Answered

Which sentence states Newton’s third law?
(A.) If two objects collide, each object exerts a force in the same direction as the other.
(B.) If two objects collide, each object exerts a force equal to and in the opposite direction of the other.
(C.) A collision between a moving object and a stationary object is elastic.
(D.) A collision between a moving object and a stationary object is inelastic.
(E.) If two objects collide, the moving object exerts a greater force than the stationary object



Answer :

Answer:

(B.) If two objects collide, each object exerts a force equal to and in the opposite direction of the other.

Explanation:

Newton's 3rd Law

Newton's 3rd law states that for every action there's an equal and opposite reaction.

This means that the forces felt by two objects upon collision (regardless if one or both of the objects were moving before the collision) will be the same and that they move in opposite directions*.

* if one of the objects has a large mass, meaning big inertia (reluctance to change its motion) then the collision will result in that object experiencing no work (W = Fdcosθ) thus no motion.

For example, a man pushing against a wall. The force the wall experiences is nonzero from the man, but its displacement or motion after the collision is zero. Though the wall had no visible reaction, it felt a force equal to what the man felt from the wall, just in a different orientation.

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Solving the Problem

Choice A is wrong since it states that the two objects move in the same direction, which is inaccurate.

Choices C and D are wrong because Newton's 3rd law never mentions elasticity.

Choice E is wrong because it states that one object experience a greater force, which is the opposite of what the 3rd law states.

Choice B is our correct and final answer since it accurately mentions how the forces felt are equal and opposite.