Identifying Newtonian force pairs

In summary, the idea of Newtonian force pairs involves two objects and the forces exerted on them. In the case of a bottle resting on a table, the weight force exerted on the bottle by Earth and the normal contact force on the bottle by the table are not Newtonian force pairs. However, the weight force exerted on the bottle by Earth and the weight force exerted on Earth by the bottle are Newtonian forces. The normal contact force on the bottle by the table can be considered as an electromagnetic force pair between the atoms of the bottle and the table's electrons.
  • #1
MBBphys
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Homework Statement


Hello,
Regarding the idea of Newtonian force pairs, imagine a bottle resting on a table:
Weight force exerted on bottle by Earth and normal contact force on bottle by table are not Newtonian force pairs because they are different types and act on the same object.
Weight force exerted on bottle by Earth and weight force exerted on Earth by bottle are Newtonian forces.

So what Newtonian force pair includes the normal contact force on bottle by table? While making my notes, this is what I did not understand.
Thanks :)

Homework Equations


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The Attempt at a Solution


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  • #2
MBBphys said:
So what Newtonian force pair includes the normal contact force on bottle by table?
Consider the same interaction from the table's perspective.
 
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  • #3
Remember Newton's Third Law and apply it to the normal force. The table is exerting a normal force on the bottle, therefore...
 
  • #4
The atoms that comprise solids have electron clouds which push on each other. So most such forces can be considered electromagnetic. One electron pushes and is pushed, creating a force pair.

The bottle's electrons push on the table's electrons and the table's electrons push on the bottle's electrons.

Electrons can also pull. The bottle has electron bonds that hold it together.
 
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  • #5
MBBphys said:

Homework Statement


Hello,
Regarding the idea of Newtonian force pairs, imagine a bottle resting on a table:
Weight force exerted on bottle by Earth and normal contact force on bottle by table are not Newtonian force pairs because they are different types and act on the same object.
Weight force exerted on bottle by Earth and weight force exerted on Earth by bottle are Newtonian forces.

In the following, what are the two objects involved?
So what Newtonian force pair includes the normal contact force on bottle by table? While making my notes, this is what I did not understand.
Thanks :)

Homework Equations


N/A

The Attempt at a Solution


N/A
 
  • #6
Jeff Rosenbury said:
The atoms that comprise solids have electron clouds which push on each other. So most such forces can be considered electromagnetic. One electron pushes and is pushed, creating a force pair.

The bottle's electrons push on the table's electrons and the table's electrons push on the bottle's electrons.

Electrons can also pull. The bottle has electron bonds that hold it together.
Thank you! I got it now :)
 

1. What is a Newtonian force pair?

A Newtonian force pair refers to a pair of forces that act on two different objects in opposite directions. These forces are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction, and they follow Newton's third law of motion which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

2. How do you identify a Newtonian force pair?

To identify a Newtonian force pair, you need to look for two forces acting on different objects in opposite directions. These forces should have equal magnitudes and opposite directions, and they should be caused by the interaction between the two objects. In other words, if one object exerts a force on another object, the second object will exert an equal and opposite force on the first object.

3. What is the significance of identifying Newtonian force pairs?

Identifying Newtonian force pairs is important because it helps us understand the relationship between forces and motion. It also allows us to accurately predict the motion of objects and apply Newton's laws of motion in various situations. Additionally, recognizing force pairs can aid in problem-solving and engineering applications.

4. Can a single force be a Newtonian force pair?

No, a single force cannot be a Newtonian force pair. As mentioned earlier, a Newtonian force pair involves two forces acting on different objects in opposite directions. A single force acting on an object cannot have an equal and opposite force acting on it, thus it does not qualify as a Newtonian force pair.

5. What are some examples of Newtonian force pairs?

Some common examples of Newtonian force pairs include a person pushing against a wall, a book resting on a table, and a rocket launching into space. In each of these examples, there are two forces acting in opposite directions - the person's push and the wall's reaction force, the book's weight and the table's normal force, and the rocket's thrust and the exhaust gases' reaction force, respectively.

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