What does Newton's third law of motion state?

What does Newton's third law of motion state?

• A. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
• B. Force is the rate of change of velocity.
• C. A resting object will remain at rest.
• D. Distance is proportional to acceleration and time.

Answer: (A)

Newton's third law of motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This means that if one object exerts a force on a second object, the second object simultaneously exerts a force of equal magnitude but in the opposite direction back on the first object. This principle is fundamental to understanding interactions between objects. For example, when you jump off a small boat, you push down on the boat (action), causing it to move backward (reaction). This law highlights the interdependence of forces in nature—signifying that forces always occur in pairs and cannot exist in isolation. It reassures us that all actions have consequences, reflecting the balance within the universe. In contrast, other options present different concepts. The second choice relates to Newton's second law, which describes how the force acting on an object affects its motion. The third option pertains to Newton's first law, emphasizing inertia, and the fourth choice incorrectly suggests a relationship between distance, acceleration, and time that does not reflect a law of motion as established by Newton.

Newton's third law of motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This means that if one object exerts a force on a second object, the second object simultaneously exerts a force of equal magnitude but in the opposite direction back on the first object.

This principle is fundamental to understanding interactions between objects. For example, when you jump off a small boat, you push down on the boat (action), causing it to move backward (reaction). This law highlights the interdependence of forces in nature—signifying that forces always occur in pairs and cannot exist in isolation. It reassures us that all actions have consequences, reflecting the balance within the universe.

In contrast, other options present different concepts. The second choice relates to Newton's second law, which describes how the force acting on an object affects its motion. The third option pertains to Newton's first law, emphasizing inertia, and the fourth choice incorrectly suggests a relationship between distance, acceleration, and time that does not reflect a law of motion as established by Newton.