Concept explainers
Since the force that acts on a cannonball when a cannon is fired is equal and opposite to the force that acts on the cannon, does this imply a zero net force and therefore the impossibility of an accelerating cannonball? Explain.
To identify: Whether the given condition will imply zero net force and therefore impossibility of an accelerating cannonball.
Explanation of Solution
Introduction:
Single force does not exist. According to Newton's third law of motion, for every action force there is a equal and opposite reaction force.
During firing, cannon exerts a force on the cannonball this is action force. Also cannonball exerts a opposite force on cannon. This is reaction force. Both forces are equal and opposite.
According to Newton's second law of motion, the acceleration of an object is directly proportional applied force and inversely proportional to mass of an object. But the acceleration of the cannonball is larger since its mass is small. The acceleration of cannon is small in opposite direction since it has large mass.
Conclusion:
No, the given condition will not imply net force of system to be zero along with the impossibility of an accelerating cannonball.
Chapter 7 Solutions
Conceptual Physics: The High School Physics Program
Additional Science Textbook Solutions
The Cosmic Perspective Fundamentals (2nd Edition)
Physics: Principles with Applications
University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)
University Physics Volume 2
Essential University Physics: Volume 2 (3rd Edition)
Essential University Physics: Volume 1 (3rd Edition)
- College PhysicsPhysicsISBN:9781305952300Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris VuillePublisher:Cengage LearningUniversity Physics (14th Edition)PhysicsISBN:9780133969290Author:Hugh D. Young, Roger A. FreedmanPublisher:PEARSONIntroduction To Quantum MechanicsPhysicsISBN:9781107189638Author:Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.Publisher:Cambridge University Press
- Physics for Scientists and EngineersPhysicsISBN:9781337553278Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. JewettPublisher:Cengage LearningLecture- Tutorials for Introductory AstronomyPhysicsISBN:9780321820464Author:Edward E. Prather, Tim P. Slater, Jeff P. Adams, Gina BrissendenPublisher:Addison-WesleyCollege Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio...PhysicsISBN:9780134609034Author:Randall D. Knight (Professor Emeritus), Brian Jones, Stuart FieldPublisher:PEARSON