Force & Acceleration: Explaining F=ma in Disguise

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In summary, the conversation discussed a force vs acceleration graph and the corresponding equation, F=ma. The question was to explain why the equation is "in disguise" and the relationship between the variables on the graph. It was mentioned that force is the dependent variable (y), acceleration is the independent variable (x), and mass is the slope (m) of the graph. The conversation also touched on the issue of not being able to use x and y in the explanation and finding a way to generalize the relationship between the variables. Ultimately, it was concluded that the equation shows a directly proportional relationship between force and acceleration, with the slope representing the mass.
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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?
 
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  • #2
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?
 
  • #3
For a linear equation y=mx+b...

Here we are neglecting b, the y-intercept. What does that leave us?
 
  • #4
But the teacher said we couldn't use X and Y...
 
  • #5
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.
 
  • #6
The acceleration is the indep. variable, the force is the dep variable. They have a directly proportional relationship by a scalar quantity 'm'
 
  • #7
may be what your teacher wants is to show that
Y=F (force)
X=a (acceleration)
m(gradient)=m(mass)
 
  • #8
Alight I got it now, thanks.
 

1. What is the relationship between force and acceleration?

The relationship between force and acceleration is described by Newton's second law of motion, which states that the net force applied to an object is directly proportional to its acceleration. This relationship can be mathematically represented by the equation F=ma, where F is the force applied, m is the mass of the object, and a is the resulting acceleration.

2. How is force measured?

Force is measured using a unit called the Newton (N). One Newton is equal to the amount of force needed to accelerate a mass of one kilogram by one meter per second squared.

3. What factors affect the acceleration of an object?

The acceleration of an object is affected by two main factors: force and mass. The larger the force applied, the greater the acceleration. Similarly, the larger the mass of the object, the smaller the acceleration will be for a given force.

4. Can an object have acceleration without a force acting on it?

No, according to Newton's first law of motion, an object will remain at rest or in motion with a constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force. In other words, an object cannot have acceleration without a force acting on it.

5. How does the direction of the force affect the acceleration of an object?

The direction of the force applied to an object will determine the direction of its resulting acceleration. For example, if a force is applied in the same direction as an object's motion, it will increase the object's speed. If the force is applied in the opposite direction, it will decrease the object's speed.

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