Solve Energy Homework: Understand (2) & (3) of 1 J = 1 N m

  • Thread starter Thread starter richard9678
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Energy Units
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the relationship between energy and force, specifically the equivalence of 1 Joule to 1 Newton meter, as expressed in various forms using SI units. Participants are examining the definitions and implications of these units in the context of physics problems involving mass, force, and work.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Exploratory

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to clarify the meaning of expressions (2) and (3) in terms of base SI units. Questions are raised about the definitions of Newton and Joule, and how they relate to mass and acceleration. Some participants explore the implications of these definitions in different contexts, such as in gravitational fields versus in space.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their thoughts and interpretations. Some have offered clarifications regarding the definitions of units, while others are reflecting on their understanding of the concepts involved. There is a recognition of the need to explore these definitions further without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential misunderstandings regarding the definition of the Newton and its relation to gravitational force. There is also mention of the context of mass in space, which may influence the interpretation of work done and the application of these units.

richard9678
Messages
93
Reaction score
7

Homework Statement



I cannot understand what is written in my textbook.

Homework Equations



i.e:

1 J = 1 N m (I get that) ........(1)

= 1 Kg m s-2 x m ......(2)

= 1 Kg m2 s-2...(3)

The Attempt at a Solution



If I push a 1 Kg mass (in space) at an acceleration of 9.8 m s-2) then the Force will be 1 N. And if I push the mass 1 m, that is 1 N m of work done.

What are expressions (2) and (3) saying?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
richard9678 said:
1 J = 1 N m (I get that) ........(1)

= 1 Kg m s-2 x m ......(2)

= 1 Kg m2 s-2...(3)If I push a 1 Kg mass at an acceleration of 9.8 m s-2 then the Force will be 1 N.

A force of 1 N will accelerate a 1 kg mass at 1 m/s2.

And if I push the mass 1 m, that is 1 N m of work done.

What are expressions (2) and (3) saying?

They are just showing how the Joule can be expressed in terms of the three base SI units: kg, m, s.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person
richard9678 said:

Homework Statement



I cannot understand what is written in my textbook.

Homework Equations



i.e:

1 J = 1 N m (I get that) ........(1)

= 1 Kg m s-2 x m ......(2)

= 1 Kg m2 s-2...(3)

The Attempt at a Solution



If I push a 1 Kg mass at an acceleration of 9.8 m s-2) then the Force will be 1 N.
it will be 9.8 kg.m/sec^2, which is called 9.8 N , since a Newton is defined as a kg.m/sec^2.
And if I push the mass 1 m, that is 1 N m of work done.
9.8 N.m of work done, or 9.8 kg.m^2/sec^2 in longhand form.
What are expressions (2) and (3) saying?
Same thing, in SI basic units of mass, length, and time. Force is a derived quantity.
 
Aah, I was making a mistake with the definition of the Newton. I was (for some reason) thinking that the definition of the Newton had something to do with Earth's gravity. Of course, gravity exerts a force of 9.8 Newtons on a 1 Kg mass, not 1 Newton.

(1) is talking about a unit called Newton metres.

(2) is talking about a unit called?

(3) is talking about a unit called?
 
(2) and (3) are combinations of base SI units. You can call (3) a "kilogram meter-squared per second-squared" :smile:
 
Having thought about this, these are my thoughts:

The definition of the Newton is the force it takes to accelerate a 1Kg mass (in space, outside of a gravitational field) at 1 m/s/s.

So, really, whatever work done that it takes to move that 1 Kg, can be expressed in terms of Kg per metre of movement - of a body in space. If the mass is 2 Kg, then work done doubles. Move a 1 Kg mass at an acceleration of 1 m/s/s, 1 metre and work done is 1 J.

You can also express the work done in terms of Kg per second of the movement of a body in space. Double the time, and work done doubles. Move a 1 Kg mass at an acceleration of 1 m/s/s for 1 second and work done is 1 joule.

Of course, here were talking about a mass hanging in space. And referring to mass, time, distance, acceleration.

If we get away from mass in space, and units associated with that situation, we may talk about Newton metres.

A force of 1 Newton moving anything, whatever it's mass, no matter how long it takes, 1 metre, equals 1 J of work done. There will be no acceleration if the force remains constant. And it is this Newton metre measure, that is really an equivalent to the other measures.

My 2 cents. I think I solved my problem.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K