A Question About Newton's Third Law

[arevolutionist]

Please excuse the newbieness of this question. I recently began studying physics. Does Newton's third law apply in the game of Croquet when one applies force to a static ball between the club and a second ball, thus causing the second ball to continue the force applied by the static ball?

 

[arunma]

Please excuse the newbieness of this question. I recently began studying physics. Does Newton's third law apply in the game of Croquet when one applies force to a static ball between the club and a second ball, thus causing the second ball to continue the force applied by the static ball?

Actually it's a question of momentum transfer. In this case, force is the means by which momentum is transferred. Yes, Newton's Third Law does apply; indeed it is always true. The force applied by the club gives the first ball momentum, and the first ball applies a force to the second ball, thus transferring its momentum to that ball. But the reaction force of the second ball (via Newton's Third Law) stops the first ball.