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

Responses

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

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

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.

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

5 answers

The correct response is: It is impossible to tell which object exerts the greater force unless we know which object accelerates.
If two objects with different masses are pushing each other, which exerts the greater force?

Responses

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

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.

The object with the greater mass exerts the greater force on the smaller object because the larger object has more inertia.
The correct response is: It is impossible to tell which object exerts the greater force unless we know which object accelerates.
A child pushes a desk with a force of 15 N to the right. The desk accelerates to the right. Which of the following statements correctly represents Newton’s third law and the interaction between the child and desk?

Responses

The desk exerted slightly less than 15 N of force on the child, but the force is directed to the left.
The desk exerted slightly less than 15 N of force on the child, but the force is directed to the left.

The desk exerted slightly more than 15 N of force on the child, but the force is directed to the left.
The desk exerted slightly more than 15 N of force on the child, but the force is directed to the left.

The desk exerted exactly 15 N of force on the child, but the force is directed to the left.
The desk exerted exactly 15 N of force on the child, but the force is directed to the left.

The desk did not exert any force on the child.
The correct response is: The desk exerted exactly 15 N of force on the child, but the force is directed to the left.