Is There a Time Lag Between Force Application and Motion?

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SUMMARY

The discussion addresses the concept of time lag between the application of force and the resulting motion of a body. It concludes that, in classical mechanics, there is no significant time lag; however, a gradual increase in acceleration occurs at the onset of force application. Situations involving elastic materials, such as springs or squishy objects, can exhibit a temporary lag due to deformation. Additionally, perceived lags may arise when initial motion is too slow to detect, akin to the phenomenon of hang time.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with concepts of force and motion
  • Knowledge of elasticity and deformation in materials
  • Basic grasp of acceleration and its measurement
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore Newton's laws of motion in detail
  • Research the behavior of elastic materials under force
  • Study the concept of acceleration and its effects on motion
  • Investigate the phenomenon of hang time in physics
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in the dynamics of force and motion, particularly in contexts involving elastic materials and classical mechanics.

sharma_satdev
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Is there time lag between application of force and motion of body ?
 
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This is one of those "yes ... and then again, no" things.
It depends on the granularity that you are viewing the process.

Classically there is no time lag, though there will be a gradual increase in the acceleration right at the start and classically is where we live most of the time.

You can get a lag if you apply a quick force against something squashy or springy - but then the immediate effect is deformation of the body ... which is local, rather than bulk, motion.

Then there is the illusiary lag due to the initial motion being too slow to notice ... similar to hang time.

Did you have a particular context in mind?
 

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