Final answer:
Newton's third law of motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In a marshmallow catapult experiment, this means that when the marshmallow is launched forward, the catapult will experience a backward force.
Step-by-step explanation:
Newton's third law of motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In the context of a marshmallow catapult experiment, this means that when you release the catapult and the marshmallow is launched forward, the catapult will experience a backward force. This is because the action force of the marshmallow being propelled forward is balanced by the reaction force pushing the catapult backward.
For example, when you push down on the spoon of the catapult, it exerts a force on the marshmallow. In response, the marshmallow exerts an equal and opposite force on the spoon, causing it to move in the opposite direction. This is Newton's third law in action.