Question

Action ans reaction are equal and opposite. Why cannot they cancel each other?

Answer 1

Newton's Third Law really does say that if A pushes B, then B pushes A with an equal and opposite force. However, these forces DO NOT CANCEL because they influence the motion of different objects. The force that A exerts on B influences B's motion, and the force that B exerts on A influences A's motion. The force on B can cancel with other forces on B - but NOT with forces on A(and vice versa).