Proof of F=ma from second law of Newton

In summary, the conversation discusses the second law of Newton, which states that force is proportional to the change in momentum. This can be expressed as F = k(mv - mu), where k is a constant. The conversation then goes on to prove this equation using the equation F = ma, with the addition of a small time interval, \delta t, and a Taylor expansion to approximate the speed at that interval.
  • #1
hasanhabibul
31
0
from the second law of Newton we know... applied force is proportional to the change of momentum...that means F= k( mv-mu) where k is constant ...from here now proof F=ma
 
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  • #2
The second law doesn't say that. Look at it again.
You need to start with the correct equation before you can prove F=ma
 
  • #3
I think i can help you, but with my own labelling ;)

[tex]F \sim m \cdot \frac{v^\prime - v}{\delta t}[/tex]​

[tex]v^\prime[/tex] is the speed after a short time interval [tex]\delta t[/tex] related to the instant of time [tex]t[/tex]. So the equation above can be written in a more descriptive way

[tex]\delta t \, F \sim m \cdot \Bigl( v(t+\delta t) - v(t) \Bigr)[/tex]​

if the time interval [tex]\delta t[/tex] is very small, we can approximate [tex]v(t+\delta t)[/tex] according to Taylor (keyword Taylor expansion).

[tex]v^\prime = v(t + \delta t) \approx v(t) + \dot v(t) \, \cdot \, \delta t + \mathcal{O}\bigl((\delta t)^2 \bigr)[/tex]​

putting it in the initial equation that yields

[tex]\delta t \, F \sim m \cdot \Bigl( ~ \bigl( v(t) + \dot v(t) \, \cdot \, \delta t \bigr) ~ - v(t) \bigr) = m \, \cdot \, \dot v(t) \, \delta t [/tex]​

Here you see, that the time interval [tex]\delta t[/tex] must be very small, otherwise the first term of the Taylor series isn't a good approximation any longer.

Hope that i could help you...
 

FAQ: Proof of F=ma from second law of Newton

What is the second law of Newton?

The second law of Newton, also known as the law of acceleration, states that the force applied to an object is directly proportional to the mass of the object and its acceleration. This law is expressed as F=ma, where F is the force, m is the mass, and a is the acceleration.

How does the second law of Newton relate to F=ma?

The second law of Newton can be mathematically expressed as F=ma, which means that the force applied to an object is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its acceleration. This equation helps us understand how forces affect the motion of objects.

What is the proof of F=ma from the second law of Newton?

The proof of F=ma from the second law of Newton can be derived from the definition of acceleration, which is the rate of change of an object's velocity. Using the formula for acceleration (a=Δv/Δt), we can rearrange the equation to solve for force, giving us F=ma.

Can you give an example of how F=ma is applied in real life?

One example of how F=ma is applied in real life is when a car accelerates. The force of the engine pushing the car forward is directly proportional to the mass of the car and its acceleration. This equation also applies to other situations, such as a person pushing a cart or a rocket launching into space.

Is F=ma a universal equation for all forces?

No, F=ma is not a universal equation for all forces. It is specifically related to Newton's second law and only applies to forces that cause acceleration. Other forces, such as friction or tension, have their own equations and cannot be calculated using F=ma.

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