Problems with Newton's third Law

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of Newton's third law and how it explains the movement of a cart being pulled by a horse. The net force on the cart is not 0N, as previously believed, but rather 500N due to the force of the horse pulling the cart. The other 500N force, as explained by Newton's third law, is acting on the horse and causing the cart to move.
  • #1
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Homework Statement



This is more of a concept problem than one of number manipulation. I was wondering, if when a horse pulls forward on a cart with a force of 500 N and the cart pulls back with a force of 500 N by Newton's 3rd Law, how does the cart move if the net force is 0?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


 
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  • #2
Welcome to Physics Forums.
The net force on the cart isn't 0 N, it's 500N.
The Newton 3 reaction force is acting on the horse.
 
  • #3
how it is zero?..
you said that the horse pulls the cart with a force of 500N , in this case you have a force of 500N acting on the cart ..
Now, you said that by Newtons third law there should be another 500N force, but pay attention this other force is acting on the horse! not the cart, so that's why the cart is moving! .. can you see the difference now? .. if not ask again .. :)
 
  • #4
Thanks a bunch, yeah it makes sense now
 

FAQ: Problems with Newton's third Law

What is Newton's third law?

Newton's third law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This means that whenever an object exerts a force on another object, the second object will exert an equal and opposite force back on the first object.

What are some common problems with Newton's third law?

One of the main problems with Newton's third law is that it does not take into account friction and air resistance. In real-life scenarios, these forces can affect the equal and opposite reaction, making it not completely equal. Another problem is that the forces may not always act on the same objects, making it difficult to determine which object is exerting the action and which is exerting the reaction.

Can Newton's third law be violated?

No, Newton's third law is a fundamental law of physics and has been proven to hold true in countless experiments. However, there are certain situations, such as electromagnetic forces, where it may seem like the law is being violated, but in reality, it is still being followed.

How does Newton's third law apply to everyday life?

Newton's third law can be seen in many everyday situations, such as when walking, pushing a shopping cart, or riding a skateboard. When we walk, we push against the ground, and the ground pushes back with an equal and opposite force, propelling us forward. Similarly, when we push a shopping cart, our force on the cart is matched by the cart's force back on us, causing us to move in the opposite direction.

How does Newton's third law affect motion?

Newton's third law affects motion by ensuring that forces are always balanced. This means that if one object exerts a force on another object, the second object will exert an equal and opposite force back. This allows for objects to move and interact with each other in a predictable manner, following the laws of physics.

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