Describe the action and reaction force pairs involve when an object falls toward Earth. Ignore the effects of air resistance.
The air does not matter
When an object falls toward Earth, there are two force pairs involved: the action force and the reaction force.
The action force is the gravitational force exerted by Earth on the object. It is commonly referred to as the weight of the object and is represented by the formula F = mg, where "F" is the force, "m" is the mass of the object, and "g" is the acceleration due to gravity. The action force is directed downward, towards the center of the Earth.
The reaction force is the equal and opposite force exerted by the object on Earth. According to Newton's third law of motion, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This means that the object exerts a force on Earth in the opposite direction of the gravitational force. However, due to the vast difference in mass between the object and Earth, the effect of this reaction force on Earth is negligible.
To determine the gravitational force or weight of an object, you can follow these steps:
1. Determine the mass of the object. It can be measured using a balance or known from other sources.
2. Find the acceleration due to gravity, which is approximately 9.8 m/s² on Earth.
3. Multiply the mass of the object by the acceleration due to gravity to calculate the weight of the object.
Remember, this explanation assumes the absence of air resistance. In reality, the presence of air resistance can affect the motion of a falling object and introduce additional forces.