Newton's Third Law Quick Check

2 of 52 of 5 Items
Question
When inflating a balloon, which of the following represents an equal but opposite force acting on the balloon?(1 point)
Responses

the expansion of the balloon
the expansion of the balloon

releasing the balloon
releasing the balloon

the air entering the balloon
the air entering the balloon

tying the balloon

1 answer

The correct response is the air entering the balloon.

When you inflate a balloon, the air being pumped into it exerts a force on the inside walls of the balloon, causing it to expand. According to Newton's Third Law, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Therefore, as the air pushes against the walls of the balloon, the walls of the balloon exert an equal and opposite force on the air.