Why would Newton's 2nd law be meaningless here?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the implications of Newton's second law when an isolated body begins to accelerate. It highlights the challenge of determining whether the system is truly isolated or if external factors are influencing the acceleration. Without an independent measurement, one cannot ascertain if the laws of physics are being violated or if the isolation was inadequate. This ambiguity raises questions about the application of Newton's second law in such scenarios. Ultimately, the need for proper isolation and measurement is crucial for accurate analysis in physics.
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As the example says, if the object starts to accelerate you have no way of telling whether or not it is actually isolated unless you can find something else to measure. Is the system isolated and the laws of physics broken? Or is it that you haven't isolated the system well? You don't know! You need an independent way of telling.
 
Thanks Drakkith...I think I might've misinterpreted what it was saying a bit
 

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