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Average Force Formula

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Last updated date: 17th Apr 2024
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Introduction to Average Force Formula

We use the term ‘force’ in our daily lives to refer to a number of things. In most contexts, force is used to describe any push or pull that requires an effort at a certain speed, in some cases. When objects interact with each other, it is possible that they exert a certain amount of force on each other as well. 


What Is the Average Force?

Average force is the force applied to a body that is moving at a certain velocity, for a certain period of time. This is almost always a vector quantity, which means that it has both magnitude as well as direction. It is called average force to imply that it is not a constant or absolutely measured value for velocity. 


Formula For Average Force

If the time interval is taken as t, the force will then be the frequency of the change of momentum. When there are a number of time intervals, the rate of change of  momentum is known as the average force. 


Therefore, it is shown as:

\[F = \frac{m (v_f – v_i)}{\Delta t}\]

Here, 

m refers to the mass of the body

vf is the final momentum

vi indicates to the initial momentum 

Δ t points to the change in time, or time intervals


The product of the average force is always expressed in the form of Newtons (N). 


Formula For The Magnitude Of Force

Magnitude of force formula: F = m*a

Here,

m refers to the mass

a refers to the acceleration


What Is Net Force?

There is a certain net force that acts upon all objects.  This is the vector sum total of all forces that are acting on any particular object. Newton’s second law indicates that if there is a net force acting on any particular object, that object is accelerating, so its speed will change with every second. 


Solved Examples Using Average Force Formula

Example1:

A man throws an object with a mass of 7 kg and it rolls with a velocity of 4 m/s for 2 s. Find out its average force.


Solution:

Given: Mass of bowling ball m = 7 kg,

Initial velocity vi = 0

Final velocity vf = 4 m/s

Plugging in the values in the Average force formula, we have:

\[F = \frac{m (v_f – v_i)}{\Delta t}\]

\[F = \frac{7 (4 – 0)}{2}\]

F= 14 N


Example 2:

A rabbit that weighs 20 kg chases the owner for 16 seconds with a velocity of 7 m per sec. Calculate the average force for the rabbit.


Solution:

Given:

The mass’ m = 20 kg.

The rabbit’s average velocity, Vavg = 7 m per s

The time, Δt =16seconds.

Now, the formula is,

\[F = \frac{m (v_f – v_i)}{\Delta t}\]

\[F = \frac{20 (7 – 0)}{16}\]

\[F = \frac{140 \text{kg m per s}}{16sec} \]

= 8.75 kg m per s²

Hence, the average force is  8.75N.


Conclusion

Average force can be defined as the force applied to a body moving at a certain velocity, for a certain period of time. It is mostly a vector quantity since it has both momentum and direction. It is different from net force and momentum. 

FAQs on Average Force Formula

1. Is average force the same as net force?

Average force is a force that is variable and not constant over time. It gives a more or less uniform value to calculate the other aspects associated with it. Net force, on the other hand, refers to the total force applied to the object. Average force always requires it to not be consistent with the changes in time, but this may not be the case with net force. Net force may also act on human beings who are stationary at one place, but the force of gravity is acting upon them. 

2. Can average force be mapped on a graph?

Certainly, average force can always be mapped on a graph as long as the other requirements are known. It can be calculated by taking the area under the force versus the time curve and dividing it by the base of the triangle or time itself. If these coordinates are sorted out, then the average force can be mapped and calculated on a graph directly. For example, if we are trying to find the average force of any triangular profile, it would be equal to half the height and the height will be the highest point of force

3. Are average force and momentum same?

No, these are not the same. Momentum is different from any kind of force. Even though these terms may be related, they are not the same. Force and momentum are both vector quantities. Momentum refers to the total value of motion that accompanies any moving object. Meanwhile, force of any kind has to do with the change in momentum. Force can act closely or at a distance, but momentum cannot be categorised in such way. 

4. What is the average force required to stop a car?

A lot of times, people wonder whether it is possible to stop a car simply by using force. It is possible, as long as the force is strong enough to withstand the oncoming car. For this to happen, it is important to consider the average force required to stop the car as well as the momentum and velocity with which the car is moving. In order to answer this, we need to know the mass of the car, the velocity with which it is moving and then calculate the average force using the formula. 

5. What are some everyday examples of average force?

Physics has applications in everyday existence. Average force is a concept of physics but it can be seen in a lot of things that we do daily. Any work which requires effort and a certain kind of push and/or pull automatically uses force, and where there is a force that changes with time, it is average force. This can be seen in sports where someone kicks a ball with a force that may change over time as the ball moves from one place to another. 

6. What is the Average Force?

In our routine life, we often come across the term force. Which is required to perform a task and achieve some position change? A force is usually a push or pulls upon an object consequent of the interaction of one object with another object. Whenever there is such a kind of interaction between two objects, then there will be a force upon each of the objects. Forces possibly exist as an outcome of an interaction. At times multiple forces are applied to one object. Then the average force is needed here.

7. What is the Use of the Force Velocity Formula?

The Average Force Formula helps us in obtaining the rate of change of momentum for any given number of time intervals (Δt). It is typically expressed in Newton (N).