I want to confirm if its true if one object is to exert a force on another, then the two objects must be touching or connected by a third object.
It is most certainly NOT true. Gravitational, electrostatic and electromagnetic forces can be exerted by objects that are not in contact with each other.
ahh I understand now.Thank you.
To confirm if it's true that for one object to exert a force on another, the two objects must be touching or connected by a third object, we can refer to the fundamental principles of physics.
In classical physics, this statement is generally accurate. According to Newton's laws of motion, the force between two objects arises due to direct contact or interaction through a third object. Let's break it down:
1. Newton's First Law of Motion (Law of Inertia): This law states that an object at rest will remain at rest, and an object in motion will continue moving in a straight line at a constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force. If two objects are not connected or touching in any way, they won't have any direct influence on each other's motion.
2. Newton's Second Law of Motion: This law states that the force applied to an object is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its acceleration (F = ma). This equation implies that in order for an object to apply a force on another object, they need to be in contact or connected through a medium that can transmit the force.
3. Newton's Third Law of Motion (Law of Action-Reaction): This law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. When object A exerts a force on object B, object B simultaneously exerts an equal and opposite force on object A. This interaction occurs when the objects are in contact or connected.
However, it's important to note that in quantum mechanics or at a microscopic level, there are forces that can act at a distance without direct physical contact, such as electromagnetic forces or gravitational forces. These forces are governed by different laws and principles beyond classical physics.
In summary, for most everyday situations and in the context of classical physics, the statement that two objects must be touching or connected by a third object for one object to exert a force on another is generally true.