Final answer:
The term 'strike breaker' humorously describes the effect of Mariano Rivera's cutter pitch, which is known to break bats by applying a force that obeys Newton's third law of motion, illustrating the equal and opposite forces in play.
Step-by-step explanation:
The commonality between a strike breaker and the physics of a baseball pitch is rooted in the interactions resulting from applied forces. In baseball, the term 'strike breaker' might be humorously applied to Mariano Rivera's cutter pitch, known to frequently break bats. The concept of a ball shattering a bat is perfectly illustrated by Newton's third law of motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Rivera's throw, when a bat attempts to meet the pitch, exerts a force upon the bat, just as much as the bat exerts an equal force back on the ball. This mutual exertion of force can lead to the ball changing directions at a high exit velocity and the bat being broken from the impact, as seen through Rivera's cutter.
Understanding the dynamic between the pitch and the bat provides insight into the physical forces at play in the sport of baseball. Instances like stubbing a toe or pushing off during a jump are everyday examples of how these forces are part of common experiences, each reinforcing the practical application of Newton's third law of motion in our daily lives. In summary, whether it's a baseball interacting with a bat or any other two bodies in contact, they both exert a force on one another, which can result in varying outcomes such as acceleration or, in some cases, breakage.