Question

Why is force a vector quality?

Answer 1

Because force (F) is mass (m) times acceleration (a). Acceleration is a vector, therefore, force is a vector. Acceleration is the change in velocity with respect to time, but it also includes the direction of this change:

$$
\large
{\vec{F}=m\vec{a}}
$$

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Subjectively, you need to know the direction of the push or pull, that's why force is a vector. It's not enough to know the magnitude of the force. If someone asks you to open a door, you need a certain amount of force, but you also need to know the direction to apply the force. This direction is the vector requirement.

Answer 3

thank you for helping me! :)

Answer 4

You're welcome

Answer 5

Do all objects fall with the same rate of acceleration?

Answer 6

No, they do not, because they might have different masses and this differs the value of a in F=ma. One interesting is that if two or more objects are at a given height above ground in a system with no resistance, they will all touch the ground at the same time.

Answer 7

The rate of acceleration on earth is approximately \(9.81 m/s^2\). So your weight (in Newtons) would be
$$
W=mg
$$
This means that all objects have acceleration:
$$
g=\cfrac{W}{m}
$$
There are variations on the surface of the earth of this number based on density of the underlying ground, such as oil or water reservoir or iron deposits.

Consequently, all objects (in the absence of air resistance) fall at the same rate.

Objects on any planet or celestial object will fall at the same rate independent of mass. Their acceleration on each of these objects will be a function of their respective masses.

Does this make sense?

Answer 8

Thanks