Question

Which law of motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction?

• A. Newton’s First Law
• B. Newton’s Second Law
• C. Newton’s Third Law
• D. Law of Gravitation

Hint:

{Newton’s Third Law: Action = Reaction}. Forces always occur in pairs acting in opposite directions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Newton’s Third Law of Motion states that: \[ \text{For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
\] This means that whenever one object exerts a force on another object, the second object exerts an equal force in the opposite direction on the first object.
Step 1: Understanding the action–reaction principle.
If object A applies a force on object B, then object B simultaneously applies an equal force on object A in the opposite direction.
Step 2: Examples of Newton’s Third Law.

• A rocket moves upward because gases push downward.
• When walking, the foot pushes the ground backward and the ground pushes the body forward.

Step 3: Eliminating other options.

• Newton’s First Law explains inertia.
• Newton’s Second Law relates force, mass, and acceleration.
• Law of Gravitation explains gravitational attraction between masses.

Thus, the law stating that every action has an equal and opposite reaction is Newton’s Third Law of Motion.