How do you calculate a force of a object that is not accelerating

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the force exerted by an object that is not accelerating, specifically in the context of pushing against a wall. Participants explore the nature of forces in static situations and the distinction between calculating and measuring forces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to understand how to calculate the force exerted on a wall when there is no acceleration, emphasizing the desire to know the force rather than the net force.
  • Another participant suggests that some forces can be calculated, such as the force between a book and a table, while others, like the force against a wall, cannot be calculated but can only be measured.
  • A different viewpoint mentions that the force on a book can be calculated due to previously measured gravitational constants, and proposes a method to conceptualize the force exerted when leaning against a wall.
  • A participant reiterates the idea that certain forces cannot be calculated and prompts further inquiry into how one might measure such a force.
  • One suggestion for measuring the force involves using a scale placed between the hands and the wall.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the force can be calculated or only measured, indicating a lack of consensus on the topic.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the distinction between calculable and measurable forces, but does not resolve the conditions under which each applies.

assuredlonewo
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I would like to know how to calculate the force of an object that is not accelerating, for example, If I were push on a wall, neither me or the wall would move because the net force would be zero, but how would I calculate the force if I am trying to put on the wall.(I do not want the net force)
 
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Welcome to PF.

Sometimes that type of force can be calculated (like the force between a book and a table on which it is sitting) and sometimes it can't. The force you described can't be calculated, only measured.
 
The force on a book on a table can be calculated because g (or G) was measured previously (historically).

If you push the wall by simply leaning on it, you can imagine replacing yourself by a leaning post of equal weight and calculate the horizontal component caused by gravity (the part touching the floor is a pivot point).
 
russ_watters said:
Welcome to PF.

Sometimes that type of force can be calculated (like the force between a book and a table on which it is sitting) and sometimes it can't. The force you described can't be calculated, only measured.

How can you measure it?
 
assuredlonewo said:
How can you measure it?
Place a scale between your hands and the wall.
 

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