Newton's Third Law of Motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Here are 10 examples illustrating this principle:
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Firing a bullet: When a gun fires a bullet forward (action), the gun recoils backward (reaction). The force propelling the bullet is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the force experienced by the gun.
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A rocket launching: A rocket expels hot gases downwards (action). The reaction force of these gases pushing against the rocket propels the rocket upwards.
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Swimming: When a swimmer pushes water backward with their arms and legs (action), the water pushes them forward (reaction), propelling them through the water.
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Walking: As you walk, your foot pushes backward against the ground (action). The ground, in turn, pushes forward on your foot (reaction), allowing you to move forward.
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Jumping: When you jump, you exert a downward force on the ground (action). The ground exerts an equal and opposite upward force on you (reaction), propelling you into the air.
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A book on a table: A book resting on a table exerts a downward force on the table due to its weight (action). The table exerts an equal and opposite upward force on the book, preventing it from falling through (reaction).
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A bouncing ball: When a ball hits the ground, it exerts a force on the ground (action). The ground exerts an equal and opposite force back on the ball (reaction), causing it to bounce.
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Rowing a boat: When you push water backward with the oars (action), the water pushes forward on the oars (reaction), propelling the boat forward.
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Air escaping a balloon: As air rushes out of an untied balloon (action), the balloon moves in the opposite direction (reaction).
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Punching a wall (not recommended!): When you punch a wall, you exert a force on the wall (action). The wall exerts an equal and opposite force back on your hand (reaction). This is why punching a wall hurts.
These examples demonstrate the fundamental principle that forces always occur in pairs, with each force being equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.
