What does action-reaction force mean?

Action-reaction force is a key concept from Newton’s Third Law of Motion, which states:

“For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.”

Explanation:

This means that wahen one object applies a force on another object, the second object applies an equal force in the opposite direction on the first object.

• The action force is the force applied by the first object.
• The reaction force is the equal but opposite force applied by the second object.

These forces act on different objects and therefore do not cancel each other out.

Examples of Action-Reaction Force:

• Example 1: When you kick a football, your foot applies a forward force (action), and the ball applies an equal backward force (reaction).
• Example 2: When a rocket launches, gases are pushed downward (action), and the rocket moves upward (reaction).
• Example 3: When you jump, your legs push down on the ground (action), and the ground pushes you upward (reaction), helping you lift off.

Key Points to Remember:

• Action and reaction forces always occur in pairs.
• They act on different bodies, not on the same object.
• The forces are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction.
• This law explains how motion happens in everyday life such as walking, swimming, jumping, and flying.