Question

Earth exerts a downward 1.5-N gravitational force on

an apple as it falls toward the ground.
Part A
What force does the apple exert on Earth?
Express your answer with the appropriate units. Ente

Answer 1

Newton's Third Law of Motion says:

"For every action, there is an equal, opposite reaction."

(That wasn't Newton's exact words, but it gets the point across.)

Forces always act in PAIRS. The two forces of the pair pair always act in opposite directions, and their strengths are always equal.

The force of Gravity is always a PAIR of forces. The two forces pull in opposite directions, and their strengths are equal.

If the Earth pulls the apple down with a force of 1.5 N, the apple pulls the Earth up with a force of 1.5 N.

Whatever you weigh on Earth, the Earth has the same weight on you !

Answer 2

The force that the apple exerts on the Earth is 1.5 N upwards.

Let's understand Newton's third law of motion to help us visualize the scenario.

Third Law of Motion:

According to Newton's third law of motion, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

This means that if Earth exerts a downward 1.5-N gravitational force on the apple as it falls toward the ground, the apple will also exert an equal and opposite force of 1.5 N on Earth.