Newton’s 3rd Law Notes and Examples Chapter 10
Newton’s 3rd Law Newton’s 3rd Law states: For every action force, there is an equal and opposite reaction force. If they are equal and opposite, why don’t they cancel out? Since the forces act on different objects, they do not cancel. The objects have different amounts of inertia, and therefore react to the force differently
Ex: girl passing volleyball The action force is: the girl pushing the volleyball The reaction force is: the ball pushing on her wrists with equal and opposite force The action force is being placed on the ball, while the reaction force is being placed on the wrists. Notice the arrows are equal in length = equal magnitude (force strength)
Turn over your paper As a table group on your white board: Identify the action force Identify the reaction force Illustrate your example Use labeled arrows to show the action and reaction forces
Leaning against a wall Action force: pushing against the wall Reaction force: wall pushing back. A R
Hammering a Nail Action: hammer pushing the nail Reaction: nail pushing the hammer back Equal and opposite, but movement is not. Why? Hammer has more inertia! (More mass = more inertia = more force to move it)
Rocket Lifting off Action: rocket fuel pushing on ground Reaction: ground/air, pushing on rocket fuel
Walking Action force: feet pushing on the ground Reaction: ground pushing back
Penguin swimming through ocean Action: penguin pushing the water Reaction: water pushing back on penguin Reaction Action
Baseball bat hitting a baseball Action: bat pushing on ball Reaction: ball pushing on bat Why does ball move further than bat? Ball = little inertia Bat + you = lots of inertia Reaction Action
Kicking a Soccer ball Action: foot pushing ball Reaction: ball pushing back on foot Forces are equal, and opposite, but movement is not. Why? Ball = little inertia Foot/body = lots of inertia. R A
Skydiver falling through the air Action: person pushing on air Reaction: air resistance pushing back A R
Bowling ball hitting pins Action: ball pushing pins Reaction: pins pushing back A R