- #1
Callista
- 5
- 2
Homework Statement
A locomotive has broken through the wall of a train station. During the collision, what can be said about the force exerted by the locomotive on the wall?
a)The force exerted by the locomotive on the wall was less than the force exerted by the wall on the locomotive.
b) The force exerted by the locomotive on the wall was the same in magnitude as the force exerted by the wall on the locomotive.
c) The force exerted by the locomotive on the wall was larger than the force the wall could exert on the locomotive.
d) The wall cannot be said to "exert" a force; after all, it broke.
Homework Equations
NA?
The Attempt at a Solution
I understand that the answer must be b, due to Newton's 3rd law. However, what I don't understand is my textbooks explanation for why the wall gives out.
"Answer (b). Newton’s 3rd law describes all objects, breaking or whole. The force that the locomotive exerted on the wall is the same as that exerted by the wall on the locomotive. The framing around the wall could not exert so strong a force on the section of the wall that broke out."
According to Newtons 3rd law there must be an equal and opposite reaction between the wall and the train. So why isn't there a equal and opposite reaction between the wall and the frame? I feel like there must be an unequal force somewhere to cause the wall to break, but I can't understand how this could be possible according to Newtons 3rd law.