The correct option is (b).
Explanation
Newton's Third Law of Motion describes the nature of forces arising from the interaction between two bodies. It states that to every action, there is always an equal and opposite reaction.
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: Action and reaction forces never act on the same object. They always act on two different bodies involved in the interaction. If they acted on the same object, the net force would be zero, and motion would not occur.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The magnitude of the action force is always equal to the magnitude of the reaction force.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Action and reaction forces always act in opposite directions. If body A exerts a force on body B, body B exerts a force of equal magnitude on body A in the exact opposite direction.
Key Takeaway: Action and reaction forces form a simultaneous pair that acts on different bodies, possesses equal magnitude, and is directed opposite to one another.