247SimpleTests
ASVAB · Physics

What is Newton's Third Law of Motion?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction — if object A exerts a force on object B, object B exerts an equal force in the opposite direction on object A

  1. A The heavier the object, the less it accelerates
  2. B For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction — if object A exerts a force on object B, object B exerts an equal force in the opposite direction on object A
  3. C Force equals mass times acceleration
  4. D Objects in motion stay in motion

Why this is the answer

NEWTON'S THREE LAWS: First Law (Inertia): Objects at rest stay at rest; objects in motion stay in motion, unless acted on by a net force. Second Law (F=ma): Force = Mass × Acceleration; more force = more acceleration; more mass = less acceleration for the same force. Third Law (Action-Reaction): For every action force, there is an equal and opposite reaction force. EXAMPLES of Third Law: Rocket propulsion (exhaust pushes back, rocket pushes forward); walking (foot pushes back on ground, ground pushes foot forward); recoil when firing a weapon (bullet goes forward, weapon kicks backward).
Source: ASVAB GS, Physics — Newton's Laws

Practice more questions

This question is from our ASVAB Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all Physics and other topics.

Take the General Science practice test →

About this topic: Physics

Physics questions cover motion, forces, Newton's laws, energy, heat, sound, light and basic electricity. Units and simple relationships (speed = distance ÷ time, F = ma) are tested more than calculation. This is one of 15 General Science questions on physics, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our ASVAB exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

Related questions

Physics

What is Newton's First Law of Motion?

 Physics

What is the formula for force according to Newton's Second Law?

 Physics

Which of the following is a form of kinetic energy?

 Physics

What is the speed of light in a vacuum?

Recommended study materials

Study guide

ASVAB Total Prep (Kaplan)

Kaplan's complete ASVAB guide with 1,000+ practice questions, 6 full-length tests, and AFQT focus.

Check Price → Study guide

Barron's ASVAB with Online Tests 12th Ed.

Comprehensive ASVAB review for all nine subtests with full-length practice exams and online tools.

Check Price → Study guide

ASVAB for Dummies 4th Ed. (Wiley)

Accessible, thorough ASVAB prep covering all subtests with tips for boosting your AFQT score.

Check Price →

As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate, and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links above are affiliate links. Full disclosure →