Question about Newton's 3rd law nd motion

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SUMMARY

This discussion clarifies the application of Newton's Third Law of Motion, specifically addressing the misconception regarding force imbalance and acceleration. When a person pushes a box, the box exerts an equal and opposite force back on the person, but this does not negate the acceleration of the box. The acceleration occurs due to the net force applied to the box, which is the force from the push minus the opposing force of friction. Understanding this distinction is crucial for grasping the principles of dynamics.

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  • Newton's Laws of Motion
  • Basic concepts of force and acceleration
  • Friction and its effects on motion
  • Understanding of equilibrium and non-equilibrium systems
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  • Explore the concept of friction and its coefficients
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the fundamental principles of motion and force interactions in everyday scenarios.

Aichuk
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Now let's say I push a box. The box will accelerate (before stopping due to friction). But when I push the box the box 'pushes' me too. I heard that acceleration occurs only when there is a force imbalance. But if the two forces are equal, then how could this cause an acceleration?
Please explain easily as I am inexperienced in this matter.
 
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The two forces are equal and opposite:true.
But there is only one force on the box, due to your push.
The third law (reaction) is not the same as the first law (equilibrium / non equilibrium).
 

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