object, the velocity of that object would not change. To begin, what would "F" be if you don't push an object?

It be stationary, but I don't follow you...