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-reaction forces in a cannon firing.

Back

Action: Cannon pushes on cannonball; Reaction: Cannonball pushes back on cannon.

Front

Example of action-reaction forces in swimming.

Back

Action: Swimmer pushes water backward; Reaction: Water pushes swimmer forward.

Front

What happens when a hammer hits a nail?

Back

Action: Hammer pushes on nail; Reaction: Nail pushes back on hammer.

Front

Identify an incorrect action-reaction pair.

Back

The person's feet push backward on the ground; the ground pushed forward on his/her feet.

Front

What is the role of action-reaction forces in sports?

Back

They explain how athletes move and interact with their environment, such as a basketball player pushing off the ground.

Front

How do action-reaction forces apply to walking?

Back

Action: Feet push backward on the ground; Reaction: Ground pushes forward on feet.

Front

What is an example of action-reaction forces in a rocket launch?

Back

Action: Rocket engines push down on the ground; Reaction: Ground pushes the rocket upward.