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Classical Mechanics

Newton's Third Law

The law stating that whenever two objects interact, they exert forces on each other that are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.

Governing formula F_A_to_B = -F_B_to_A
SI unit N

In depth

Action-reaction pairs act on different bodies, which is why they do not cancel out for a single body's free-body diagram. This law ensures conservation of linear momentum.

Examples in the real world

A rocket expelling hot gas downward generates an equal and opposite upward thrust force propelling the rocket into space.