What will happen to the crate of eggs when a truck makes a sharp left turn?

In summary, according to Newton's first law, when the truck driver makes a sharp left turn, the crate of eggs will continue moving in the direction it was going before, relative to the ground. This means that it will slide to the right and forward in the truck, depending on the sharpness of the turn and the amount of friction.
  • #1
wolves5
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A truck driver is carrying a crate of eggs to a local gorcery store. When the driver gets off the highway, he makes a sharp left turn. According to Newton's Laes, what will happen to the crate of eggs?

a. The crate will slide to the right in the truck.
b. The crate will slide to the left in the truck.
c. The crate will slide forward in the truck.

Well Newton's third law says that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. If thr truck makes a sharp left turn, then the crate of eggs will slide in the opposite direction. So A. Is my reasoning right for that?
 
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  • #2
You're kinda right about it being A. But the actual answer is none of the above. Here's why.

The main law we are dealing with is Newton's first law, not the third one. That law states that an object in motion stays in motion. Here the object in question is the crate. Basically, when the truck turns to the right, the crate keeps going in the direction it was going before, relative to the ground. In the trucks frame of reference, the box goes forward and right. How much forward or right depends on how sharp the turn is.

This assumes that the frictional force isn't enough to stop the crate.

I'm hoping I got the explanation right. Its a bit late were I am. So, I'm not 100%.
 

Related to What will happen to the crate of eggs when a truck makes a sharp left turn?

1. What are Newton's Laws of Motion?

Newton's Laws of Motion are three fundamental principles that describe the behavior of objects in motion. They were developed by Sir Isaac Newton in the 17th century and are the basis for classical mechanics.

2. How do Newton's Laws apply to trucks?

Newton's Laws apply to trucks just as they do to any other object in motion. The laws explain how trucks accelerate, decelerate, and maintain motion.

3. What is the first law of motion and how does it relate to trucks?

The first law of motion, also known as the law of inertia, states that an object at rest will remain at rest and an object in motion will remain in motion at a constant velocity, unless acted upon by an external force. This means that a truck will continue to travel at a constant speed unless a force, such as friction or the engine, acts upon it.

4. How does the second law of motion apply to trucks?

The second law of motion states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. In the case of trucks, this means that the heavier the truck and the greater the force applied by the engine, the faster the truck will accelerate.

5. Can you give an example of the third law of motion in relation to trucks?

The third law of motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In the case of trucks, this means that when the truck applies a force to the ground (action), the ground applies an equal and opposite force back on the truck (reaction). This is what allows a truck to move forward when the engine applies a force to the wheels.

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