Two students are studying for their upcoming physics exam anddiscussing the differences between directed motion and randommotion. While reviewing the students make the followingcomments:
Kenny: Directed motion and random motion aretwo separate things. In directed motion you can use Newton’s Lawsto describe the motion of individual objects, but when objectsexhibit random motion they are equally likely to move in anydirection. For Newton’s laws to apply there must be net movement ina particular direction.
Jesse: I thought that the difference betweenrandom motion and directed motion was just a matter of how closelyyou examine what’s going on. Newton’s Laws still apply for objectsundergoing random motion, but it would be really hard to work outall the details.
React to each student’s statement and discuss what you thinkabout random motion. Do Newton’s Laws apply? Can you reconcileKenny and Jesse’s statements? Note: This is an essay question.Your answer will be judged not solely on its correctness, but forits depth, coherence, and clarity.
