How to calculate motion of object pushed by force?

In summary, when a force is applied to an object that does not go through its center of mass, it will still move in a trajectory and rotate around its center of mass. These motions can be calculated using formulas for angular velocity, angular acceleration, rotational moment of inertia, and torque.
  • #1
lemd
31
0
Hi

I know F=ma is applied when force pushes through object's center of mass. But in case force does not go through center of mass, how will the object react? I think object will rotate a little but don't know how to calculate things such as rotation and translation speed like the case with F=ma. I tried to google but can't find a simple generic answer.

Can someone show me how to calculate such things?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
lemd said:
Hi

I know F=ma is applied when force pushes through object's center of mass. But in case force does not go through center of mass, how will the object react? I think object will rotate a little but don't know how to calculate things such as rotation and translation speed like the case with F=ma. I tried to google but can't find a simple generic answer.

Can someone show me how to calculate such things?

Thanks

When you have progressed a little further, you will learn about angular velocity, angular acceleration, rotational moment of inertia, and torque. This will give you what you want.
 
  • #3
actuallyy a force exerted like that ( i mean in a particular angle or direction). is know as torque and is different from actual force! :D ...
i think it is clear if learn more about equilibruim both roataional and transilational ! :D ..
 
  • #4
Thanks

I remember I learned things like that a long time ago. Problem is physics is not my profession and so English is not my language when I learned them. I just want some short answers because I already tried google.

So here are something I found but can't confirm they are true or not. When a random force applied:
1/ Center of mass of object still moves in a trajectory like in the the case the force is applied in center of mass and can be calculated by F=ma. Is it true?
2/ Object will rotate around center of mass. But I can't find a formula to calculate it. My guess is that object rotation is the same as when it is locked by a pivot at the center of mass. Is it true? If these two are true then I can calculate motion by a random force
 
  • #5
lemd said:
Thanks

I remember I learned things like that a long time ago. Problem is physics is not my profession and so English is not my language when I learned them. I just want some short answers because I already tried google.

So here are something I found but can't confirm they are true or not. When a random force applied:
1/ Center of mass of object still moves in a trajectory like in the the case the force is applied in center of mass and can be calculated by F=ma. Is it true?
2/ Object will rotate around center of mass. But I can't find a formula to calculate it. My guess is that object rotation is the same as when it is locked by a pivot at the center of mass. Is it true? If these two are true then I can calculate motion by a random force
Yes and Yes.
 

FAQ: How to calculate motion of object pushed by force?

What is the formula for calculating the motion of an object pushed by force?

The formula for calculating motion of an object pushed by force is F=ma, where F is the force applied to the object, m is the mass of the object, and a is the acceleration of the object.

2. How can I determine the acceleration of an object pushed by force?

To determine the acceleration of an object pushed by force, you can use the formula a=F/m, where a is the acceleration, F is the force applied to the object, and m is the mass of the object.

3. Can I calculate the motion of an object pushed by force without knowing the force?

No, the force applied to an object is a necessary component in calculating its motion. If you do not know the force, you will not be able to accurately determine the object's acceleration or velocity.

4. How does the direction of the force affect the motion of an object?

The direction of the force is crucial in determining the direction of an object's motion. If the force is applied in the same direction as the object's initial motion, it will accelerate the object. If the force is applied in the opposite direction, it will decelerate the object. If the force is applied at an angle, the object's motion will be a combination of both acceleration and change in direction.

5. What other factors can affect the motion of an object pushed by force?

Other factors that can affect the motion of an object pushed by force include the surface friction, air resistance, and the object's shape and size. These factors can influence the object's acceleration and ultimately its motion.

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