A bus is moving and lots of ppl jumping

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In summary, the movement of the bus with constant velocity causes the passengers inside to jump. Whether this is classified as an external or internal force depends on the perspective - if considering the entire system of the bus and passengers, it is internal, but if only looking at the bus itself, it is external. It is important to differentiate and define the system in order to accurately determine the type of force exerted.
  • #1
darkar
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A bus moving with constant velocity. Passengers inside all jump at once, is that external force or internal force?

THx.
 
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  • #2
It depends - if you want to look at the force exerted on the entire system (people and bus) then it is an internal force. If you're only looking at the bus then it is an external force. It is important not to think that if the passengers are physiclly inside the bus then it must be an internal force no matter what.
For example, it might help to imagine the bus as simply a platform with people standing on it.
A force is internal if whatever that's exerting the force is part of the system. You can define what the system is however you want, depending what your trying to figure out.
 
  • #3
I see. Thanks ~
 

1. What is the physics behind a bus moving and people jumping inside?

The bus is propelled forward by its engine and wheels, creating a force known as thrust. As the bus accelerates, Newton's First Law of Motion states that objects in motion will remain in motion unless acted upon by an external force. This means that the people inside the bus will also experience this acceleration and may feel the need to jump to maintain their balance.

2. Is it safe for people to jump inside a moving bus?

While it is not recommended to jump inside a moving bus, it is relatively safe as long as the bus is moving at a steady speed and the passengers are holding onto something for support. However, if the bus suddenly stops or changes direction, the passengers who are jumping may lose their balance and fall, potentially causing injuries.

3. How does the weight of the passengers affect the bus's movement?

The weight of the passengers does have an impact on the bus's movement. The more passengers there are, the heavier the bus becomes, which can affect the bus's acceleration and overall speed. This is why buses have weight limits and may not move as quickly or efficiently when they are overloaded with passengers.

4. Can people jumping inside a bus affect its handling and stability?

Yes, people jumping inside a bus can affect its handling and stability. If too many people are jumping at once, it can cause the bus to become unbalanced and potentially lead to accidents or loss of control for the driver. It is important for passengers to remain seated or hold onto something while the bus is in motion to ensure its stability.

5. What safety precautions should be taken when jumping inside a bus?

The best safety precaution would be to avoid jumping inside a moving bus altogether. However, if it is necessary, passengers should hold onto a pole or seatback for support and only jump when the bus is moving at a steady speed. Passengers should also be mindful of others around them and not jump excessively or recklessly as it can cause harm to themselves and others.

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