Newton's third law of motion states that _____.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 1.
Newton's Third Law of Motion:
'For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.'
Key Features of the Law:
• Action and Reaction: Forces always occur in pairs. If Object A exerts a force on Object B, then Object B also exerts an equal force on Object A in the opposite direction.
• Magnitude and Direction: Both forces are equal in magnitude, but their directions are always opposite to each other.
• Different Objects: Action and reaction forces always act on two different objects; therefore, they do not cancel each other out.
Examples in Daily Life:
1. Walking: When we push backward against the ground (action), the ground pushes us forward (reaction).
2. Rocket Flight: The gases expelled from a rocket push downward, thereby providing an upward thrust to the rocket.
3. Firing a Gun: When a bullet is fired from a gun, the gun recoils (jerks) backward.
Analysis of Other Options:
• Option 2: This is incorrect because the reaction force is 'equal' in magnitude, not 'greater.'
• Option 3: This represents Newton's Second Law of Motion (F = ma).
• Option 4: This represents Newton's First Law of Motion (the Law of Inertia).