Question

A box sits on a table without moving. Choose all statements that are true according to Newtons 3rd law a. The weight and the gravitational force that the box exerts on the Earth pulling the Earth slightly upwards toward the box) form an action- reaction pair.

b. The weight and normal force form an action-reaction pair since the normal force is the same magnitude and opposite the direction of the weight in this particular instance. c. The weight and normal force do not form an action-reaction pair since the two forces in an action-reaction pair must be of the same type, i.e., both gravitational or both normal forces. d. There is no action reaction pair for the weight. e. The action reaction pair for the normal force the table exerts on the box is the normal force that the box exerts on the table.

Answer 1

Statements a and e are true according to Newton's 3rd Law. Although the weight and normal force are equal and opposite, they do not form an action-reaction pair because they are the result of different interactions. The action-reaction pair for the weight of the box is the gravitational force it exerts on the Earth.

Step-by-step explanation:

The analysis of the statements under Newtons 3rd Law reveals that:

• a is true. According to Newton's third law, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This means the box exerts a gravitational force on the Earth, and the Earth reacts by pulling upwards toward the box.
• b and c are false. Though the weight and normal force are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction, they do not form an action-reaction pair. The weight is due to gravity acting on the box, and the normal force is the table's response to the box's weight.
• d is false. The action-reaction pair for the weight of the box is the gravitational force the box exerts on the Earth.
• e is true. According to Newton's third law, the action-reaction pair for the normal force the table exerts on the box is the normal force that the box exerts on the table.

Learn more about Newtons 3rd Law