Obtaining F = ma: The Evolution of Mass and Acceleration Measurements

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the derivation of the equation F = ma, exploring the definitions and measurements of mass and acceleration. It includes inquiries about the historical context and experimental methods used to obtain these concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the definition of mass and its relationship to matter, suggesting that understanding mass is essential to answering how F = ma was obtained.
  • Another participant defines mass as "resistance to a change in motion," proposing that the relationship m = f/a leads to F = ma, indicating a conceptual link between force, mass, and acceleration.
  • A later reply seeks clarification on the experimental measurements involved in determining mass and acceleration, indicating a desire for more detailed historical context.
  • One participant expresses frustration over repeated questions, suggesting that previous answers were not satisfactory and discouraging the rehashing of old inquiries.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion remains unresolved, with participants expressing differing levels of understanding and satisfaction regarding the explanations provided. There is no consensus on the clarity of the definitions or the historical methods of measurement.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the definitions of mass and matter remain unexamined, and there is a lack of clarity regarding the specific experimental techniques used historically to measure acceleration.

Fernando Rios
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How was F = ma obtained? What is mass? If you say mass is amount of matter, then what is matter? How did they measure accelerations at that time?
 
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Your first question requires the second. Typically, mass is defined as "resistance to a change in motion": the more force require for acceleration then greater the mass: m= f/a from which f= ma immediately follows.
 
HallsofIvy said:
Your first question requires the second. Typically, mass is defined as "resistance to a change in motion": the more force require for acceleration then greater the mass: m= f/a from which f= ma immediately follows.
Thank you for your reply. So, in the experiment what was measured and how was it measured?
 
Fernando Rios said:
How was F = ma obtained?
You asked exactly the same question 3 weeks ago. Have you not found the answers satisfactory? Please don't re-tread old ground. If you have any follow-ups to make, make them in your other thread and show with your new questions that you've made an effort to absorb what you've already been told/shown. Thread locked.
 

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