Newton's Third Law

Front

What is Newton's Third Law of Motion?

Back

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

Front

What does it mean when we say 'action and reaction are equal and opposite'?

Back

It means that forces always occur in pairs; when one object exerts a force on another, the second object exerts a force of equal magnitude but in the opposite direction on the first object.

Front

How does Newton's Third Law apply to a rocket launch?

Back

As the rocket expels gas downwards (action), the rocket is pushed upwards (reaction).

Front

In the context of Newton's Third Law, what is the action force when an archer shoots an arrow?

Back

The action force is the bowstring pushing against the arrow.

Front

What is the reaction force when an archer shoots an arrow?

Back

The reaction force is the arrow pushing back against the bowstring.

Front

When two objects collide, what can we say about the forces they exert on each other?

Back

They exert equal forces on each other in opposite directions.

Front

If a large truck pushes a small car, what can we say about the forces involved?

Back

The small car exerts an equal and opposite force on the truck.

Front

What is an example of Newton's Third Law in everyday life?

Back

Walking: when you push your foot backward against the ground (action), the ground pushes you forward (reaction).

Front

What happens to the forces when a baseball hits a bat?

Back

The baseball and bat exert equal forces on each other in opposite directions.

Front

How does Newton's Third Law relate to swimming?

Back

A swimmer pushes water backwards (action), and the water pushes the swimmer forward (reaction).