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I push a wall and it pushes back as long as I do - where does this infinite reaction force comes from?
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
The reaction force is not infinite; it is finite. For example, if you push with a force of 100N, the wall will push back with a force of 100N.
If you are thinking that this requires an unlimited amount of energy, then you are confusing the concepts of force and energy. Energy is only required if the force is applied over a certain distance - the energy (or work) required to pull or push an object is equal to the force multiplied by the distance. In the example you give, the wall doesn't budge, so you have a force of 100 N times a distance of zero meters, equals an energy of 0 Joule.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
The wall pushes back on you due to Newton's third law of motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The force you apply to the wall is met with an equal force in the opposite direction. This continual interaction of forces is what allows the wall to push back as long as you do.
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What is the force that pushes back on you when you push on something?
The force that pushes back on you when you push on something is called the reaction force. According to Newton's third law of motion, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. So, when you exert a force on an object, the object exerts an equal force in the opposite direction back on you.
What is the name of the force that pushes a rocket upwards?
thrust
When a boy lands on a trampoline he pushes the trampoline what is the reaction force?
The reaction force when a boy lands on a trampoline and pushes it is the trampoline pushing back against the boy with an equal and opposite force. This is based on Newton's third law of motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
When a boy pushes down on an diving board what is the reaction force?
The reaction force when a boy pushes down on a diving board is the diving board pushing up on the boy with an equal force. This is in accordance with Newton's Third Law of Motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
What is an example of action-reaction pairs?
An example of action-reaction pairs is when you push against a wall (action) and the wall pushes back against you with an equal force (reaction). Another example is when a rocket pushes gas downwards (action), causing the rocket to move upwards (reaction).
What action and reaction are present when you are sitting on a chair?
Your weight pushing down on the chair is the action force. The reaction force is the force exerted by the chair that pushes up on your body
What reaction force pushes on a jumping rabbits legs?
the rabbit pushing on earth
What is the force that pushes back on you when you push on something?
The force that pushes back on you when you push on something is called the reaction force. According to Newton's third law of motion, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. So, when you exert a force on an object, the object exerts an equal force in the opposite direction back on you.
What is the name of the force that pushes a rocket upwards?
thrust
When a boy lands on a trampoline he pushes the trampoline what is the reaction force?
The reaction force when a boy lands on a trampoline and pushes it is the trampoline pushing back against the boy with an equal and opposite force. This is based on Newton's third law of motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
When a boy pushes down on an diving board what is the reaction force?
The reaction force when a boy pushes down on a diving board is the diving board pushing up on the boy with an equal force. This is in accordance with Newton's Third Law of Motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
What action forces and reaction forces are present when you are sitting on a chair?
Your weight pushing down on the chair is the action force. The reaction force is the force exerted by the chair that pushes up on your body
An object is falling down and hits the ground which law of physics describes the force which make the object stop?
Newton's Third Law of Motion For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The object pushes downward on the surface, the surface pushes upward on the object. When the net force is zero, the object comes to rest.
What does dodgeball have to do with action-reaction?
It makes your arm get fitter when you throw it. It pushes force which allows you to stretch
What is the reaction force to centripetal force in a centrifuge?
The centripetal force is the force with which the centrifuge pushes some object inwards. The opposite force, of course, is the object pushing the centrifuge outwards.
What is an example of action-reaction pairs?
An example of action-reaction pairs is when you push against a wall (action) and the wall pushes back against you with an equal force (reaction). Another example is when a rocket pushes gas downwards (action), causing the rocket to move upwards (reaction).
What happens when A skateboarder pushes on the ground with her foot. She and the skateboard accelerate down the sidewalk due to the force?
When the skateboarder pushes on the ground with her foot, she exerts a force on the ground in one direction, causing the ground to exert an equal and opposite reaction force on her in the opposite direction. This reaction force propels the skateboard and the skateboarder forward, resulting in acceleration down the sidewalk.
