When a sailor jumps forward out of a rowing boat, the sailor exerts a forward force on the boat. In response, the boat exerts an equal and opposite force on the sailor, pushing them backward. This interaction illustrates the balance of action and reaction forces according to Newton’s third law.
Can you explain how a sailor jumping out of a rowing boat demonstrates Newton’s third law?
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When a sailor jumps out of a rowing boat, Newton’s Third Law is demonstrated. As the sailor exerts a downward force on the boat (action), the boat simultaneously exerts an equal and opposite upward force on the sailor (reaction). This action-reaction pair illustrates the law’s principle that for every force, there is an equal and opposite force. The sailor’s push down propels them upward, showcasing the conservation of momentum. Newton’s Third Law explains the mutual interaction between the sailor and the boat, emphasizing that the forces involved are always paired and act on different objects in opposite directions.