What does Newton's third law state?

What does Newton's third law state?

• A. Every action has equal and opposite reaction
• B. For every action there is a greater reaction
• C. Action and reaction are unrelated
• D. For every force there is a corresponding energy change

Answer: (A)

When two objects interact, the forces they exert on each other come in a pair that has the same strength but opposite directions. These action and reaction forces act on two different bodies and occur at the same time. A practical example in aviation is propulsion: the engine pushes exhaust gases backward, and the exhaust pushes the engine forward with an equal and opposite force, producing forward thrust for the aircraft. Similarly, if you push on a wall, the wall pushes back on you with the same force in the opposite direction. This description is why it’s the best choice: it states both equal magnitude and opposite direction, and notes that the forces act on two objects. The other ideas mix up magnitude, imply a delay or inconsistency, or confuse force with energy change, which isn’t accurate for Newton’s third law.

When two objects interact, the forces they exert on each other come in a pair that has the same strength but opposite directions. These action and reaction forces act on two different bodies and occur at the same time. A practical example in aviation is propulsion: the engine pushes exhaust gases backward, and the exhaust pushes the engine forward with an equal and opposite force, producing forward thrust for the aircraft. Similarly, if you push on a wall, the wall pushes back on you with the same force in the opposite direction.

This description is why it’s the best choice: it states both equal magnitude and opposite direction, and notes that the forces act on two objects. The other ideas mix up magnitude, imply a delay or inconsistency, or confuse force with energy change, which isn’t accurate for Newton’s third law.