Question

A cannon after firing recoils due to:
A. Conservation of energy
B. Backward thrust of gases produced
C. Newton’s third law of motion
D. Newton’s first law of motion

Answer 1

Hint: Here we have to examine each of the options one by one to get the correct answer.

Complete step by step answer:
Conservation of energy:
Energy conservation law specifies that energy can neither be generated nor wastes- it can only be transferred from one source of energy to another. This means that, whether it is applied from the outside, a system still has the same amount of energy.
In the case of non-conservative forces, in which energy is converted from mechanical to thermal energy, this is especially complicated, but the total energy stays the same. The only way to use energy is to convert energy from one shape to another.
Backward thrust of gases produced:
Backward thrust is not a law. It follows Newton's third law that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. The backward thrust is produced as a reaction due to the action of thrust in the forward direction. It happens mainly in aircraft. Thus, the thrust will operate a means of deceleration toward the forward direction of movement.
Newton’s third law of motion:
Newton’s third law of motion states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. If we apply force in the forward direction then an equal and reactive force will be generated in the backward direction.
Newton’s first law of motion:
Newton’s first law gives us the description of inertia.
Inertia of rest-
The inclination of a body at rest to remain at rest or of a body in motion to continue to travel at a constant pace along a straight line until a force is applied to it is known as inertia of rest. It is also known as the first law of motion.
Inertia of motion-
The fundamental property of a body due to which it cannot change its state of motion is called inertia of motion.
So, from the above discussion we can conclude that a cannon after firing recoils due to Newton’s third law of motion.

Hence, option C is correct.

Note:Here we may be confused between options B and C but we should remember that option B is not the law. Here the third law of Newton is applied. So, option B is not the correct answer.