A hammer is used to hit a nail into a board. Which statement is correct about the forces at play between the nail and the hammer? The nail exerts an equal force on the hammer in the same direction. The nail exerts a much smaller force on the hammer in the opposite direction. The nail exerts an equal force on the hammer in the opposite direction. The nail exerts a much smaller force on the hammer in the same direction.

The nail exerts an equal force on the hammer in the opposite direction.

Explanation:

The Newtons third law states that there is an equal an opposite reaction for every action. When hammer pushes the nail, the nail will push the hammer back in opposite direction. When the hammer hits a nail then nail will exert the equal and opposite force to the hammer. These both objects will exert force on each other in opposite directions.