According to Newton's Third Law of Motion, mechanical forces always occur in equal and opposite action-reaction pairs acting on different objects. Match each described action force in the left column to its corresponding reaction force in the right column.
- A construction worker's boots exert a backward frictional force on a concrete floor.The concrete floor exerts a forward frictional force on the boots, providing the traction needed to walk.
- A descending hammer head exerts a downward contact force on a steel nail.The steel nail exerts an upward contact force on the hammer head, causing it to decelerate upon impact.
- A locomotive's rotating drive wheel exerts a backward force on the steel track.The steel track exerts a forward force on the drive wheel, which propels the massive train forward.
- A crane's active electromagnet exerts an upward magnetic pull on a scrap iron block.The scrap iron block exerts a downward magnetic pull on the crane's electromagnet, adding tension to the crane's cable.
Answer
The correct matches pair the action force on the second object with an equal and opposite reaction force acting back on the first object. Worker's boots pair with the concrete floor's forward friction. The hammer head pairs with the nail's upward contact force. The locomotive wheel pairs with the track's forward force. The electromagnet pairs with the iron block's downward magnetic pull.
According to Newton's Third Law, for every action force there is an equal and opposite reaction force. These forces must act on two different, interacting bodies. By identifying the two bodies in the action (e.g., boots pushing on the floor), the exact reaction is simply the reverse physical interaction (the floor pushing on the boots).
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Newton's Third Law of Motion (Action and Reaction Forces)
Estimated Time:1m 30s