Velocity change by force in one and two inertial frame confusion

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the confusion surrounding the application of Newton's Laws in one and two inertial frames, specifically regarding the equations derived for velocity and position. The participants clarify that in the first inertial frame, velocity is expressed as V(Δt) = FΔt, while in the second frame, it is V(2Δt) = 2FΔt. The position equations are x(Δt) = F(Δt)(Δt) for the first frame and x(2Δt) = x(Δt) + 2F(Δt)(Δt) for the second frame. The confusion arises from the notation and the treatment of constants across different frames, emphasizing the need for clarity in defining terms and relationships between the frames.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Laws of Motion
  • Familiarity with basic calculus, particularly integration
  • Knowledge of inertial reference frames in classical mechanics
  • Ability to interpret mathematical notation in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of equations of motion in different inertial frames
  • Learn about the implications of relative motion between inertial frames
  • Explore the concept of force and acceleration in classical mechanics
  • Review the principles of special relativity and their relation to inertial frames
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators explaining Newton's Laws, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of motion across different inertial frames.

JordanGo
Messages
72
Reaction score
0
Hi,
I just finished class and my professor was writing some of Newton's Laws on the board and derived some equations. We ended up with:
V(Δt)=FΔt (this is for velocity in first inertial frame
V(2Δt)=2FΔt (this is for velocity in second inertial frame​
Then he went and got the position in respect with time:
x(Δt)=F(Δt)(Δt) (which is just the integral of velocity in first i.f.)​
But then he did it for the second inertial frame and got:
x(2Δt)=x(Δt)+2F(Δt)(Δt)​

I do not understand where the x(Δt) comes from... Can anyone clarify this for me?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Don't understand your notation ... do you intend V(\Delta t) to mean that $$V$$ is a function of $$\Delta t$$ ?

Perhaps if the context were provided?
 
Yes, the velocity is a function of time.
When a constant force is applied, the velocity changes with respect to time.
 
So what could $$F(\Delta t)(\Delta t)$$ ...mean? Or $$F(2\Delta t)$$ ??
 
The velocity is equal to the force multiplied by the time. When you take the integral of the velocity with respect to time, you get the force times the time squared. Now, for the second inertial frame velocity, I do not understand where he gets the equation (V(2t)). I think he means to generalize it but I'm not sure.
 
If we write v=at in the first frame, the surely x=\frac{1}{2}at^2?

What is the relationship between the frames?

This is murder on a tablet... I'll go get a lappy.
 
Last edited:
Lets see... it looks like your professor is ignoring constants on order to focus your attention on the relationships.

Usually, two reference frames are moving with some relative speed.

If the speed of an object in frame 1 is v_1 = Ft/m (because F=ma) then he could be saying that the speed in frame 2 is v_2(t)=v_1(2t) i.e. the same as in frame 1 but with the time axis stretched out.[*] notice how this means that the initial speed of the object is zero in both frames? Is this possible?

... this would mean that v_2=2Ft/m so, the frame 2 observer reckons the force is twice what the frame 1 observer says.

It also means the speed between the frames is u=v_2-v_1 ...

In frame 1, x_1(t) = \frac{1}{2m}Ft^2 + x_1(0) as normal - your professor is leaving off all the subscripts and constants.For frame 2, you have the same derivation - I think that the secret to understanding what he's written is to go through it again yourself, being careful about the constants and the notation.

This whole thing has been due to defining all terms in frame 1 and then using them in frame 2.

Not, on the whole, the approach I would have chosen - that goes double if the subject is special relativity ...

-------------------------------

[*] I will try to only use brackets to indicate functions ... part of the confusion came from the use of two different notations in different parts of the same equation.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K