Quick little short answer question about magnitude of force.

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SUMMARY

The magnitude of the force a defensive lineman imparts on a quarterback during a tackle is equal to the force the quarterback exerts back on the lineman, as established by Newton's Third Law of Motion. This principle states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In this scenario, the defensive lineman's force is calculated using the formula F=ma, where F is force, m is mass, and a is acceleration. Therefore, both forces are equal in magnitude, regardless of the perceived impact on the players involved.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Laws of Motion
  • Basic knowledge of physics concepts such as force, mass, and acceleration
  • Familiarity with the context of American football
  • Ability to apply mathematical formulas in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Newton's Third Law of Motion in detail
  • Explore the relationship between mass, acceleration, and force using F=ma
  • Research the physics of collisions in sports, particularly in football
  • Examine case studies of player impacts and injury prevention in football
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, sports scientists, coaches, and anyone interested in understanding the physical dynamics of football tackles and player interactions.

Wrightboy
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1. A defensive lineman breaks through the line and flattens the quarterback. The magnitude of the force he imparts on the poor quarterback is (a) greater than (b) the same as (c) less than, the magnitude of the force the quarterback imparts on the defensive lineman.

2. Not sure of any

3. I really have no idea, I'm honestly just looking at the question and I can't seem to grasp what it's asking. I mean, is it as simple as it looks and it's just the same? I can't imagine he'd have put more force into the quarterback, as the line is obviously the harder part to get through. And the same with less, wouldn't that be risking the quarterback surviving the attack?
I know very little about football or physics lol.
 
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Wrightboy said:
1. A defensive lineman breaks through the line and flattens the quarterback. The magnitude of the force he imparts on the poor quarterback is (a) greater than (b) the same as (c) less than, the magnitude of the force the quarterback imparts on the defensive lineman.

2. Not sure of any

3. I really have no idea, I'm honestly just looking at the question and I can't seem to grasp what it's asking. I mean, is it as simple as it looks and it's just the same? I can't imagine he'd have put more force into the quarterback, as the line is obviously the harder part to get through. And the same with less, wouldn't that be risking the quarterback surviving the attack?
I know very little about football or physics lol.

Welcome to the PF. Hint -- start with F=ma ...
 
So if his force is equal to his mass times acceleration, and his mass doesn't change and I'm guessing his acceleration after he breaks the line is the same as when he hit the line...the force would in face be equal? Sorry if I'm making myself look really stupid here lol.
 

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