Re: F=ma

[Van Neie <ven@PHYSICS.PURDUE.EDU>]

> It is not research, but Paul Hewitt has long advocated a form similar to
> that which Leigh has suggested:  F/m = a.  In some sense it sets an
> experience or observation on one side (RHS) and the "factors" which are
> used to explain it on the other.

I agree.  It is for the same reason that I introduce the potential
difference, resistance, current relationship (no need to call it Ohm's
Law!) as
                        I = V/R

In my mind, current plays the same role as acceleration, it is what we
"observe."  The PD drives the current much as force "drives" the
acceleration.  And just as mass (inertia) limits the acceleration,
resistance (electrical inertia) limits it.

Hey, it isn't perfect, but analogies never are.

Van E. Neie

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