If two objects with different masses are pushing each other, which exerts the greater force?

1. The object with the smaller mass exerts the greater force on the larger object because it requires more force to make the larger object move.

2. They both exert the same amount of force on each other regardless of their mass, but in opposite directions.

3. It is impossible to tell which object exerts the greater force unless we know which object accelerates.

4. The object with the greater mass exerts the greater force on the smaller object because the larger object has more inertia.

Question

Patricky

Physics

31 August, 16:51

If two objects with different masses are pushing each other, which exerts the greater force?

1. The object with the smaller mass exerts the greater force on the larger object because it requires more force to make the larger object move.

2. They both exert the same amount of force on each other regardless of their mass, but in opposite directions.

3. It is impossible to tell which object exerts the greater force unless we know which object accelerates.

4. The object with the greater mass exerts the greater force on the smaller object because the larger object has more inertia.

+3

Answers (2)

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Preston Pitts · Answer 1

4. The object with the greater mass exerts the greater force on the smaller object because the larger object has more inertia.

Explanation:

Because the quarter has more mass, gravity exerts more force on it. But greater mass also means more inertia, so the greater force does not produce a larger acceleration. Objects with different masses fall with the same acceleration.

Meyers · Answer 2

Newton's 3rd law of motion says that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

This means that the smaller mass exerts a force on the larger mass that is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the force that the larger mass exerts on the smaller mass.

Choice 2