How does the reaction force of friction affect the ground?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mechanics of friction and its reaction forces when pushing a heavy block on the ground. It establishes that if the applied force does not exceed the maximum static friction, the block remains stationary, resulting in no horizontal acceleration for the ground. The conversation highlights that the reaction force of friction acts equally and oppositely on the ground, but does not produce acceleration unless there is a net force acting on the system, such as when using external forces like a jetpack. The participants clarify that static forces dominate in this scenario, leading to a balanced state with no movement.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Third Law of Motion
  • Basic principles of static friction
  • Concept of force equilibrium
  • Knowledge of acceleration and its relation to net force
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Newton's Laws of Motion in detail
  • Explore static vs. kinetic friction and their applications
  • Investigate the effects of external forces on motion and acceleration
  • Learn about the dynamics of systems involving multiple forces, such as jet propulsion
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Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of force, motion, and friction in real-world applications.

Harsh Bhardwaj
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Suppose I am trying to push a heavy block on ground and I haven't applied a force stronger than the maximum static friction. The force of friction acts on the block and its equal and opposite force acts on the ground. Does the reaction force of friction(acting horizontally on the ground) actually give a horizontal acceleration to the ground?
 
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Harsh Bhardwaj said:
Suppose I am trying to push a heavy block on ground and I haven't applied a force stronger than the maximum static friction. The force of friction acts on the block and its equal and opposite force acts on the ground. Does the reaction force of friction(acting horizontally on the ground) actually give a horizontal acceleration to the ground?
If the block doesn't move with respect to the Earth, there are no accelerations anywhere. It's all static forces.
 
Harsh Bhardwaj said:
Does the reaction force of friction(acting horizontally on the ground) actually give a horizontal acceleration to the ground?
If your feet are providing the force the other way to help you generate the pushing force with your hands, then there are equal and opposite forces on the surface of the Earth, no?

But if you are using your jetpack to generate the force that you are using to push with your hands, then the force is on the whole air/Earth system...

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/772658/Yves_Rossy_1020.jpeg
Yves_Rossy_1020.jpg
 

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