Force is mass times accelaration Question inside

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration and how it applies to objects in motion and collisions. The equation F = m * a is used to calculate force, but it fails in cases of impact because the object experiences deceleration. The mathematical formula for the actual force felt in a collision is F = m * a, where a is the deceleration experienced during the impact.
  • #1
kunal.janu
1
0
HI all

We know that Force = Mass * Acceleration

An object moving at constant velocity will have zero acceleration. So when it impact an object or a person, a force is felt. Equation above suggests that force is zero.

Please explain why this equation fails for this case, and a mathematical formula for deriving the force that is actually felt.

Awaiting answers
Kunal Janu
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Thats becasue when you hit something, you decelerate.

The deceleration is generally very high if you hit a brick wall, hence a large force is felt.

Therefore the mathematical formula for the force you feel is...

F=m*a
 
  • #3
Exactly, when you hit something, your acceleration is no longer zero.

You'll learn more about collisions when you get into momentum.
 

FAQ: Force is mass times accelaration Question inside

1. What is the formula for calculating force?

The formula for calculating force is force = mass x acceleration. This means that the force applied to an object is directly proportional to its mass and the acceleration it experiences.

2. How does force affect an object's motion?

Force is what causes an object to accelerate or decelerate. If a force acts on an object, it will either speed up or slow down, depending on the direction of the force and the object's initial velocity.

3. Can force be negative?

Yes, force can be negative. Negative force indicates that it is acting in the opposite direction of the positive force. For example, if a force of -10 Newtons is applied to an object, it would be moving in the opposite direction of a force of 10 Newtons.

4. How do mass and acceleration affect force?

As mentioned in the formula, force is directly proportional to mass and acceleration. This means that the greater the mass of an object, the more force is needed to accelerate it. Similarly, the greater the acceleration, the more force is needed to cause a change in an object's motion.

5. What is the unit of force?

The unit of force is Newton (N). One Newton is defined as the amount of force required to accelerate a mass of one kilogram by one meter per second squared (1 N = 1 kg x 1 m/s²).

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