Newton's second law net force = mass

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SUMMARY

The discussion confirms the statement that if the same force acts on two particles, and one particle (B) covers the same distance in less time than the other (A), then particle B is less massive than particle A. This conclusion is derived from Newton's second law, expressed as net force = mass × acceleration (F = ma). The analysis shows that with a constant force, a smaller mass results in greater acceleration, leading to a larger displacement over a shorter time interval.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's second law (F = ma)
  • Basic knowledge of kinematics, specifically displacement and acceleration
  • Familiarity with the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration
  • Ability to manipulate equations involving acceleration (a = dv/dt)
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  • Study the implications of Newton's laws in different physical scenarios
  • Explore kinematic equations and their applications in real-world problems
  • Investigate the concept of mass and acceleration in non-constant force situations
  • Learn about the effects of varying mass on acceleration in practical experiments
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Students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of motion and force interactions.

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Homework Statement


True or false:
"Given that the same force acts on particle A and B, If object B covers the same distance in less time than particle A, object B is less massive than object A"



Homework Equations


net force = mass(acceleration)


The Attempt at a Solution


I believe this is true because f = ma implies that m = f/a

Looking at m = f/a I find a conditional:
If acceleration is large, mass is small.

Looking at a= dv/dt I find another conditional:
If time gets small, acceleration gets large.

Putting these conditionals together in the statement m = f/a, I find the conditional:
As the interval of time decreases, the mass of the particle must decrease (assuming a constant force and distance).

Therefore, I find it safe to conclude that the original statement is true-- The original statement being:
"Given that the same force acts on particle A and B, If object B covers the same distance in less time than particle A, object B is less massive than object A".
 
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I think your first observation is sufficient.

Since F is constant then a smaller mass will experience greater acceleration at all points. Since displacement is going to be proportional to acceleration at all time points then displacement is the larger for the larger acceleration.

x = 1/2*a*t2
 

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