Force problem - how the force interacts with time

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the relationship between force, mass, and time in classical mechanics, specifically through the lens of Newton's second law (F=ma) and the equations of motion (SUVAT). Participants clarify that force does not interact with time as a separate entity; rather, time is a component used to measure motion and acceleration. The conversation emphasizes that constant forces do not change over time, and the acceleration of an object is determined by the net force acting on it divided by its mass. The implications of infinite mass and force are also explored, highlighting the necessity of analyzing forces to determine acceleration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's second law (F=ma)
  • Familiarity with the equations of motion (SUVAT)
  • Basic knowledge of vector forces and reference frames
  • Concept of acceleration and its relation to force and mass
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of the SUVAT equations in various motion scenarios
  • Explore the implications of infinite mass in classical mechanics
  • Investigate the role of friction in force interactions and motion
  • Learn about vector decomposition of forces in multi-dimensional systems
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the fundamental principles of mechanics, particularly those exploring the dynamics of forces and motion.

universal2013
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Hello there, i have a confusion about the force concept itself because when i look dimensionaly i see that N = kg.m/s^2 but i do not understand how the force interacts with time. Is it just about where the object and what is the net force on it due to a reference frame at that moment ? Or knowing the time is just give us more information about force in terms of acceleration? On the image let's imagine there is a frame (x,y) = (0,0) at right bottom of the triangle and x goes left y goes upwards. Suppose we have a force acting my triangle from (x,y) = (0,y') \vec F= m.\vec a\hat x. We have two normal forces n1 and n2 which n1 is between the mass and triangle, n2 is between ground and triangle. When there is no friction i can be sure about the force should satisfy for m to not moving on the top of my triangle so they would have the same constant acceleration. If the length of the triangle goes to infinity mass goes infinity and the net force we need is about infinite too. However, since there is no friction any force applied on the object starts the motion. How am i supposed to know if the mass m would has the same acceleration ? Don't we need time to reach mass m in an infinite plane? Or the simplest question is this; Is there any difference between the force applied in a short time and in a long time?
 

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Force doesn't "interact with" time (as if they were separate things), force includes time because you use time to measure motion (acceleration).

So no, forces that are constant do not vary with time (redundant).
 
universal2013 said:
Hello there, i have a confusion about the force concept itself because when i look dimensionaly i see that N = kg.m/s^2 but i do not understand how the force interacts with time. Is it just about where the object and what is the net force on it due to a reference frame at that moment ? Or knowing the time is just give us more information about force in terms of acceleration?

Not quite sure I understand your question.

The equations of motion (for example the simpler SUVAT equations) relate displacement (s), initial and final velocity (u, v), acceleration (a) and time (t).

The acceleration (a) in the equations of motion is the same as in Newtons law F=ma where F is the net force acting on the object. You can rearrange F=ma to a=F/m and substitute it into the equation of motion to give you an equation that relates force and time.

universal2013 said:
On the image let's imagine there is a frame (x,y) = (0,0) at right bottom of the triangle and x goes left y goes upwards. Suppose we have a force acting my triangle from (x,y) = (0,y') \vec F= m.\vec a\hat x. We have two normal forces n1 and n2 which n1 is between the mass and triangle, n2 is between ground and triangle.

OK.

universal2013 said:
When there is no friction i can be sure about the force should satisfy for m to not moving on the top of my triangle so they would have the same constant acceleration.

I do not understand. Are you trying to calculate how fast the triangle has to accelerate to keep the mass m stationary with respect to the triangle?

universal2013 said:
If the length of the triangle goes to infinity mass goes infinity and the net force we need is about infinite too.

F=ma. If the triangle has infinite mass it will take an infinite force to accelerate the triangle.

However, since there is no friction any force applied on the object starts the motion.

No. F=ma and you said the mass of the triangle is infinite.

How am i supposed to know if the mass m would has the same acceleration ?

You need to analyse the forces acting on the mass m. Then use a = F/m.
 

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