Chapter 7, Problem 41A

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 determine

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.