Force & Acceleration: Explaining F=ma in Disguise

[404]

Ok we did a force vs acceleration graph in class, and got an equation from it(couldnt use Y and X for the equation). The question is explain why the equation is F=ma in disguise. Obviously it is, like force is the y, slope is the mass etc, but how can I actually explain it is?

 

[z-component]

So force is your y, acceleration is x, and mass is the slope. Do you know the relationship found in the graph that relates to the axes and slope?

 

[z-component]

For a linear equation y=mx+b...

Here we are neglecting b, the y-intercept. What does that leave us?

 

[404]

But the teacher said we couldn't use X and Y...

 

[z-component]

I don't understand what he/she wants from you. How are you supposed to explain the relationship between variables on a linear graph without using x and y??

The only way I can see how is to generalize and say that basically a linear graph has these relationships with the axes and slope... but without mentioning the axes that will be a bit vague.

 

[whozum]

The acceleration is the indep. variable, the force is the dep variable. They have a directly proportional relationship by a scalar quantity 'm'

 

[ArielGenesis]

may be what your teacher wants is to show that
Y=F (force)
X=a (acceleration)
m(gradient)=m(mass)

 

[404]

Alight I got it now, thanks.