Is f = a X m X 1 X 1 X 1 X 1 Valid?

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The discussion centers on the validity of expressing the force equation f = a X m with additional variables that equal one, such as f = a X m X b X e X d X r. While mathematically valid, this approach lacks physical meaning, as it introduces unnecessary complexity without enhancing understanding. The conversation questions whether all physics formulas are complete and absolute, suggesting that unobserved factors could exist but complicate the interpretation of physical laws. Ultimately, the consensus leans towards maintaining simplicity in physics education, as introducing unobserved variables may confuse rather than clarify fundamental concepts. The importance of clear and straightforward formulas in teaching physics is emphasized.
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It is well known that
force (f) = acceleration (a) X mass (m)

Can I say that actually:
f = a X m X b X e X d X r
where
b = e = d = r = 1?
 
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Mathematically you can since multiplying by one doesn't change the result, but physically it wouldn't make much sense. What are those letters supposed to represent?
 
The computation would be more "accurate" if you used the formula
f=ma \sqrt{br} d^e where again b=d=e=r=1.:wink::smile:
 
Drakkith said:
Mathematically you can since multiplying by one doesn't change the result, but physically it wouldn't make much sense. What are those letters supposed to represent?

Well, the right wording of the questions is, are all physics formulas complete and absolute?!.

If the formulas are derived from observing a physical event occurring multiple times with a fixed trend, then basically, we can assume that we are only observing changing factors, while there are many other static or unchanging factors that were held constant in all the times that we were observing that we didn't observe. If the math doesn't conflict with the previous assumption, then we might need to revise all our understanding of physics and try to answer questions like "how many such variable are there? why are they constant? can we change them? what will happen if we change them?"
 
nasu said:
The computation would be more "accurate" if you used the formula
f=ma \sqrt{br} d^e where again b=d=e=r=1.:wink::smile:

That is too complex for future students. Let just keep it all in one line :wink::smile:
 
K don't know said:
If the formulas are derived from observing a physical event occurring multiple times with a fixed trend, then basically, we can assume that we are only observing changing factors, while there are many other static or unchanging factors that were held constant in all the times that we were observing that we didn't observe.

Assuming that unobserved effects are occurring makes little sense. It greatly complicates things and serves no useful purpose.
 
So I know that electrons are fundamental, there's no 'material' that makes them up, it's like talking about a colour itself rather than a car or a flower. Now protons and neutrons and quarks and whatever other stuff is there fundamentally, I want someone to kind of teach me these, I have a lot of questions that books might not give the answer in the way I understand. Thanks
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