Chapter 4, Problem 14RQ

How many forces are exerted on the horse? What is the net force on the horse?

To determine

The number of forces exerted on the horse and the net force on the horse.

Answer to Problem 14RQ

The force $P$ applied in backward direction and reaction force $F$ applied by the ground in forward direction. And the net horizontal force on the horse is $F-P$.

Explanation of Solution

The free body diagram of the horse is shown below,

The horse is subjected to two forces, the force $P$ applied in backward direction and reaction force $F$ applied by the ground in forward direction.

The net horizontal force acting on the horse will be equal to difference of these force $P$ applied by the horse to pull the cart and the friction force applied by the ground in forward direction $F$.

Write the expression for net horizontal force act on the horse.

$F_{horse}=F-P$

Here,

$P$ is the force applied by the horse to pull the cart

$F$ is the force applied by the ground in forward direction

Conclusion:

Therefore, the force $P$ applied in backward direction and reaction force $F$ applied by the ground in forward direction. And the net horizontal force on the horse is $F-P$.