Chapter 4, Problem 5RAT

When a cannonball is fired from a cannon, both the cannonball and the cannon experience

(a) equal amounts of force.

(b) equal accelerations.

(c) Both of these.

(d) None of these.

To determine

The correct option for the statement "When a cannonball is fired from a cannon, both the cannonball and the cannon experience".

Answer to Problem 5RAT

The correct option for the statement "When a cannonball is fired from a cannon, both the cannonball and the cannon experience" is option (a).

Explanation of Solution

If cannon fire the cannonball, it exerts some action force over the cannonball, so the cannonball moves to the projected direction in a parabolic path. The cannonball also applies equal and opposite reaction force on the cannon. This cannonball reaction force helps the cannon to recoil.

So, according to Newton's third law of action and reaction force, the applied action force and the cannonball applies reaction force in the opposite direction. Thus, both cannonball and cannon experience the same amount offorce but in opposite directions.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the correct option for the statement "When a cannonball is fired from a cannon, both the cannonball and the cannon experience" is option (a).