How Do I Apply F=ma to Solve These Physics Problems?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on applying Newton's second law, F=ma, to solve physics problems involving force and acceleration. The user presents two specific scenarios: calculating the average force exerted by a baseball on a glove and determining the g-forces experienced by a race car driver. Key equations discussed include the kinematic equation v_{f}^2 = v_{0}^2 + 2ad, which is essential for finding acceleration when initial and final velocities and distance are known. The importance of correctly identifying mass and acceleration in these calculations is emphasized.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's second law (F=ma)
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations
  • Basic knowledge of units of measurement (kg, m/s, N)
  • Ability to perform calculations involving acceleration and force
NEXT STEPS
  • Study kinematic equations in detail, focusing on their applications in physics problems
  • Learn how to calculate acceleration using initial and final velocities along with distance
  • Explore real-world applications of F=ma in sports and automotive physics
  • Practice solving problems involving forces and accelerations in various contexts
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Students struggling with physics concepts, particularly those learning to apply Newton's laws and kinematic equations in practical scenarios.

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Hey, i been trying to ask all my friends and trying to read the book over and over. I am having problems with physics, its really hard! I have some questions that I am stuck at. I got the basics that F=ma but can someone help me get which equations to use for these questions? Thank you, i have the answers to the questions but i would like to know how to do them thank you again

a 0.140 kg baseball travels at 35 m/s that strikes the catchers mitt that brings the ball to a stop. It recoils backward at 11.0cm. What is the average force applied by the ball on the glove. I used the basic law and found force of the baseball is 4.9N now where do i input the 11cm?

a race car can finish a 402 track in 6.40seconds from rest, how many g's does the driev feel? if combined with mass of the driver and race car is 485kg what horizontal force must the road exert on the tires. I am really stuck on the how many g's does he feel and what force is exert on the tires.

i don't need the answers, just need help on how do i go about analyizing which equations to use for questions. THANK YOU!
 
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For the first question: remember that f=ma. You tried to find a force by multiplying .14kg by 35m/s, which is mass times velocity, not mass times acceleration.

To do f=ma you need to know the mass and the acceleration the ball undergoes. You already know the mass because it's explicity given as .14kg. The acceleration is the tricky part. The ball is traveling toward the mitt at 35 m/s and then, over the course of 11cm (.11m) it is brought to 0 m/s. So what kinematic equation do you know that will give you the acceleration if you know 1) initial velocity, 2) final velocity, and 3) distance moved ?
 
a=v(initial)-v(final) / distance?
 
I'd use v_{f}^2 = v_{0}^2 + 2ad
 

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