The Action-Reaction Pair in Physics: Understand Newton's Third Law

What is an action-reaction pair according to Newton's third law of motion?

a. The batter exerts a force on the bat; the ball exerts a force on the bat

b. The batter exerts a force on the bat; the bat exerts a force on the batter

c. The bat exerts a force on the batter; the bat exerts a force on the ball

d. The ball exerts a force on the bat; the bat exerts a force on the batter

Answer:

The action-reaction pair in this scenario is the batter exerting a force on the bat, and the bat exerting a force on the batter (option b).

Newton's third law of motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This principle is known as action-reaction pairs. In the context of a batter striking a baseball with a bat, the action-reaction pair involves the forces exerted by the batter and the bat on each other.

When the batter strikes the baseball with the bat, the batter exerts a force on the bat. Simultaneously, the bat exerts an equal and opposite force on the batter. This interaction between the batter and the bat demonstrates Newton's third law in action.

This action-reaction pair of forces allows for the transfer of energy and momentum from the batter to the baseball, propelling it forward. Understanding action-reaction pairs is crucial in analyzing the dynamics of motion and forces in various physical systems.