College Physics II – Mechanics, Sound, Oscillations, and Waves
Definition
A reaction force is the force exerted by a surface on an object in contact with it. It is the counterpart to the force the object exerts on the surface, in accordance with Newton's Third Law of Motion.
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Reaction forces always come in equal and opposite pairs, as described by Newton's Third Law.
The reaction force is always directed opposite to the applied force, and its magnitude is equal to the applied force.
Reaction forces are crucial in solving problems involving Newton's Laws, as they help determine the net force acting on an object.
The normal force is a common example of a reaction force, acting to support the weight of an object resting on a surface.
Friction forces are also reaction forces, acting to oppose the relative motion between two surfaces in contact.
Review Questions
Explain how the reaction force relates to Newton's Third Law of Motion.
According to Newton's Third Law, for every action force, there is an equal and opposite reaction force. The reaction force is the force exerted by a surface on an object in contact with it, and it is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the force the object exerts on the surface. This means that the action force and the reaction force always come in pairs, and they act on different objects.
Describe the role of reaction forces in solving problems using Newton's Laws.
Reaction forces are crucial in solving problems involving Newton's Laws, as they help determine the net force acting on an object. When an object is in contact with a surface, the reaction force exerted by the surface must be considered along with any other forces acting on the object. By identifying the reaction forces and applying Newton's Laws, you can determine the acceleration or equilibrium state of the object.
Analyze the relationship between the normal force and the reaction force.
The normal force is a specific type of reaction force that acts perpendicular to the surface in contact with an object. The normal force arises in response to the object's weight or other forces acting on it, and it serves to balance those forces and maintain the object's position or motion. The magnitude of the normal force is equal to the component of the applied force that is perpendicular to the surface, and it is an essential consideration in solving problems involving Newton's Laws.
Newton's Third Law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The reaction force is the force that arises in response to an applied force.
The normal force is a reaction force that acts perpendicular to the surface in contact with an object, balancing the weight or other forces acting on the object.
The friction force is a reaction force that acts parallel to the surface in contact with an object, opposing the relative motion between the object and the surface.