Why Don't Newton's Third Law Forces Cancel Each Other Out?

In summary, Newton's Third Law states that every action force has an equal reaction force, but these forces do not cancel each other out because they act on different objects. For example, an object on the ground experiences an equal but opposite force from the ground, resulting in a net force of 0. However, when the same object is in the air, there is only one force acting on it, leading to a change in velocity.
  • #1
NeomiXD
31
0
I was just wondering if, according to Newton’s Third Law, every action force has an equal reaction force that acts in the opposite direction, why do these forces not just cancel each other out, resulting in no net force and therefore no motion?
 
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  • #2
Because the two forces act on two different objects, not on the same object. For example, an object on the ground has the force of gravity acting downward, and the norrmal force acting upward. There is also the gravitational force of the object on the Earth as well, but this is the force on the earth, not the object

These result in 0 net force on the object. But that same object in the air only has the force of gravity acting upon it, resulting in change in velocity.
 

Related to Why Don't Newton's Third Law Forces Cancel Each Other Out?

1. How does Newton’s Third Law apply to everyday life?

Newton’s Third Law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This means that when one object exerts a force on another object, the second object will exert an equal force in the opposite direction. In everyday life, this can be seen when we walk, push a door, or even when we sit on a chair – the force we exert on the ground or the chair is met with an equal and opposite force.

2. Can you give an example of Newton’s Third Law in action?

A classic example of Newton’s Third Law is the recoil of a gun. When a bullet is fired from a gun, the gun exerts a force on the bullet, propelling it forward. At the same time, the bullet exerts an equal force on the gun in the opposite direction, causing the gun to recoil.

3. Is Newton’s Third Law always true?

Yes, Newton’s Third Law is a fundamental principle in physics and is always true. It applies to all types of forces – gravitational, electromagnetic, and mechanical – and works in both directions.

4. How does Newton’s Third Law relate to conservation of momentum?

Newtons’s Third Law is closely related to the conservation of momentum, which states that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant. This means that the amount of momentum lost by one object due to an action must be gained by another object in the opposite direction due to the reaction, keeping the total momentum of the system the same.

5. Can Newton’s Third Law be used to explain gravitational forces?

Yes, Newton’s Third Law can be used to explain gravitational forces. According to the law, every object exerts a gravitational force on every other object. This means that when an object exerts a force on the Earth, the Earth exerts an equal and opposite force on the object, keeping both objects in orbit around each other.

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