Science Common Sense

1264 - Why does every action force have an equal and opposite reaction force?

This is called Newton's Third Law. It says that every time you push or pull something, it always pushes or pulls you back with the same amount of force, but in the opposite direction.

Imagine playing tug-of-war with your friend. When you pull the rope, the rope is also pulling you back. That's because the rope is reacting to the force you're using on it. Your force (pulling the rope) creates an equal and opposite reaction force (the rope pulling you back).

This happens in all situations, like when you kick a ball (the ball exerts force on your foot), or when you walk (the ground exerts force on your feet).