The scenario you've described is an example of Newton's laws of motion, specifically the first law, which states that an object at rest will remain at rest unless acted upon by a net external force.
In this case, the person is applying the same amount of force to both the box of paper towels and the box of canned goods. The fact that the box of paper towels moves while the box of canned goods does not indicates that the two boxes have different properties affecting their motion. Here are a few factors that could explain the situation:
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Mass: The box of canned goods is likely heavier than the box of paper towels. According to Newton's second law (F = ma), the same amount of force will produce different accelerations for objects of different masses. If the box of canned goods has a greater mass, the acceleration (and thus movement) will be less than that of the lighter box of paper towels.
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Friction: The coefficient of static friction between each box and the surface it is on can also play a role. The box of canned goods may have a greater frictional force acting against it due to its weight or the texture of the box, preventing it from moving even though the same force is applied.
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Distribution of Force: The way the force is applied may also affect movement. If the force is applied differently to the two boxes (for example, at an angle or if it is not directed appropriately), the box of paper towels may respond more readily to that force.
In summary, the failure of the box of canned goods to move despite the application of the same force likely results from its greater mass and/or increased friction, compared to the box of paper towels.