Newton's 3rd Law

Front

What is Newton's 3rd Law of Motion?

Back

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

Front

What are action-reaction forces?

Back

Forces that occur in pairs; when one object exerts a force on another, the second object exerts a force of equal size but in the opposite direction on the first object.

Front

Why do action-reaction forces not cancel each other out?

Back

They act on different objects.

Front

What happens when two objects exert equal and opposite forces on each other?

Back

The net force is zero, resulting in no change in motion.

Front

Give an example of Newton's 3rd Law in everyday life.

Back

When you jump off a small boat, you push the boat backward as you move forward.

Front

What is the reaction force when a person pushes against a wall?

Back

The wall pushes back against the person with an equal and opposite force.

Front

In the context of Newton's 3rd Law, what does 'equal in size' mean?

Back

The forces exerted by two objects on each other are of the same magnitude.

Front

What does 'opposite in direction' mean in Newton's 3rd Law?

Back

The forces act in opposite directions, meaning if one force is to the right, the other is to the left.

Front

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

Back

When a swimmer pushes the water backward, the water pushes the swimmer forward.

Front

How does a rocket launch demonstrate Newton's 3rd Law?

Back

The rocket expels gas downward (action), and the gas pushes the rocket upward (reaction).