Can someone explain how the reaction force works to me?

My mechanics teacher assumed it was obvious right from the start and I finished the first two mechanics modules and I'm still left slightly confused about the reaction force

Reply 1

Groot

When an object is lying on the ground, its weight force is acting downwards. The object is clearly not going through the ground but staying in place, so its weight must be balanced by an upward force. This is the reaction force which the ground exerts on the object.

Reply 2

Andy98

Original post by CancerousProblem

My mechanics teacher assumed it was obvious right from the start and I finished the first two mechanics modules and I'm still left slightly confused about the reaction force

Imagine it this way, when you punch something really hard it hurts doesn't it? Especially if it's a wall. That's because when you punch the wall with a substantial force the wall opposes this force. That is a reaction force.

Another example is: gravity pulls you towards the earth's core, the earth's crust opposes the gravitational force.

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Can someone explain how the reaction force works to me?

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