Quizzes

Newton’s third law of motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This means that whenever an object exerts a force on another object, the second object also exerts an equal and opposite force on the first object.

To understand this law from first principles, we can break it down into its fundamental components. Firstly, we need to understand the concept of force. Force is a push or pull that can cause an object to change its state of motion. It is measured in terms of Newtons (N).

Now, consider an object exerting a force on another object. According to Newton’s third law, the object experiencing the force will exert a force of the same magnitude but in the opposite direction on the first object.

Let’s illustrate this with an example. Imagine two objects, A and B, placed next to each other on a frictionless surface. If object A applies a force on object B, say pushing it towards the right with a force of 5N, then object B will simultaneously apply an equal and opposite force of 5N on object A, pushing it towards the left.

This action-reaction pair demonstrates Newton’s third law. The force exerted by object A on object B is the action, and the force exerted by object B on object A is the reaction. Both forces have the same magnitude (5N) but act in opposite directions (right and left).

It is important to note that these forces always act on different objects and not on the same object. Additionally, these forces do not cancel each other out as they act on different objects.

Understanding Newton’s third law is crucial for various applications, including analyzing forces in mechanics and engineering. By comprehending this basic principle, students can effectively solve problems related to the conservation of momentum, rocket propulsion, and even the motion of sports objects.

In conclusion, the statement “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction” best describes Newton’s third law of motion. This law highlights the relationship between the forces exerted by interacting objects and emphasizes the balanced nature of these forces, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of motion and force interactions for NEET entrance examination preparation.