Question

part 1 of 2 consider the collision between a car and a light truck whose weights are equal (m = m). if they are moving at the same speed when they collide, compare the size (or magnitude) of the forces between the car and the truck. friction is so small that it can be ignored. 1. the truck exerts the same amount of force on the car as the car exerts on the truck. 2. none of the answers correctly describes the situation. 3. the truck exerts a greater amount of force on the car than the car exerts on the truck. 4. not enough information is given to pick one of the answers. 5. the car exerts a greater amount of force on the truck than the truck exerts on the car. 6. neither exerts a force on the other; the car gets smashed simply because it is in the way of the truck.

Explanation:

According to Newton's third - law of motion, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In the case of the car - truck collision, the force exerted by the truck on the car and the force exerted by the car on the truck are an action - reaction pair. So, they have the same magnitude regardless of the type of vehicles and their speeds (as long as friction is negligible).

Answer:

1. The truck exerts the same amount of force on the car as the car exerts on the truck.