Questions: What is the reaction when you push against a wall? a. The wall moves forward. b. The wall does nothing. c. The wall pushes back against you with equal force. d. The wall moves backward.

What is the reaction when you push against a wall?
a. The wall moves forward.
b. The wall does nothing.
c. The wall pushes back against you with equal force.
d. The wall moves backward.

Transcript text: 12. What is the reaction when you push against a wall? a. The wall moves forward. b. The wall does nothing. c. The wall pushes back against you with equal force. d. The wall moves backward.

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Understanding Newton's Third Law of Motion

Newton's Third Law of Motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This means that forces always come in pairs. When you exert a force on an object, such as pushing against a wall, the object exerts an equal and opposite force back on you.

Step 2: Applying the Law to the Scenario

In the scenario where you push against a wall, you are applying a force to the wall. According to Newton's Third Law, the wall will exert an equal and opposite force back on you. This is the reaction force.

Step 3: Analyzing the Options

Option a: "The wall moves forward." This is incorrect because the wall does not move forward when you push against it.
Option b: "The wall does nothing." This is incorrect because the wall does exert a force back on you.
Option c: "The wall pushes back against you with equal force." This is correct as it aligns with Newton's Third Law.
Option d: "The wall moves backward." This is incorrect because the wall does not move backward when you push against it.