An object of weight W is in freefall close to the surface of Earth. The magnitude of the force that the object exerts on Earth is
A) cannot be determined without knowing the relative masses of the object and the earth.
B) equal to W.
C) less than W.
D) greater than W.
E) zero.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Newton's third law of motion, every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Therefore, if an object of weight W is in freefall, it exerts a force on Earth equal to its weight (W), just as Earth exerts a gravitational force on the object equal to its weight.

An Object of Weight W Is in Freefall Close to the Surface