Newton's 3 Law: Analyzing Equal & Opposite Forces

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The discussion centers on Newton's Third Law of Motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. A key point raised is the apparent contradiction between this law and the observation that a second object changes velocity upon collision. The argument suggests that if forces are equal and opposite, the second object should not experience a change in momentum. However, participants clarify that when one object exerts a force on another, both objects experience forces simultaneously, leading to changes in their velocities. The conversation emphasizes the simultaneous nature of action and reaction forces, asserting that both objects are affected during a collision, which results in a change in momentum for each. The discussion also touches on the need to understand the relationship between impulse, momentum, and net force to fully grasp the implications of Newton's laws.
  • #31
Let me try to set N3L into a much more comprehensive example.
Try pushing your finger on a pin. The force was exerted by you on the pin but you still feel pain as if there is a force acting on your finger from the pin(because that force really exists).
 
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  • #32
Thank you all for the comments. I'll keep in mind when I hit the book again.
 

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