Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (4th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0133942651
ISBN 13: 978-0-13394-265-1

Chapter 7 - Newton's Third Law - Conceptual Questions - Page 176: 6

Answer

According to Newton's third law, the force of the mosquito on the car is equal in magnitude to the force of the car on the mosquito. However, the resulting acceleration on each object is not equal. According to Newton's second law: F = ma. The force $F$ is equal in magnitude, but the mosquito's mass is much smaller than the car's mass. Therefore, the mosquito experiences a much greater acceleration than the car experiences as a result of the collision.

Work Step by Step

According to Newton's third law, the force of the mosquito on the car is equal in magnitude to the force of the car on the mosquito. However, the resulting acceleration on each object is not equal. According to Newton's second law: F = ma. The force $F$ is equal in magnitude, but the mosquito's mass is much smaller than the car's mass. Therefore, the mosquito experiences a much greater acceleration than the car experiences as a result of the collision.
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