How can objects move if every action has an equal and opposite reaction?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the misconception surrounding Newton's Third Law of Motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. It emphasizes that forces act on different objects, allowing for movement. For instance, when a ball is dropped from a building, the gravitational force from the Earth acts on the ball, while the ball exerts an equal force on the Earth. This interaction explains how both the ball and the Earth can move, despite the law's stipulations.

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  • Understanding of Newton's Laws of Motion
  • Basic knowledge of gravitational forces
  • Familiarity with the concept of action-reaction pairs
  • Awareness of the effects of drag on falling objects
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  • Explore detailed explanations of Newton's Third Law of Motion
  • Investigate the effects of drag on falling objects in physics
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Students of physics, educators explaining motion concepts, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of forces and motion.

MrPickle
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This law is confusing me. If everything needs an equal and opposite reaction how do things move? Surely everything should be stationary if this law is true?
 
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The forces act on different objects. For example, consider a ball dropped from a building. Ignoring drag, there is only 1 force acting upon it, which is the pull of gravity from the Earth acting on the ball. The other force that makes this an equal and opposite reaction is the ball pulling on the Earth. The forces are acting on different objects, therefore both objects move.
 
Oh, I see! Thank you :)
 

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