Question

Which of these is false?

• A. Action and reaction act in opposite directions
• B. Action and reaction act simultaneously
• C. Action and reaction forces cancel each other
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Action and reaction forces cancel each other

The important thing to notice is that action and reaction forces act on different objects in the interaction. Two equal and opposite forces acting on the same object do not make an action-reaction pair! This is why the two opposing forces don't cancel out.