Question

Pushing up against the skateboard, the ground also acts as a force.

Answer 1

Right.

Answer 2

Thank You

Answer 3

You're welcome.

Answer 4

[AI-generated answer — Explain Bot]

When you push against a skateboard, the force you apply is generally directed backward or to the side. However, one might wonder what counteracts or balances this force, allowing the skateboard to move forward. In this case, the ground serves as an opposing force that enables the skateboard to move.

To understand why the ground acts as a force, we need to consider Newton's third law of motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. When you push against the skateboard, you exert a force on it, causing it to move backward or to the side. Simultaneously, according to Newton's third law, the skateboard exerts an equal and opposite force on you.

Now, let's consider the skateboard's contact with the ground. As you push backward or to the side, the wheels of the skateboard generate a frictional force against the ground. This frictional force acts in the opposite direction to your push, allowing the skateboard to move forward.

The frictional force between the wheels and the ground arises due to the microscopic interactions between the two surfaces and is known as static friction. This force prevents the skateboard from slipping or sliding and instead allows it to propel forward.

To summarize, when you push against a skateboard, the ground counteracts your force by exerting a frictional force in the opposite direction, enabling the skateboard to move forward.