How to Calculate Net Force using Newton's Second Law?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Ronel
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Mass
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how to isolate mass in the context of Newton's second law, specifically focusing on the equation Fnet = Ft + Fg and its rearrangement for solving for mass. The scope includes algebraic manipulation related to physics concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks how to isolate mass in the equation Fnet = Ft + Fg.
  • Another participant suggests using algebraic rules, recommending to move terms involving mass to one side, factor out m, and divide to isolate it.
  • A similar response is reiterated by another participant, emphasizing the same algebraic approach.
  • A participant proposes a rearranged equation, m = Ft/a - g, questioning its correctness.
  • Another participant responds affirmatively with "YEaH," indicating agreement or approval of the proposed equation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion shows some agreement on the algebraic approach to isolating mass, but the correctness of the proposed rearranged equation remains uncertain, as it has not been explicitly confirmed by all participants.

Contextual Notes

There may be limitations in the assumptions made about the variables involved, and the proposed equation's validity has not been thoroughly examined or resolved.

Ronel
Messages
11
Reaction score
0
How do I isolate the mass?

Newton's second law

Fnet= Ft + Fg
ma= Ft + mg

Thank You
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF,

Just follow the rules of algebra. A good first step is to move all terms that have the mass in them to one side of the equation. Factor out m from these terms, and then divide both sides of the equation by the stuff that multiplies m, so that m is now by itself.
 
cepheid said:
Welcome to PF,

Just follow the rules of algebra. A good first step is to move all terms that have the mass in them to one side of the equation. Factor out m from these terms, and then divide both sides of the equation by the stuff that multiplies m, so that m is now by itself.
Thanks :smile:
 
So it would be like

m=Ft/a-g

Am I right?
 
YEaH
 

Similar threads

High School Understanding Newton's Third Law and the Net Force on Objects
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
High School Inertial Mass vs Gravitational Mass
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Undergrad Newton's 2nd Law confusion: mass times acceleration is not a force?
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
4K
Insights How to Apply Newton’s Second Law to Variable Mass Systems
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
High School Newton's first law?
  • · Replies 62 ·
3
Replies
62
Views
4K
Undergrad Calculating Force on a Golf Ball when Putting on a Level Green
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Newton's 2nd law for an object in free fall
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
High School Newton's third law (equal and opposite force)
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
4K
Undergrad Newton's second law for rotations
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
High School Newton’s second law as one complete law
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
2K