Question
Give a simple experiment to demonstrate that action and reaction forces are equal and opposite.
Solution
Consider two spring balances connected together.
The fixed end of B is attached to a rigid support as shown in the fig. below.
Fig. Action and reaction forces are equal and opposite.
i) When a force is applied through the free end of spring balance A, it is observed that both the spring balances show the same readings on their scales.
ii) This means that the force (action) exerted by the spring balance A on balance B is equal but opposite in direction to the force (reaction) exerted by the balance B on A. This proves that action and reaction are equal and opposite forces.
