A boy picks up a bowling ball. Which of the following choices correctly describes the interaction between the boy and the bowling ball?
a.The boy exerts an upward force on the ball, and the bowling ball exerts a downward force on the boy. Both forces are equal in strength.
b.The boy exerts an upward force on the bowling ball, and the bowling ball exerts a downward force on the boy. The bowling ball’s force on the boy is the greater force.
c.The boy exerts an upward force on the bowling ball, and the bowling ball exerts a downward force on the boy. The boy’s force on the bowling ball is the greater force.
d.The boy exerts an upward force on the bowling ball because the ball accelerates. The bowling ball does not exert a force on the boy because the boy does not accelerate.
b. The boy exerts an upward force on the bowling ball, and the bowling ball exerts a downward force on the boy. The bowling ball’s force on the boy is the greater force.
To correctly describe the interaction between the boy and the bowling ball, we need to understand Newton's third law of motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
In this scenario, when the boy picks up the bowling ball, he exerts an upward force on the ball. According to Newton's third law, the bowling ball will exert a downward force on the boy, equal in strength to the force applied by the boy.
So, of the given choices, the correct description would be:
a. The boy exerts an upward force on the ball, and the bowling ball exerts a downward force on the boy. Both forces are equal in strength.