Question

What is the equal and opposite force for the force of the skier's friction pushing on the mountain as described by Newton's third law?

Choose 1 answer:

(a) Earth’s force of gravity pulling down on the skier

(b) Friction of the mountain on the skier in the opposite direction

(c) Skier’s force of gravity pulling up on the Earth

(d) Normal force of the mountain pushing on the skier

Answer 1

The equal and opposite force to the skier's friction on the mountain is the mountain's friction on the skier, following Newton's third law.

Step-by-step explanation:

The equal and opposite force for the force of the skier's friction pushing on the mountain, as described by Newton's third law, is the friction of the mountain on the skier in the opposite direction. Newton's third law states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Therefore, if the skier is exerting a force of friction on the mountain, the mountain exerts an equal force of friction back on the skier but in the opposite direction.