45.0k views
2 votes
If an astronaut pushes on a box in space, how many forces are involved in this interaction?

A. One
B. Two
C. Three
D. Four

1 Answer

3 votes

Answer: B. two

Step-by-step explanation:

There are two forces resulting from this interaction - a force on the chair and a force on your body. These two forces are called action and reaction forces and are the subject of Newton's third law of motion. Formally stated, Newton's third law is: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

However, In the absence of any forces, no force is required to keep an object moving.

This seems like a simple question, but if you wanted to get technical it would in fact be two forces. As there is still a miniscule amount of gravity.

User Alexistkd
by
5.7k points