Question

A rifle experiences recoil (a backward push) when fired, as a result of Newton's Third Law. If we label the recoil force action force, which of the following is the reaction force pair to this action force?

a) Force of gravity on the bullet

b) Force of gravity on the rifle

c) Force of air resistance on the bullet

d) Force of air resistance on the rifle

Answer 1

The reaction force pair to the recoil force of a rifle when fired is the force that the bullet exerts on the rifle in the opposite direction, as per Newton's Third Law.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question relates to Newton's Third Law of Motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Considering the recoil of a rifle when fired, the action force is the rifle (or more specifically, the shell supported by the rifle) exerting a force to expel the bullet. The reaction force pair to this action force is the force that the bullet exerts on the rifle (or the shell) in the opposite direction. None of the other options provided (force of gravity on the bullet or rifle, or force of air resistance) represent this reaction force to the recoil of the rifle.