Is a bicycle or dirtbike an example of f=ma?

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    Bicycle Example F=ma
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the application of Newton's second law of motion, specifically the equation F=ma, in the context of bicycles and dirt bikes. Participants explore whether these vehicles serve as good examples of this principle, including the mechanics of force, torque, and acceleration involved in their operation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether a dirt bike or bicycle exemplifies the F=ma principle, noting confusion about the definition of force in this context.
  • Another participant explains that a dirt bike is a good example of F=ma, detailing how the engine produces force that results in torque and ultimately accelerates the bike.
  • A participant identifies the "contact patch" as the point where the wheel interacts with the ground, explaining the relationship between torque, force, and acceleration.
  • Further clarification is provided on the contact patch and its role in the mechanics of force and acceleration, with emphasis on the reaction forces involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that both bicycles and dirt bikes can be analyzed through the lens of F=ma, but the discussion includes varying levels of understanding and terminology related to the mechanics involved.

Contextual Notes

There are some assumptions about the definitions of force and torque that may not be fully explored, and the discussion does not resolve all aspects of how these concepts apply to different types of vehicles.

fourthlaw
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Hey all - this is my first post so I mght as well say hi -

I'm not very smart, but find everyday physics interesting. I tried to look up Newton's Laws, but I can't figure out:

Is a dirt bike or bicycle a good example of the f=ma principle?

All the info I found states that the force is a 'pushing' force, i.e, someone pushing the object. I can see the bicycle with the pedals fitting the explanation, but is a dirtbike an example of this law?

Also, is there a name for the point where the wheel pushes off the ground (propulsion? inertia?) Thanks.
 
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The interaction between the wheel and the ground is called torque. Torque is the rotational analogue of force. A dirt bike is a good example of F = m A, because the engine produces a force (in the pistons) which produces a torque (through the cams) which rotates the chain which produces a torque on a wheel which rotates the wheeel which produces and acceleration of the bike as a whole.
 
ok - I thought so! Thanks for your help.
 
fourthlaw said:
Also, is there a name for the point where the wheel pushes off the ground.
The name for the "point" is "contact patch", where the tire is in contact with the ground. The torque on the wheel, divided by the radius of the tire equals the backwards horizontal force applied to the ground. The ground "reacts" with an equal and opposite forwards force and this force / mass of (rider + vehicle) = acceleration.
 
The name for the "point" is "contact patch", where the tire is in contact with the ground. The torque on the wheel, divided by the radius of the tire equals the backwards horizontal force applied to the ground. The ground "reacts" with an equal and opposite forwards force and this force / mass of (rider + vehicle) = acceleration.
When I first read that I was like ":eek:!", but once I read it again it made sense. Thanks. :approve:
 

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