If the mass (of the trolley) is constant and the applied force is increased, then the acceleration . If the applied force is constant and the mass (of the trolley) is increased then the acceleration . We can say that the acceleration is proportional to the Force and inversely proportional to the mass. This can be written mathematically as follows:
If the applied force is constant and the mass (of the trolley) is increased then the acceleration . We can say that the acceleration is proportional to the Force and inversely proportional to the mass. This can be written mathematically as follows:
We can say that the acceleration is proportional to the Force and inversely proportional to the mass.
This can be written mathematically as follows:
We can combine these two proportionalities as follows:
and rearrange to form:
F ∝ ma
The units of force are . One is defined as the force required to give a of 1kg, an of 1m/s2. So our proportionality becomes an equality as follows:
where
This can be summarised in the following 'magic triangle':
We have seen that to get a greater rate of change of speed, we need a force. It is also true to say to get a greater rate of change of direction, we need a force. Turning a sharp corner or tight bend requies a larger force as the changes faster. This is why it is more precise to say acceration is the rate of change of , rather than . Racing drivers take the 'racing line' to minimise rate of change of direction. This allows the to carry the maximum amount of speed through a corner for the grip the have left on the tires. Try and turn too quickly and the tires won't be able to provide the force requied, and the car will leave the track!
Racing drivers take the 'racing line' to minimise rate of change of direction. This allows the to carry the maximum amount of speed through a corner for the grip the have left on the tires. Try and turn too quickly and the tires won't be able to provide the force requied, and the car will leave the track!
