F=ma proof and understanding force

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    F=ma Force Proof
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of force as described by Newton's second law of motion, specifically the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration. Participants explore the implications of this relationship in both static and dynamic contexts, using examples such as a falling ball to illustrate their points.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Exploratory

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to clarify the definition of force and its application in different contexts, questioning the relationship between force and time. Some express confusion about the differences between static and dynamic forces, while others seek a deeper understanding of the concept without needing formal proofs.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing their interpretations and seeking clarification on various aspects of force. There is a mix of agreement on certain points, such as the role of gravity in falling objects, while questions about the nature of force in relation to time and the distinctions between statics and dynamics remain open for exploration.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express a desire for a more intuitive understanding of force rather than mathematical proofs, indicating a focus on conceptual clarity. The discussion also reflects varying levels of familiarity with the underlying physics principles.

chandran
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force is a push or pull.

how this push or pull is equal to mass x acceleration.

one more doubt.

a ball is released from rest from the top of a building. initial velocity=0.after 1sec velocity is 9.81m/sec. so acceleration is 9.81m/sqs. so force
that caused the ball to fall from 0 to 1sec is 9.81N considering the mass to be 1kg. from 1second to 2seconds the net force is another 9.81N.
am i correct in the above statements.

Can anybody clarity on force on statics theory and the force referred in dynamics theory.
 
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Let me put in my dear terms.Technical ones.

In the Newtonian formulation of classical mechanics,the second postulate (which is valid in inertial reference frames) says that,for a mechanical system undergoing translation movement (a system of point masses):

[tex]\frac{d\vec{p}}{dt}=\sum_{k}\vec{F}_{k}[/tex]

,where [itex]\vec{p}[/itex] is the total momentum of the system and [itex]\vec{F}_{k}[/itex] are the internal & external forces...

So u can "prove" that
[tex]\vec{F}=m\vec{a}[/tex]

,starting with the II-nd axiom & simplifying hypothesis...

Daniel.

P.S.That acceleration is [itex]\left|\vec{g}\right|=9.80665 \ \mbox{ms}^{-2}[/itex]
 
chandran said:
a ball is released from rest from the top of a building. initial velocity=0.after 1sec velocity is 9.81m/sec. so acceleration is 9.81m/sqs. so force
that caused the ball to fall from 0 to 1sec is 9.81N considering the mass to be 1kg. from 1second to 2seconds the net force is another 9.81N.
am i correct in the above statements.
All correct. Ignoring air resistance, the only force on a falling body is that due to gravity, its weight.

Can anybody clarity on force on statics theory and the force referred in dynamics theory.
Can you restate your question? Whether or not a problem is one of statics or dynamics depends on whether the net force on an object is zero. Zero or not, forces are treated the same way.
 
Well,

I too want to understand the concept of "force".
I find it a bit hard to understand.

1> I don't need proofs. I just need the understanding. :cool:
2> Is 'time' a part of 'force' ?? . Can we talk about force ignoring time ?
 
A force is anything that causes a body to change it's velocity. One can talk about a force acting without reference, however, one cannot define force without reference to time. Essentially unless a body is in equilibrium (no net force), it is not meaningful to talk about force without reference to time.

See this; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Force

~H
 
if a body changes its velocity (momentum), a force has been exerted
 

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