Force Question: Hammer vs. Nail Impact

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of Newton's Third Law of Motion in the context of a carpenter striking a nail with a hammer. According to this law, the force exerted by the hammer on the nail is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the force exerted by the nail on the hammer. Therefore, the correct answer to the multiple-choice question regarding the forces is that they are the same. This principle is illustrated through the example of jumping, where the force exerted on the Earth is matched by an equal force exerted back.

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Homework Statement



a carpenter hits a nail with a hammer. compared to the magnitude of the force the hammer exerts on the nail, the magnitude of the force the nail exerts on the hammer during the contact is

Homework Equations



is there an equation?

the mutiple choice was

1) less
2) greater
3) the same

The Attempt at a Solution



can someone explain me the answer I am confused
 
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It is a question about Newton' third law of motion. Which states that for every force there is an equal and opposite force. That means the nail hits the hammer with the same force as the hammer hits it. Also when you jump you are pushing on the Earth and the Earth pushes back making you "jump" or recoil and the Earth recoils too by a few microns.
 

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