Show that Newton's Second Law is valid?

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SUMMARY

This discussion confirms that Newton's Second Law remains valid for observers moving at constant speeds, significantly less than the speed of light, relative to a laboratory frame. The key equation discussed is the transformation of derivatives, specifically dx'/dt = dx/dt - v, which illustrates how velocity affects the observed acceleration. The second derivative, d²x/dt², represents acceleration, affirming that it remains consistent across different inertial frames. The conclusion emphasizes that the addition of a constant velocity does not alter the fundamental relationship defined by F=ma.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law (F=ma)
  • Familiarity with calculus, specifically derivatives and second derivatives
  • Basic knowledge of reference frames in physics
  • Concept of relativistic effects at speeds close to the speed of light
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of special relativity on classical mechanics
  • Learn about the mathematical derivation of Lorentz transformations
  • Explore the concept of inertial frames and their significance in physics
  • Investigate the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration in non-inertial frames
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, particularly those studying classical mechanics and special relativity, as well as educators seeking to clarify the application of Newton's laws in various reference frames.

Tonia
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Homework Statement


In a laboratory frame of reference, an observer notes that Newton's 2nd Law is valid.
Show that Newton's 2nd Law is also valid for an observer moving at a constant speed, small compared with the speed of light, relative to the laboratory frame.

Homework Equations


dx'/dt = dx/dt - v

The Attempt at a Solution



d^2 x' / dt^2 = d^2 x/ dt^2 Can someone help me understand this better?
 
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Tonia said:

Homework Statement


In a laboratory frame of reference, an observer notes that Newton's 2nd Law is valid.
Show that Newton's 2nd Law is also valid for an observer moving at a constant speed, small compared with the speed of light, relative to the laboratory frame.

Homework Equations


dx'/dt = dx/dt - v

The Attempt at a Solution



d^2 x' / dt^2 = d^2 x/ dt^2 Can someone help me understand this better?
Which part don't you understand?

Chet
 
I don't understand the whole answer. Can you explain what each part means?
 
I know it means derivative but that's it.
 
The velocity is subtracted from the derivative because it has to be smaller than the speed of light? Also, why is the d squared on the second part and why is d^2x` divided by dt/2 and why does this equal: d^2 x/ dt^2??
 
The second derivative of $x$ is the acceleration $a$. Considering that the second Newton's law states that $F=ma$, your acceleration doesn't varies because you have added a constant. So, the second Newton's law is valid in this reference frame.

Also, you are mistaken with the notation. $d^2x/dt^2$ means "second derivative of x respect to time".
 

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