Newtons 3rd Law and Force Pairs

Front

What is Newton's Third Law of Motion?

Back

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

Front

What is an action-reaction pair?

Back

A pair of forces that are equal in size, but opposite in direction, acting on two different objects.

Front

What happens when a cannon fires a cannonball?

Back

The cannon exerts a force on the cannonball, and the cannonball exerts an equal and opposite force on the cannon.

Front

What is the reaction force when a person jumps off a small boat?

Back

The boat moves backward as the person jumps forward.

Front

Can action-reaction pairs cause a change in motion?

Back

Yes, they can cause a change in motion of the objects involved.

Front

What does it mean to pull on the Earth?

Back

When you pull on the Earth, the Earth pulls back on you with an equal and opposite force.

Front

What is an example of an action-reaction pair in everyday life?

Back

Walking: your foot pushes backward on the ground, and the ground pushes your foot forward.

Front

What is the significance of the phrase 'equal and opposite' in Newton's Third Law?

Back

It indicates that forces in action-reaction pairs are always equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.

Front

If a small car pushes a big truck, what happens?

Back

The truck applies an equal and opposite force on the car.

Front

What is inertia?

Back

Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion.