Why don't forces cancel each other out when they act on two different bodies?

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SUMMARY

Forces do not cancel each other out when they act on different bodies, even if they are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction. This is because cancellation of forces only occurs when they act on the same body. An example illustrating this concept involves two billiard balls being struck simultaneously with equal and opposite forces; each ball will move independently rather than remaining stationary. Understanding this principle is crucial for grasping fundamental concepts in physics.

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manimaran1605
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Why forces acts on two different bodies with same magnitude and opposite in direction doesn't cancel each other?
 
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manimaran1605 said:
Why forces acts on two different bodies with same magnitude and opposite in direction doesn't cancel each other?
Because each force acts on a different body. If two equal and opposite forces act on the same body, then they do cancel.
 
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Doc Al said:
Because each force acts on a different body. If two equal and opposite forces act on the same body, then they do cancel.

This question is being asked very frequently. Is there any FAQ for this?
 
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Let me give you an example. You and your friend are standing at opposite sides of a billiard table facing each other. Then you hit two balls simultaneously with equal and opposite forces. Do you expect that the two balls don't move?
 

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