Understanding Newton's 3rd Law: Reactionary Forces to Friction

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When pushing a box forward, the box experiences a frictional force acting backward. According to Newton's Third Law, the box pushes the ground forward with an equal and opposite force. While it's theoretically interesting to consider the Earth's reaction, practical calculations typically focus on the friction force using the equation F_fric = μN. Understanding these forces helps clarify the application of Newton's laws in real-world scenarios. Overall, grasping the relationship between action and reaction is essential for comprehending frictional dynamics.
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Ok so you push a box forward and the box exerts a force of friction backwards


Would the reactionary force to the friction on the box (the ground pushing the box backwards) be the force of the box pushing the ground forwards
 
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yea. that's given by N3L. but it's much more conveinent to think in terms of F_{fric}=\mu N. calculating the entire shift of the Earth everything we want to do a frictional problem's a bit of a stretch :D
 
I wasn't actually trying to calculate it. Just making sure I understand Newton's 3rd law. :smile:
 

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