In order to jump off the floor, the floor must exert a force on you
A) in the direction of and equal to your weight.
B) opposite to and equal to your weight.
C) in the direction of and less than your weight.
D) opposite to and less than your weight.
E) opposite to and greater than your weight.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For you to jump off the floor, the floor must exert a force on you that is opposite to and greater than your weight. This is because, according to Newton's third law of motion, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. To lift off the ground, the force (action) exerted by the floor on you must not only counteract your weight (gravity's pull on you) but also provide additional force to propel you upwards.

In Order to Jump Off the Floor, the Floor Must