Why do contact forces arise ?
2007-08-17 05:11:41 · 3 answers · asked by Alfred E Neuman 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
In order to stop moving, something needs a force to stop it (Newtons First Law of motion: an object in motion tends to stay in motion). So if it hits another object, a force arises to stop it, going in the other direction of motion (or else it would just go right through the contacted object). This force generates an equal and opposite force (Newtons third law), which either causes the contacted object to move, or is small enough that it has no effect.
2007-08-17 05:22:49 · answer #1 · answered by Jon G 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
What is refered as contact force is really the result of two moving masses touching=that is called collison.
When two moving masses collide the motion energy of each add together at the point of collison.
The resulting scenario, motion stops at that point ,and an active force is borne along with an equal and opposite reacting force.
Hence what causes contact forces to come into existence at collision is because motion of one mass was hindered by another mass.
2007-08-17 06:20:58 · answer #2 · answered by goring 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Pretty much what Jon G said.
2007-08-17 05:47:49 · answer #3 · answered by tannum2000 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋