Re: F=ma

[Ludwik Kowalski <KowalskiL@MAIL.MONTCLAIR.EDU>]

Van Neie wrote:

> .... 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.

I suppose that is the reason for the phrase "emf". Many
people do not like it; they prefer to call V "dop". I hope
this does not trigger another debate about forbidden words.
But is it really a useful analogy? I think so, at least at the
level of my teaching. I see no harm in it.
Ludwik Kowalski
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To understand is to find a satisfactory causal  relation which is
objectively correct. To explain is to express that understanding.
To teach is to promote understanding.
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