Newton\'s third law states that for every force there is an equal and opposite f

Question

Newton's third law states that for every force there is an equal and opposite force. If these forces are equal and opposite, why don't they cancel out?

a) The two forces act on different objects.

b) One force is always the normal force.

c) The two forces have different carrier particles.

d) The two forces interact with different particle properties.

Newton's second law states: F = ma. How should we interpret this equation?

a) An unobservable force is present, as observed by the acceleration.

b) An observable force is present, which causes the acceleration.

c) An uobservable force is present, as observed by the mass.

d) As a way to measure the mass of an object.

Explanation / Answer

They don't cancel out each other because, a) The two forces act on different objects.
For Eg - if a block of mass m is sitting on a table. The action force 'mg' is applied by block on the table while the reaction force 'N' is applied by the table on the block in the form of Normal reaction(same magnitude 'mg'),hence they do not cancel.
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F = ma .
Means a Force is applied on an object having mass m , which causes the object to move with an acceleration of a.
Therefore option (b) An observable force is present, which causes the acceleration is correct.

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