Which law of motion indicates that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction?

The concept that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction is foundational to understanding forces in physics. This principle is encapsulated in Newton's Third Law of Motion.

According to this law, when one object exerts a force on a second object, the second object exerts an equal force in the opposite direction on the first object. This explains a wide range of phenomena, such as how rockets propel themselves into space. The engines push exhaust gases downward, and in response, the rocket is pushed upward with equal force.

This principle is critical for analyzing motion and interactions between objects, as it ensures that forces always occur in pairs. The other laws of motion, such as the First and Second, describe different aspects of motion and force but do not encompass the reciprocal nature of action and reaction that is defined by the Third Law.