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.

 

[astrokreng]

Yes, Newton's third law applies in the game of Croquet. This law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In the scenario described, the force applied by the club to the static ball will result in an equal and opposite force being applied by the static ball to the second ball, causing it to move in the same direction. This is because the two balls are in contact with each other and exerting forces on each other. This principle applies to all interactions between objects, including those in the game of Croquet.