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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of forces acting on different bodies and why they do not cancel each other out, despite being equal in magnitude and opposite in direction. The scope includes conceptual clarification and exploratory reasoning regarding the nature of forces in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that forces acting on different bodies do not cancel each other because they are applied to separate objects.
  • Others clarify that if two equal and opposite forces act on the same body, then those forces do cancel each other out.
  • A participant provides an example involving two people hitting billiard balls with equal and opposite forces to illustrate the concept.
  • One participant notes that this question is frequently asked and inquires about the existence of a FAQ on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the principle that forces acting on different bodies do not cancel each other, while there is a clear distinction made regarding forces acting on the same body. However, the discussion remains exploratory without a formal consensus on the broader implications.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address potential limitations or assumptions regarding the definitions of forces or the conditions under which they are applied.

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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