Chapter 7, Problem 3A

When you walk on a floor, what pushes you along?

To determine

The force that pushes a person along when that person walk on a floor.

Answer to Problem 3A

The equal and opposite force exerted by the floor onto the person helps him in moving along.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

According to Newton’s third law of motion, for every force exerted there is an equal and opposite reaction.

When a person walks on a floor, the force is exerted by his foot on the floor. Now, as per Newton’s third law of motion, the force will then be exerted by the floor to his foot which pushes him along the floor.

Conclusion:

The reaction force exerted by the floor on the foot of the person pushes him forward.