Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 2: Problem 20

At least two forces are acting on you right now. What are these forces? Describe the relationship between the size and direction of these two forces.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The two forces acting on a person right now are the gravitational force, which pulls them downward towards the center of the Earth, and the normal force, which counteracts the gravitational force and acts upward perpendicular to the surface they are standing on. These forces are equal in magnitude but have opposite directions, resulting in a net force of zero when the person is standing still and maintaining their position on the surface.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the forces acting on a person

The first force acting on a person is gravity, which pulls them towards the center of the Earth. This force, also known as weight, is responsible for keeping a person anchored to the ground. The second force is the normal force, which acts perpendicular to the surface on which the person stands. This force is exerted by the ground or floor in response to the gravitational force acting on a person's body and counteracts their weight.
02

Determine the size of each force

The gravitational force, or weight (W), acting on a person can be calculated using the formula: W = m * g Where m represents the person's mass and g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s^2). The normal force (N) acting on the person's body is equal in magnitude to the gravitational force, but with the opposite direction. This is due to Newton's third law stating that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. So, N = W = m * g
03

Describe the relationship between the size and direction of these two forces

The gravitational force and normal force are equal in magnitude but have opposite directions. The gravitational force acts downward, pulling the person towards the center of the Earth, while the normal force acts upward, counteracting the gravitational force and preventing the person from sinking into the ground. This balance of forces results in a net force of zero when a person is standing still, enabling them to remain in place on the surface.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Explain how the change in the force of air resistance on a falling body causes it to eventually reach a terminal speed.

Discuss the distinction between mass and weight.

We have studied four different laws authored by Sir Isaac Newton. For each of the following, indicate which law is best for the task described. (a) Calculating the net force on a car as it slows down. (b) Calculating the force exerted on a satellite by Earth. (c) Showing the mathematical relationship between mass and weight. (d) Explaining the direction that a rubber stopper takes after the string that was keeping it moving in a circle overhead is cut. (e) Explaining why a gun recoils when it is fired. (f) Explaining why a wing on an airplane is lifted upward as it moves through the air.

Describe the variation of the net force on and the acceleration of a mass on a spring as it executes simple harmonic motion.

The terminal speed of a ping-pong ball is about \(20 \mathrm{mph}\). From the top of a tall building on a windless day, a ping-pong ball is thrown downward with an initial speed of \(50 \mathrm{mph}\). Describe what happens to the ball's speed as it moves downward from the moment it is thrown to the moment when it hits the ground.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Particle Model of Matter

Read Explanation

Magnetism

Read Explanation

Medical Physics

Read Explanation

Atoms and Radioactivity

Read Explanation

Energy Physics

Read Explanation

Modern Physics

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free