3.7 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 that forces come in pairs?

Back

It means that when one object exerts a force on another, the second object exerts a force of equal strength in the opposite direction on the first object.

Front

If you push against a wall, what is the reaction force?

Back

The wall pushes back against you with equal force.

Front

Why can't you feel the Earth move when you jump?

Back

The Earth has much more mass than you, so its acceleration is very small.

Front

What happens when you jump off a diving board?

Back

You push down on the board, and the board pushes you up.

Front

What is an example of action and reaction forces in everyday life?

Back

When you walk, your foot pushes back on the ground, and the ground pushes your foot forward.

Front

What is the relationship between mass and acceleration in Newton's Third Law?

Back

The greater the mass of an object, the smaller its acceleration for the same force applied.

Front

How does air resistance relate to Newton's Third Law?

Back

As an object moves through the air, it pushes air molecules down, and those molecules push back up with equal force.

Front

What is the significance of the phrase 'equal and opposite'?

Back

It emphasizes that forces are always balanced; one force cannot exist without the other.

Front

Can you exert a force without an equal reaction force?

Back

No, every force has a reaction force that is equal in size and opposite in direction.