Lesson Eight: Newton’s Third Law of Motion
Definition: Newton’s Third Law of Motion states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Definition: Newton’s Third Law of Motion states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
More simply stated, if you push an object, that object pushes back in the opposite direction equally hard. Forces are found in pairs. Think when you sit in a chair. Your body exerts a force downward and that chair exerts an equal force upward or the chair will collapse. Acting forces encounter other forces in the opposite direction. There is also the example of shooting a cannonball from a cannon. When the cannonball is fired through the air, the cannon itself is pushed backward. The force pushing the ball out is equal to the force pushing the cannon back.
Take a look at the following website. It provides further explanation of Newton’s Third Law and gives picture representations of exactly how this law works.
Let’s take a look at some examples of everyday applications of Newton’s Third Law. This may help you better understand how this applies to the world around you.
Examples:
Examples:
1. A fireman turns on his hose and is knocked backwards.
2. If air is let out of a balloon quickly, the balloon flies backwards.
3. Feet push down on the floor and gravity and mass make it seem as though the floor pushes up at your feet as you walk.
4. You run into your friend while skating and you both fall in opposite directions.
5. The space shuttle propels gas particles out the back of the shuttle and is able to travel forward through space.
6. Two children running on the playground collide and both fall backwards.
Watch this! Basketball superstar, LeBron James knows all about Newton’s Third Law but wants to know “Where is the opposite and equal reaction when I shoot the ball? Interested? Take a look!
Summing it all Up:
In this Flipping Physics video, examples of Newton’s Third Law are shown and discussed. It also provides a unique perspective on how actions and reactions are actually forces. Take a look!
In this Flipping Physics video, examples of Newton’s Third Law are shown and discussed. It also provides a unique perspective on how actions and reactions are actually forces. Take a look!
Like amusement park fun? How about amusement park physics? Poke around this site to see how Newton's third law applications exist within so many rides! Design your own roller coaster and see if your knowledge of the third law of motion helps your design pass the safety test!