a) the force on the wagon is as strong as the force on the horse. The horse is joined to the Earth by flat hoofs, while the wagon is free to roll on its wheels.
b) The forse pulls before the wagon has time to react so they move forward.
c) The forse pulls forward slightly harder than the wagonpulls backward on the horse, so they move forward.
i thought this question was pretty weird. answer "a" makes sense in the first sentence, but the socond sentence of choice a screws the answer up. choice b does not make any sense. and i'm not sure bout choice c. Does this question make sense?
2006-11-12 04:26:29 · 4 answers · asked by S M 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
The choice A is correct
The forces are acting on different bodies as stated in Newton's III law of motion.
Even though a complete answer to the Horse and Wagon Question can get rather involved, a clear explanation only hinges on a couple of simple points:
An object accelerates (or not) because of the forces that push or pull on it. (Newton's 2nd Law)
Only the forces that act on an object can cancel. Forces that act on different objects don't cancel - after all, they affect the motion of different objects!
2006-11-12 04:49:54 · answer #1 · answered by usarora1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Answer c is correct. Newton's law of inertia would keep the wagon at rest unless it is acted upon by an unbalanced greater force. Once moving, the horse must exert enough force to overcome rolling friction including the axle bearings, etc.
2006-11-12 06:00:26 · answer #2 · answered by Kes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok, well in order for there to be movement one force MUST be greater than the other. since a) says the forces in either direction are equal then it cannot be correct. b) is also wrong since the there is always a reaction (unless its some kind of smooth, frictionless surface...but then how would the horse be able to walk without friction??)
c) is the correct answer - its simple mechanics, if the forces in one direction are greater than the forces in the other then the wagon will tend to move in the direction of the greater force.
2006-11-12 04:40:39 · answer #3 · answered by domhnall_oh 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
C is the closest answer. As long as the energy expended by the horse is greater than the resistance of the wagon, it will move forward.
2006-11-12 04:40:44 · answer #4 · answered by jonnyheroes 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋