Explaining Inertia: Box B Moving Left When A Moves Right

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In summary, the movement of box B when force is applied to box A depends on the coefficient of friction and the amount of force applied. If the friction force is high and the applied force is small, the two boxes move together. If the friction force is small and the force on the lower box is high, then the force of friction between the boxes is not high enough to accelerate the top box at the same rate as the lower box. The top box moves to the right, but at a slower rate than the lower box.
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Box B sits on top of box A. IF we apply a force to box A and cause it to move to the right; then box B moves to the left.

Why? Why doesn't box B also move to the right? Can someone explain this? I keep doing such experiments but can't figure it out.
 
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x86 said:
Box B sits on top of box A. IF we apply a force to box A and cause it to move to the right; then box B moves to the left.

Why? Why doesn't box B also move to the right? Can someone explain this? I keep doing such experiments but can't figure it out.

It depends on the coefficient of friction between the boxes, and on how much force is applied. If the friction force is high and the applied force is small, the two boxes move together. If the friction force is small and the force on the lower box is high, then the force of friction between the boxes is not high enough to accelerate the top box at the same rate as the lower box. The top box does not move to the left -- it moves to the right, but more slowly than the lower box.

Does that make sense now?
 

1. What is inertia?

Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion. This means that an object at rest will remain at rest, and an object in motion will continue moving at a constant velocity in a straight line, unless acted upon by an external force.

2. How does inertia explain the movement of Box B?

Inertia explains the movement of Box B because when Box A moves to the right, it creates an imbalance of forces on Box B. This causes Box B to move in the opposite direction, to the left, in an attempt to maintain its state of rest.

3. Is inertia a force?

No, inertia is not a force. It is a property of matter that describes its resistance to changes in motion. However, it can be affected by forces acting on an object.

4. How does the mass of an object affect its inertia?

The greater the mass of an object, the greater its inertia. This means that objects with more mass are more difficult to accelerate or decelerate, and will require more force to do so.

5. Can inertia be overcome?

Yes, inertia can be overcome by external forces. However, the amount of force required to overcome the inertia of an object depends on its mass and initial velocity.

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