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I like a = F/m for its more direct way for students to see
a proportional to F
a proportional to 1/m
however, F=ma is more convenient when dealing with typical
force problems in which there are multiple forces.
Ffriction + Fapply + Fcontact =ma
also, plotting F vs a gives you a nice linear graph.
And tell the engineering guy you will teach it as F=kma once
he gives you $50k.
________________________________________
From: phys-l-bounces@phys-l.org [phys-l-bounces@phys-l.org]
on behalf of Anthony Lapinski [Anthony_Lapinski@pds.org]
Sent: Thursday, July 26, 2012 8:01 PM
To: Phys-L@Phys-L.org
Subject: Re: [Phys-L] [SPAM] Re: form of Newtons 2nd law
I like the a = F/m form since an acceleration results from a
net force.
It's just easier to write F = ma (no fraction>) as N2L.
Similarly, I write
(derive) Ohm's law as I = V/R -- a current results from a potential
difference. Again, it's easier to write V = IR. These two formulas are
very similar (a and I are the result of F and I, respectively).
Phys-L@Phys-L.org writes:
My favorite form of N2 goes something like:
F = delta p / delta t
This is closer to what Newton wrote (IIRC) and we've already covered
momentum and collisions before needing Force and acceleration.
I've had engineers insist that it should be presented as:
a = F/m
(Some Engineers are very good at insisting)
At 3:11 PM -0600 7/26/12, Larry Smith wrote:
My engineering colleague says I should teach N2 as F = kma where k_______________________________________________
can make it work in non-SI-unit systems. How do you respond to such
requests?
Forum for Physics Educators
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_______________________________________________
Forum for Physics Educators
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_______________________________________________
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