Question

Explain why (a) a horse cannot pull a cart and run in empty space, (b) passengers are thrown forward from their seats when a speeding bus stops suddenly, (c) it is easier to pull a lawn mower than to push it, (d) a cricketer moves his hands backwards while holding a catch.

Answer 1

Answer:

Therefore, a horse cannot pull a cart and run in empty space. (b) This is due to inertia of motion. ... However, the upper part tends to remain in motion (as per the first law of motion). As a result, the passenger's upper body is thrown forward in the direction in which the bus was

Answer 2

(a) For pulling a cart or for running, the horse pushes the earth with its feet and reaction of the earth makes it move in the forward direction. Since in empty space there is no reaction force, therefore the horse cannot run in empty space.