Question

In the expression F – m.a = 0, the term – m.a is called _______

(a) Reversed effective force

(b) Net force

(c) Coriolis force

(d) Resultant force

This question was addressed to me by my college professor while I was bunking the class.

Origin of the question is Resultant Effect of a System of Forces Acting on a Rigid Body topic in section Inertia Forces in Reciprocating Parts of Machine Dynamics

Answer 1

Right choice is (a) Reversed effective force

The best I can explain: If the quantity m.a is treated as another force with same line of action as the net force, then the body could be assumed to be in static equilibrium. This force is known as Reversed effective force.