Solving Constant Force on Particle Motion

[Broodwich08]

Im having trouble understanding that if i have an equation for the motion of a particle how can i find out that a constant force is being acted upon the particle? Any help would be appreciated thank you.

 

[K^2]

Newton's second law. Constant force would imply constant acceleration, and vice versa. If you can find acceleration, there is your answer.

 

[askAphysicist]

Im having trouble understanding that if i have an equation for the motion of a particle how can i find out that a constant force is being acted upon the particle? Any help would be appreciated thank you.

Could you give us an example of the equations you're working with?

 

[tiny-tim]

Welcome to PF!

Hi Broodwich08! Welcome to PF!

Just to add to what K^2 says:

if your equation is x = f(t), then the speed is f'(t), adn the acceleration is f''(t), so you need to check whether f''(t) is constant.

 

[Broodwich08]

Hmm derive into accel...looks like I'm getting linear lines for x and y so there is no constant force right. They are parametric equations btw

 

[tiny-tim]

Yes, if x and y are linear (in a parameter, s, say), then the velocity (dy/ds / dx/ds) is constant, and the acceleration is zero, so the applied force is zero.