Question

You are pushing a book across a desk with a constant velocity. What are the forces acting on the book and in what direction? Are the y-forces equal in magnitude, why or why not? Are the x-forces equal in magnitude, why or why not? Explain using Newton’s Second Law. If you push on the book, according to Newton’s Third Law of Motion, what is the equal and reactive force?

Answer 1

The book is being pushed from the side meaning there are horizontal forces at work. The first is an applied force, the second is a force of friction against the motion. Since the book is moving at a constant velocity, the book is not accelerating. This means that the forces must be balanced.

Have a Nice Day : ) .

Answer 2

When you are pushing a book across a desk with a constant velocity, there are two forces acting on the book: friction and the force of your push.

The force of friction acts in the opposite direction to the motion of the book and opposes the motion of the book. The force of friction is caused by the interaction between the bottom surface of the book and the surface of the desk.

The force of your push acts in the same direction as the motion of the book and causes the book to move.

The y-forces on the book are not equal in magnitude, as there is only one force acting in the y-direction, which is the force of friction. The x-forces are also not equal in magnitude, as there is one force acting in the x-direction, which is the force of your push.

According to Newton's Second Law, the force acting on an object is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its acceleration. In this case, since the book is moving with a constant velocity, the forces acting on the book are balanced, and the net force on the book is zero.

According to Newton's Third Law of Motion, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. So, when you push on the book, the equal and opposite force is the force exerted by the book on your hand.