Force Question: Hammer vs. Nail Impact

[zelda1850]

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

 

[nasageek]

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.