I trying to find mass with these varbiales.

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Sadriam
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Mass
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenge of determining the mass of an object, specifically a train on a roller coaster, using various parameters such as speed, height, forces acting on the object, and gravity. The inquiry is exploratory in nature, as the original poster seeks guidance on whether the available data can lead to a solution for calculating mass.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster has speed/velocity, initial and final heights, and vertical and horizontal forces but is uncertain if this information is sufficient to find mass.
  • One participant questions whether the speed/velocity refers to a vector function or just initial and final speeds, seeking clarification on the forces involved.
  • Another participant suggests that for a free-falling object, mass cannot be determined solely from the given cinematic data, as mass does not influence the trajectory in the absence of air resistance.
  • The original poster clarifies that the object is a train on a roller coaster and acknowledges the lack of directional velocity, while also noting the presence of friction affecting the train's performance.
  • A later reply reiterates that without knowing the magnitude of friction, it remains challenging to calculate mass, but suggests that energy considerations might help if friction can be quantified.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the provided data can lead to a determination of mass. While some argue that mass cannot be derived from the cinematic data alone, others suggest that energy considerations may provide a pathway if friction is accounted for. No consensus is reached on the feasibility of calculating mass with the given information.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations such as the lack of specific information about friction and the need for clearer definitions of the forces involved. The absence of directional velocity is also noted as a potential constraint.

Sadriam
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Im trying to find the mass of an object. It is not a problem, but i would like to find it so that i could use the mass for other calculations. I have the object's:

speed / velocity from one point to another.
The initial and final height of the object.
The vertical and horizontal forces on it. (labled as vert g's and hor g's)
Gravity (9.8)

I don't even know if it is possible with the given information, but if it is i would be really happy. If you suspect that i may have another variable available, you can ask, and i can see what i can do.

Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
When you say that you know the "speed/velocity from one point to another" you mean that you have the vector function v(t) or just intial and final speed?

How many forces, you say, are working? I mean, is that data from a free falling object or there are more forces implied?

It'd be great for everybody if you are a little bit more precise we'll be glad to help you :)
 
Now, considering a falling object and not taking into acount the air friction, you won't certainly be able to derivate the body's mass from that particular data. You may think that, as the data only referes to the cinematics of the object, every one that made that trajectory (whatever its mass) will do the same; so mass is not a distintive parameter of the process.

But as I said above you should clarify what you excatly meant :)
good nicght and good science.
 
OK sorry about the wait. Actually this is a train on a roller coaster. When i say i have speed/velocity, i do not have the direction so technically i don't have the velocity, but i don't think this would matter much. I can get the initial and final speed from one point to another.

The forces that the simulator tells me are Vertical G's, Lateral G's, and Acceleration G of the train on the track.

Friction of the track and the train is also in there, because the train will not make it to its initial height, so some energy is loss from friction. I also do not know how much friction is there either, so that is unfortunate.

If this is possible, please help.
 
Ok, so it's a roller coaster.

Then still the same than the free falling if you don't know the magnitude of friction.

You may calculate it by making energetic consideration with the data you gave me.

Try, & if you can tell me bacause if you get the amount of friction then you'll be able to get the mass.

Salutations. Zap
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 131 ·
5
Replies
131
Views
9K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K