Newton's Third Law: Action/Reaction Forces

Front

What is Newton's Third Law of Motion?

Back

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Front

Define action force.

Back

An action force is the initial force exerted by one object on another.

Front

Define reaction force.

Back

A reaction force is the force exerted by the second object back on the first object, equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.

Front

Example of action and reaction forces in walking.

Back

Action: A person pushes against the floor. Reaction: The floor pushes the person.

Front

What happens when a cannon fires a cannonball?

Back

Action: The cannon pushes on the cannonball. Reaction: The cannonball pushes back on the cannon.

Front

What is the reaction force when a person jumps?

Back

Action: The person pushes down on the ground. Reaction: The ground pushes the person up.

Front

How does a swimmer move through water?

Back

Action: The swimmer pushes water backwards. Reaction: The water pushes the swimmer forwards.

Front

What is an example of action and reaction forces in sports?

Back

Action: A baseball player throws a ball. Reaction: The ball pushes back on the player's hand.

Front

Explain the concept of friction in relation to Newton's Third Law.

Back

Friction is the force that opposes motion; when a person pushes against the ground, friction allows them to move forward.

Front

What is the role of action-reaction pairs in rocket propulsion?

Back

Action: The rocket expels gas downwards. Reaction: The rocket moves upwards.