Question

When a horse pulls a cart, the force that helps the horse to move forward is the force exerted by,
A. the cart on the horse
B. the ground on the horse
C. the ground on the cart
D. the horse on the ground

Answer 1

Hint: In this question, we have been asked to find the force responsible for the movement of the horse in forward direction. So, we will be discussing how the movement of horses takes place. Also, we will discuss the forces involved for this movement. We will also be discussing Newton's law of motion as it will help us with our question.

Complete answer:
As shown in the figure, the direction of motion of the horse is in forward direction. We know that reaction forces exist always in pairs. Therefore, as shown in the figure, if the horse applies a pressure in the negative X- direction as shown, there will be a reaction force exerted by the ground on the horse equal in magnitude but opposite in direction. This force helps the horse to move in forward direction. The force in turn pulls the cart as the horse moves forward.

                

So, the movement of the horse is due to the force exerted by the ground. This force is known as friction force.

So, the correct answer is “Option B”.

Note:
The friction force exists between two surfaces trying to slide over each other. The friction is a reaction force. The friction force always acts opposite to the direction of motion of the object. This force depends on the nature of the surface of the objects and the amount of force applied. The two major types of friction are static friction and kinetic friction force.