Moderate

Two bodies "A" and "B" exert gravitational forces of "F1" and "F2" on one another, then we can say that both forces are equal in magnitude but _ in direction:

Correct answer: C. Opposite

  • A. Action
  • B. Reaction
  • C. Opposite
  • D. None of these

Explanation

Newton's third law of motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. When it comes to gravitational forces, this law applies as well. Consider two objects with masses ( m1 ) and ( m2 ), and let ( F12) be the gravitational force exerted by ( m1 ) on ( m2 ). According to Newton's third law: 1. Action: ( m1 ) exerts a gravitational force ( F2) on ( m2 ). 2. Reaction: ( m2 ) simultaneously exerts an equal and opposite gravitational force ( F21) on ( m1 ). Mathematically, this can be expressed as: F(12} = -F{21) Here, the minus sign indicates that the forces are in opposite directions, as dictated by Newton's third law. The magnitudes of the forces are equal, but their directions are opposite. This is true for any two masses in the universe; the gravitational force between them forms an action-reaction pair according to Newton's third law.

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