Is newton's third law applicable in space?

Answer 1

Newton's Laws are constantly in effect everywhere, not just on Earth. If anything, they are actually more pertinent in space because the lack of gravity and air resistance make the calculations easier to perform and make all forces even more apparent. When you apply a force in space, there are no other forces to oppose it and slow an object down once in motion.

However, you will also have to take into account that Newton's Laws are just approximations for Einstein's Special Relativity. In reality, Newton's law break down when talking about objects with are moving with velocities close to the speed of light. While they might be fast, most astronomical phenomenon occur nowhere near the speed of light so the discrepancies are small and can be ignored. However, General Relativity will cause more problems as the massive objects that make up most of space will cause disturbances in the space-time around them that without further explanation will violate parts of Newton's Second Law. Performing experiments in the vacuum of space with relatively small masses and small speeds however will experience no such problems.

Answer 2

When you read about Newton's third law, you must have seen the list under it

telling where it's applicable and where it's not. What ? There was no list ?

Well, then, it must be applicable everywhere.

So now you're wondering, when the Earth pulls on the falling ball with a

gravitational force, where's the equal and opposite reaction force ?

Very simple: The ball also pulls on the Earth, with an EQUAL force.

And the Earth also falls toward the ball, with an acceleration, compared to

the acceleration of the ball, that's inversely proportional to the Earth's mass

compared to the mass of the ball.

It even works with you, too. When you stand on the bathroom scale, it shows

your weight on the Earth. Turn the scale over, and it'll display the Earth's weight

on you. They're equal.

Astonishing, maybe, but certainly not complicated.

Answer 3

Newton's laws of motion apply everywhere, but are bestdemonstrated and

most noticeable in outer space.

Answer 4

Newton's third law is UNIVERSAL: It applies everywhere...

Answer 5

Newton's 3rd law relates to rockets like the space shuttles.

Answer 6

Yes! It can be!..but the formulas and the calculations may differ from what we have presently. Because space also has a motion literally there's a lot more motion in space rather than earth.