Force and acceleration and graphs

In summary, acceleration and force are similar and dependent on one another. For a given mass, the net force applied is proportional to the resulting acceleration. However, the graphs of force and acceleration are not always identical and can vary depending on the specific situation. In regards to the problem with two spring scales, not enough information is given to solve it as the resulting acceleration with F2 is not specified.
  • #1
Physicshelpneeded
19
0
i know that acceleration and force are similar and dependent on one another...but are they always the same and are their graphs always identical? or are they just proportional? :frown:

Also, anyone know how answer this question:

two forces are applied to a cart with two different spring scales (whats a spring scale?) the spring scale F1 reads 2.0 N. the cart moves toward the left with acceleration towards the left of 2.50 m/s/s. what does spring scale F2 read? :confused:

i know i need to use proportions to solve this...or at least i think so...but i don't know where to start...thanx for all ur help in advance guys :smile:
 
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  • #2
A spring scale is simply a method of reading the spring force.
The problem description is not adequate to solve . Ray
 
  • #3
ok...at least now i have an idea of what a spring scale IS...but i still have no idea how to go about solving this problem...anyone have any ideas? :frown:
 
  • #4
Physicshelpneeded said:
i know that acceleration and force are similar and dependent on one another...but are they always the same and are their graphs always identical? or are they just proportional? :frown:
For a given mass, the net force applied is proportional to the resulting acceleration. For example: Double the force and you double the acceleration.
two forces are applied to a cart with two different spring scales (whats a spring scale?) the spring scale F1 reads 2.0 N. the cart moves toward the left with acceleration towards the left of 2.50 m/s/s. what does spring scale F2 read? :confused:
Not enough info given. I suspect you left out the resulting acceleration when F2 is applied.
 

FAQ: Force and acceleration and graphs

What is the relationship between force and acceleration?

According to Newton's second law of motion, force is directly proportional to acceleration. This means that as force increases, acceleration also increases in the same direction.

How are force and acceleration represented on a graph?

Force is typically represented on the vertical axis and acceleration on the horizontal axis. The slope of the line on the graph represents the relationship between force and acceleration.

What is the difference between a positive and negative slope on a force vs. acceleration graph?

A positive slope on a force vs. acceleration graph indicates that as force increases, acceleration also increases. A negative slope indicates that as force increases, acceleration decreases.

How does mass affect the relationship between force and acceleration?

According to Newton's second law, the acceleration of an object is inversely proportional to its mass. This means that as mass increases, acceleration decreases for a given force.

Can you determine the force or acceleration of an object from a graph?

Yes, the slope of a force vs. acceleration graph can be used to calculate the force or acceleration of an object. The steeper the slope, the greater the force or acceleration.

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