What Forces Act on a Car Pushing a Block in Physics?

AI Thread Summary
A car pushes a block across the floor, and the discussion focuses on drawing a free body diagram for the car. Key forces include the normal force acting upwards, gravity acting downwards, and the forces exerted by the block and friction, both directed to the left. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing action-reaction pairs, clarifying that the force exerted by the block on the car is separate from the car's force on the block. There is confusion regarding how the car can move to the right despite the leftward forces, emphasizing the need to understand net forces in the system. Understanding these forces is crucial for accurately depicting the dynamics of the scenario.
TylerK
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Homework Statement


A car pushes a block across the floor. (assume that it is moving from left to the right)

Draw a free body diagram for the car showing: Force by block on car. Force of friction. Force of Gravity. Normal force.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



Normal force Straight up, gravity straight down. Force of box on car going left + force of friction going left.
 
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alright, i'll attach something for you

Note: Remember that no matter what your object is, it will remain as a box. Do not bother into details, only what that object (or system) it is.
 

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is "force by rabbit" the same as force of car on rabbit? I interpreted that as the equal and opposite reaction push back onto the car from the rabbit.
 
they are action-reaction pairs I think, but no, they are separate forces. Remember to label each one with a different name.
 
TylerK said:

Homework Statement


A car pushes a block across the floor. (assume that it is moving from left to the right)

Draw a free body diagram for the car showing: Force by block on car. Force of friction. Force of Gravity. Normal force.
when did the block change into a rabbit?
Normal force Straight up, gravity straight down. Force of box on car going left + force of friction going left.
if the friction force on car and force of block on car both point left, how does the car move to the right?
 

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