Proof of F=ma from second law of Newton

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SUMMARY

The discussion provides a mathematical proof of the equation F=ma derived from Newton's second law of motion. It establishes that the applied force (F) is proportional to the change in momentum, expressed as F = k(mv - mu), where k is a constant. The proof utilizes the Taylor expansion to approximate the velocity change over a small time interval (δt), leading to the conclusion that F = m·a, where a is the acceleration. The importance of using a sufficiently small δt for accurate approximation is emphasized.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's second law of motion
  • Familiarity with momentum and its mathematical representation
  • Knowledge of Taylor series and Taylor expansion
  • Basic calculus concepts, particularly derivatives
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hasanhabibul
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from the second law of Newton we know... applied force is proportional to the change of momentum...that means F= k( mv-mu) where k is constant ...from here now proof F=ma
 
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The second law doesn't say that. Look at it again.
You need to start with the correct equation before you can prove F=ma
 
I think i can help you, but with my own labelling ;)

F \sim m \cdot \frac{v^\prime - v}{\delta t}​

v^\prime is the speed after a short time interval \delta t related to the instant of time t. So the equation above can be written in a more descriptive way

\delta t \, F \sim m \cdot \Bigl( v(t+\delta t) - v(t) \Bigr)​

if the time interval \delta t is very small, we can approximate v(t+\delta t) according to Taylor (keyword Taylor expansion).

v^\prime = v(t + \delta t) \approx v(t) + \dot v(t) \, \cdot \, \delta t + \mathcal{O}\bigl((\delta t)^2 \bigr)​

putting it in the initial equation that yields

\delta t \, F \sim m \cdot \Bigl( ~ \bigl( v(t) + \dot v(t) \, \cdot \, \delta t \bigr) ~ - v(t) \bigr) = m \, \cdot \, \dot v(t) \, \delta t​

Here you see, that the time interval \delta t must be very small, otherwise the first term of the Taylor series isn't a good approximation any longer.

Hope that i could help you...
 

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