Why do action and reaction forces, despite being equal in magnitude, not necessarily result in equal accelerat

Question

Why do action and reaction forces, despite being equal in magnitude, not necessarily result in equal accelerations?

Examoogle · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is Option A: Because they act on different bodies with different masses. According to Newton's Third Law, action and reaction forces are equal in magnitude but act on different objects. Since acceleration depends on both force and the object's mass as defined by Newton's Second Law, the resulting accelerations are inversely proportional to the masses of the respective objects.

Step-by-Step Solution & Concepts:
According to Newton's Third Law, action and reaction forces are equal in magnitude but act on different objects. Since acceleration depends on both force and the object's mass as defined by Newton's Second Law, the resulting accelerations are inversely proportional to the masses of the respective objects.

Working Principle: The principle is governed by $F = ma$. When two bodies interact, they exert forces of equal magnitude ($F_A = -F_B$). If the masses of the two bodies are $m_1$ and $m_2$, their accelerations will be $a_1 = \frac{F}{m_1}$ and $a_2 = \frac{F}{m_2}$. If $m_1 
eq m_2$, then $a_1 
eq a_2$.

Key Formulas: $F_{12} = -F_{21}$ — Newton's Third Law of motion; $a = \frac{F}{m}$ — Newton's Second Law linking force, mass, and acceleration

Key Points: Action and reaction forces always act on different bodies, meaning they never cancel each other out.; Acceleration is inversely proportional to mass for a given force.; Forces are physical interactions resulting from the mutual influence of two objects.

Applications: Propulsion of a rocket by ejecting gases; Recoil of a gun when a bullet is fired

Additional Info: Acceleration produced is not just dependent on force, but on the inertial mass of the body undergoing the force.. Option B is incorrect because forces in Newtonian mechanics are real physical interactions. Option C is incorrect because action and reaction are always equal by definition. Option D is incorrect because forces occur simultaneously.

Answer: A is correct — Because they act on different bodies with different masses

Exam Tip: Always remember that action and reaction forces cannot cancel each other because they act on different bodies, a common trap in MCQ examinations.

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Option B: Because forces are not real

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Option C: Because one force is stronger than the other

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Option D: Because they act at different times

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