Newton's third law of motion states that the force pair acting on different objects consists of two forces that are what?

Study for the SDI Introduction to Physical Science Test. Prepare with multiple choice questions, and access hints and explanations to enhance understanding. Get ready for your exam!

Newton's third law of motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This means that when one object exerts a force on a second object, the second object simultaneously exerts a force of equal magnitude in the opposite direction on the first object. Thus, the force pair acting on different objects indeed consists of two forces that are equal in size but act in opposite directions.

This principle is fundamental in understanding interactions between objects and illustrates the balance of forces in physical systems. When you push on a wall, for example, the wall pushes back on you with an equal and opposite force. This law is essential for many concepts in physics, including momentum and the conservation of energy, and it applies universally to all interacting bodies regardless of their states of motion or rest.

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