Question

3.3.2 test (cst): forces
question 14 of 20
what does newtons third law describe?
a. the attractive force between two objects due to their masses
b. equal and opposite forces
c. how the amount of mass influences the amount of force needed to move an object
d. the tendency of moving objects to stay in motion

Explanation:

Newton's third law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This means when one object exerts a force on another object, the second object exerts a force of equal magnitude and opposite direction on the first object.

• Option A: This describes the gravitational force (related to Newton's law of universal gravitation, not the third law).
• Option B: Matches the description of Newton's third law (equal and opposite forces).
• Option C: This is related to Newton's second law (\(F = ma\), force - mass - acceleration relationship).
• Option D: This is related to Newton's first law (inertia, the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion).

Answer:

B. Equal and opposite forces