The harder a skater pushes off the ice, the higher he or she flies in the air. Which of the following scientific facts explains why?
A. Friction acts on a skate blade in two different ways.
B. Gravity is a force that pulls everything in a downward direction.
C. The three states of matter are solid, liquid, and gas.
D. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
The correct answer is D. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Explanation: This principle, known as Newton’s Third Law of Motion, states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. When a skater pushes off the ice with greater force, they exert a strong action against the ice, which in turn creates an equal and opposite reaction that propels them upward into the air. The harder the push, the greater the upward force, leading to a higher jump.
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