AFOQT Practice Test

According to Newton's Third Law, what occurs for every action?

1. There is an equal and opposite energy

2. There is an equal and opposite reaction

3. There is a greater force applied

4. There is no reaction until the force is applied

The correct answer is: There is an equal and opposite reaction

Newton's Third Law of Motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This principle highlights the relationship between two interacting forces: when one object exerts a force on a second object, the second object exerts a force of equal magnitude but in the opposite direction back onto the first object. This law is foundational in understanding motion and dynamics in physics and illustrates how forces always occur in pairs. For instance, when you push against a wall, your push generates a force on the wall, and simultaneously, the wall exerts a force back on you that is equal in strength but opposite in direction. This fundamental concept applies widely, from simple everyday actions to complex interactions in physics and engineering, and is essential for balancing forces in mechanics, understanding propulsion, and analyzing motion dynamics. While the other options touch on related ideas, they don't accurately capture the essence of Newton's Third Law. The notion of energy (first option) relates to work and hasn't a direct connection to action and reaction forces. The idea of a greater force (third option) contradicts this law, as forces in this context must be equal and opposite. Finally, the lack of reaction until force is applied (fourth option) misrepresents the immediacy