Section: STEM · PhysicsDifficulty: Easy
Newton's Third Law
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For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Also: action-reaction law
Definition
Newton's Third Law of Motion states that for every action force, there is an equal and opposite reaction force. When object A exerts a force on object B, object B simultaneously exerts an equal and opposite force on object A. These paired forces act on different objects and never cancel each other out.
Example
“A rocket launches upward because its engines expel hot gases downward, and the reaction force pushes the rocket in the opposite direction.”
Synonyms
- third law of motion
- action-reaction law
- law of reciprocal actions
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Related Terms
- Newton's First Law
- Newton's Second Law
- Momentum
- Thrust