How Can You Calculate Mass Using Force and Acceleration?

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    F=ma Mass
In summary, the equation m = f/a can be used to calculate the mass of an object if given the net force and acceleration. However, if the net force is 0N or the acceleration is 0m/s^2, the equation becomes mathematically indeterminate and other methods, such as comparing with a known mass or using accelerometers, may be necessary to accurately measure the mass.
  • #1
Balsam
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Homework Statement


This is not a specific problem, I was just wondering how you would calculate the mass of an object. If given the net force and acceleration, how would you calculate it if the net force is 0N or the acceleration is 0m/s^2? Isn't the equation just m=f/a?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
Balsam said:

Homework Statement


This is not a specific problem, I was just wondering how you would calculate the mass of an object. If given the net force and acceleration, how would you calculate it if the net force is 0N or the acceleration is 0m/s^2? Isn't the equation just m=f/a?
The equation m = f/a works fine as a way to determine mass. However...

0/0 is mathematically indeterminate. You can't say anything about the mass if you don't actually do anything to it (apply a force to observe a result).
 
  • #3
Balsam said:

Homework Statement


This is not a specific problem, I was just wondering how you would calculate the mass of an object. If given the net force and acceleration, how would you calculate it if the net force is 0N or the acceleration is 0m/s^2? Isn't the equation just m=f/a?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Most people measure mass in a static situation, by comparing it with either a known mass or by doing what is called a mass take-off, where the mass of a complex assembly is estimated by adding up the masses of individual components.

Measuring the mass of a moving body is tricky. Accelerometers can tell you if the body is accelerating and in what direction, but how can you evaluate accurately the different forces acting on the body?
 

What is the formula for calculating mass?

The formula for calculating mass is mass = density x volume. This formula is commonly known as the mass formula or the density formula.

What units are used to measure mass?

The most commonly used unit for mass is the kilogram (kg). Other units that can be used to measure mass include grams (g), pounds (lbs), and ounces (oz).

How do you find the mass of an object?

To find the mass of an object, you will need to know its density and volume. Once you have these values, you can use the mass formula (mass = density x volume) to calculate the mass of the object.

Can you calculate mass without knowing the density?

No, the density of an object is an essential factor in calculating its mass. Without knowing the density, it is impossible to accurately calculate the mass of an object.

What is the difference between mass and weight?

Mass and weight are often used interchangeably, but they are two different measurements. Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object, while weight is a measure of the gravitational force acting on an object. Mass is constant, while weight can vary depending on the strength of gravity in a particular location.

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