How Does F=MA Apply to Everyday Scenarios?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the equation F=MA in everyday scenarios, particularly focusing on the concepts of force, mass, acceleration, and deceleration. Participants explore theoretical implications and practical interpretations of these concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how acceleration is addressed when two bricks are pushed against each other with equal force, noting that force is still felt despite no acceleration.
  • Another participant clarifies that the net force is zero when forces cancel out, suggesting that pressure is a separate concept defined as force per unit area.
  • There is a discussion about whether there is an alternative equation for deceleration, with one participant proposing F=MD or F=M(λV) to account for the rate of change in velocity.
  • Some participants note that deceleration can be represented as a negative value for acceleration, while others express uncertainty about the implications of this in relation to force as a function of time.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying interpretations of how force, mass, acceleration, and deceleration interact, with no consensus reached on the proposed alternative equations or the implications of deceleration in the context of F=MA.

Contextual Notes

Some participants acknowledge the complexity of the concepts discussed, indicating that assumptions about definitions and the nature of forces may influence their interpretations.

Revolucien
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I am not a student of Physics just a retired electronics tech who is interested so I am not sure what prefix this should be under.
I have some questions about the F=MA equation...
1. If there are two bricks pushed against each other so an equal amount of pressure is applied, I have Mass in each brick with no Acceleration, but Force is still being felt. How is the acceleration variable addressed?
2. If deceleration is reduction in rate of change that increases the time over distance and inversely acceleration shortens time over distance, then how is the equation effected? Should the equation actually read F=M(λV) ?
These are actually precursor questions that I have for a question involving Force and Gravity measurement.

Sorry if these are rudimentary and I appreciate any positive answers or comments. Thank you.
 
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1. The acceleration times mass is the NET force. If all the forces cancel out, then there is no acceleration.
2. I'm not sure I understand what you're asking. Could you rephrase this?
 
Revolucien said:
1. If there are two bricks pushed against each other so an equal amount of pressure is applied, I have Mass in each brick with no Acceleration, but Force is still being felt. How is the acceleration variable addressed?

The net force is zero, as the two equal forces in opposite directions cancel out

But you still have pressure there
have a look at this snippet I found and see if it helps ...
PRESSURE
A PRESSURE is the result of a FORCE being applied to a specific cross-sectional area, and is defined as FORCE per unit AREA, as in POUNDS per SQUARE INCH. For example, if a downward FORCE of 1000 pounds is applied evenly to a square plate of steel which measures 2" by 2" (4 square inches of area), then the PRESSURE applied to that block (Force per unit AREA) is determined by dividing the FORCE (1000 pounds) by the AREA (4 square inches), which is 250 pounds per square inch ("psi").
Dave
 
So since force and mass are still measurable, but with force opposed and equal and the acceleration is actually what is canceled out. OK, that works for me on that one.

On number 2 sorry if this one is confusing. F=MA seems to be focused on acceleration being the rate of change in velocity, but deceleration is has a rate of change that is inverse to acceleration. Is there another equation that works with deceleration? F=MD ? Or should F=M(λV) be the actual equation to account for rate of change in velocity?
 
Revolucien said:
So since force and mass are still measurable, but with force opposed and equal and the acceleration is actually what is canceled out. OK, that works for me on that one.

you cannot just use the term force
The NET force is zero because the equal and opposite forces cancel out

consider it the same thing of one brick was a wall and you were pushing against the wall directly with your hand or another object ( your brick)
The forces will be equal and oppositeD
 
Revolucien said:
On number 2 sorry if this one is confusing. F=MA seems to be focused on acceleration being the rate of change in velocity, but deceleration is has a rate of change that is inverse to acceleration. Is there another equation that works with deceleration? F=MD ? Or should F=M(λV) be the actual equation to account for rate of change in velocity?
Deceleration just has a negative value for acceleration.
 
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OK, so I'm going to chew on that for a bit because I can easily see force with a negative value when it is in a vector function providing direction, but a little different when force is a function of time. Gonna have to play with some equations for a bit. Thanks all.
 

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