Chapter 4, Problem 4RQ

Why do we say a speeding object doesn't possess force?

To determine

The reason that the speeding object doesn’t possess force.

Answer to Problem 4RQ

The reason that the speeding object doesn’t possess force is that the object is travelling on its own inertia.

Explanation of Solution

Newton's third law specifies that the force applied by body 1 on body 2 is conserved and the other body 2 applied the same force on the body 1.

Thus, in case of the speeding object, the object applies a force in the backward direction to speed up. But, due to this force, a reaction force of the same magnitude will be induced in the forward direction due to which the net force on the object becomes zero, and the object will be travelling on its inertia. Hence, the speeding object doesn't possess force.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the speeding object doesn't possess force because the object is travelling on its own inertia.