Why Does a Standing Truck Not Move When Pushed by a Boy?

[physics kiddy]

Hello,

Why doesn't a standing truck move even after applying a large force by a little boy? Is it due to inertia of rest or friction ??

If it is inertia of rest, then why only a small force is needed to move a heavy object in space ...
please explain

 

[daveb]

If the truck were parked on a surface with little to no friction, that large force might move it (albeit slowly) because there is no frictional force to overcome. However, remember there is also the frictional force of the axle/wheels and other mechanical parts of the truck, so it still may not move. That's why a heavy object in space can be moved - there is no frictional force (nor other force that resists the movement) to overcome.

 

[physics kiddy]

won't the frictional force between the mechanical parts act in space ??

 

[1mmorta1]

won't the frictional force between the mechanical parts act in space ??

The tire's don't need to roll in space.

 

[PJC01]

Hello,

The reason a standing truck does not move even after a large force is applied by a little boy is due to the concept of inertia. Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion. In this case, the truck is at rest and requires a larger force to overcome its inertia and start moving.

Friction also plays a role in this scenario. Friction is a force that opposes motion between two surfaces in contact. In the case of the truck, there is likely a significant amount of friction between its tires and the ground, making it even harder to move.

In space, there is no friction, so objects require much less force to move because there is no resistance to overcome. This is why a small force can move a heavy object in space.

I hope this explanation helps clarify the role of inertia and friction in the movement of objects. If you have any further questions, please let me know. Thank you for your inquiry.