How Can a Box Accelerate If It Pushes Back with Equal Force?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around Newton's third law of motion, specifically addressing the apparent contradiction of how a box can accelerate when it exerts an equal and opposite force in response to an applied force. Participants are exploring the dynamics of force interactions and acceleration in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants attempt to clarify the conditions under which the box accelerates, questioning the net forces acting on the box and the implications of Newton's third law. Others raise points about the role of external forces and the distinction between forces acting on different bodies.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of force interactions. Some have provided insights into the mechanics of force application and counterforces, while others are questioning the assumptions underlying the scenario presented.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be a focus on understanding the implications of Newton's third law and the conditions necessary for acceleration, with some participants suggesting a need to clarify the forces acting on the box versus those acting on the person applying the force.

gotwind
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Newtons third law tells that if you push a box with 15N force, it pushes back on you with 15N force. How can you ever accelerate this box if it always pushes back with the same force you exert on it? explain briefly
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The box isn't accelerating so the sum of the forces is going to equal 0.
 
You are applying a force on the box in one direction. Nothing is applying a force on the BOX in the opposite dirrection you are. The force the box acts on us is countered by our muscles which force our body to stay in the spot we are.
 
gotwind said:
Newtons third law tells that if you push a box with 15N force, it pushes back on you with 15N force. How can you ever accelerate this box if it always pushes back with the same force you exert on it?
Ask yourself: Do the two equal and opposite forces from Newton's 3rd law both act on the box?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
7K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
2K