How does a locomotive pull a series of wagons? Does the weight of the locomotive matter in this scenario? 1. Because action always equals reaction, the locomotive cannot pull the wagons -- the wagons pull backward just as hard as the locomotive pulls forward, so there is no motion. 2. The locomotive can pull the wagons forward only if it weighs more than the wagons. 3. The locomotive gets the wagons to move by giving them a tug during which the force on the wagons i momentarily greater than the force exerted by the wagons on the locomotive. 4. The locomotive's force on the wagons is as strong as the force of the wagons on the locomotive, but the frictional force on the locomotive is forward and large while the backward frictional force on the wagons is small. 5. The train moves forward because the locomotive pulls forward slightly harder on the wagons than the wagons pull backward on the locomotive.

Question

How does a locomotive pull a series of wagons? Does the weight of the locomotive matter in this scenario?   1. Because action always equals reaction, the locomotive cannot pull the wagons -- the wagons pull backward just as hard as the locomotive pulls forward, so there is no motion.   2. The locomotive can pull the wagons forward only if it weighs more than the wagons.   3. The locomotive gets the wagons to move by giving them a tug during which the force on the wagons i momentarily greater than the force exerted by the wagons on the locomotive.   4. The locomotive's force on the wagons is as strong as the force of the wagons on the locomotive, but the frictional force on the locomotive is forward and large while the backward frictional force on the wagons is small.   5. The train moves forward because the locomotive pulls forward slightly harder on the wagons than the wagons pull backward on the locomotive.

General · Answer

Explanation:   The situation of a locomotive pulling wagons can be understood using Newton's third law of motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This doesn't mean the locomotives and wagons cannot move. While the locomotive's force on the wagons is equal to the force of the wagons on the locomotive (action-reaction pair), the locomotive moves forward because it is exerting a force greater than the force of friction opposing its motion. The wagons, being pulled by the locomotive, also move, overcoming their own frictional force against the tracks.   No matter the weight of the locomotive or wagons, what allows for the forward motion is the balance of forces. Option 3, where the locomotive exerts a momentary greater force on the wagons, launching them into motion, is technically correct but might not fully explain continuous motion. Option 4 correctly mentions different magnitudes of friction on the locomotive and wagons. However, it's important to remember that the forward force from the locomotive must overcome both the backward pull from the wagons (their inertia or resistance to movement) and friction.   So, considering all possibilities, arguably, the best fitting answers would be 3 and 4. However, this is a simplified explanation, and actual situations might involve other variables like air resistance, uneven weight distribution, etc.

The Science Behind a Locomotive Pulling Wagons

How does a locomotive pull a series of wagons? Does the weight of the locomotive matter in this scenario?

Explanation:

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