Second Law of Dynamics: Important Consequences

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on Newton's Second Law of Dynamics, which states that the force acting on an object is equal to the mass of that object multiplied by its acceleration (F=ma). A key insight is that force does not maintain motion but alters it, emphasizing that a force is necessary only to change an object's state of motion. The conversation also briefly touches on the confusion with the Second Law of Thermodynamics, clarifying that the focus is indeed on Newton's principles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Laws of Motion
  • Basic knowledge of physics concepts such as force and acceleration
  • Familiarity with the distinction between dynamics and thermodynamics
  • Ability to interpret and analyze physics exam questions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical formulation of Newton's Second Law (F=ma)
  • Explore real-world applications of Newton's Second Law in mechanics
  • Investigate the differences between Newton's Laws and the Second Law of Thermodynamics
  • Review historical context and implications of Newton's contributions to physics
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching dynamics, and anyone interested in the foundational principles of classical mechanics.

nebbione
Messages
131
Reaction score
0
Hi everyone! I saw in an old exam of physics : "Write and comment the second law of dynamics."

And i was thinking, I know a lot about it and if i had to answer it i would have made some examples, but when he asks me to comment it ? What should i have to say ?
In sense, what do you think are the really important things/conseguences about the second law of dymics that need to be mentioned ?
 
Science news on Phys.org
By "second law of dynamics" do you mean Newton's Second Law?

If that's the case, I would say that Newton's profound insight was that there exists some physical quantity, which we now call "force," whose effect is NOT to keep bodies in motion, but rather whose effect is to modify otherwise uniform motion. In other words, a force need not be applied to keep a body in motion, but rather it be applied to change the state of motion.

Truly profound.
 
They're probably talking about the Second Law of Thermodynamics.
 
Thank you very much! Yes i was talking about the second law of Newton!
Yes i understand now!
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Magnetic fields are exceptions to the second law of thermodynamics?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad On Newton's first and second laws
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
Undergrad The Second Law of Thermodynamics and the Stefan-Boltzmann Law
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
High School Entropy change for reversible and irreversible processes
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Graduate Dual gas (coupled) cyclic processes?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Undergrad Relating Entropy and the 2nd law
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Graduate Blocking the symmetry of motion and the second law
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Graduate I with understanding Kepler's second law
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Undergrad About Reversible vs Irreversible Gas Compression and Expansion Work
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Graduate Doubts Arising from Clausius' Inequality and the Second Law
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K