Concept explainers
When a spacecraft collides with a planet, it is not necessary for them to actually touch each other, but when a car collides with a truck, the car and the truck must touch. Explain the difference between these two types of collisions.
The difference between the collisions of a planet with spacecraft and a car with truck.
Answer to Problem 1PQ
The force between planet and spacecraft is a field force of gravity, and it does not require physical contact, but force between car and truck is normal force of collision and it requires physical contact.
Explanation of Solution
Force between a space craft and planet is gravitational force. Gravity is a field force which does not requires a contact between objects under consideration. Thus, the collision between spacecraft and planet does not require physical contact between both.
But collision force between car and truck is the normal force which requires a physical contact between both objects. Since, normal force is a contact force; during collision they must touch each other.
Conclusion:
Field force acting between spacecraft and planet does not require a physical contact between both objects, but normal collision force between car and truck requires a contact between both.
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Chapter 11 Solutions
Physics for Scientists and Engineers: Foundations and Connections
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