7/19/2019 Newton's Third law of Motion | Physics Astronomy Project Topics

Published on Jan 07, 2019

Abstract
A variety of action-reaction force pairs are evident in nature. Consider the propulsion of a fish through the water. A
fish uses its fins to push water backwards. But a push on the water will only serve to accelerate the water. Since
forces result from mutual interactions, the water must also be pushing the fish forwards, propelling the fish through
the water. The size of the force on the water equals the size of the force on the fish; the direction of the force on the
water (backwards) is opposite the direction of the force on the fish (forwards). For every action, there is an equal (in
size) and opposite (in direction) reaction force. Action-reaction force pairs make it possible for fish to swim.

Objective
To study the Third Law of Motion using two spring balances

Theory
Newton’s Third Law of Motion states: ‘To every action there is an equal and opposite reaction’. 
It must be remembered that action and reaction always act on different objects. The Third Law of Motion indicates
that when one object exerts a force on another object, the second object instantaneously exerts a force back on the
first object. These two forces are always equal in magnitude, but opposite in direction. 
These forces act on different objects and so they do not cancel each other. Thus, Newton’s Third Law of Motion
describes the relationship between the forces of interaction between two objects.  
Whenever two bodies interact with each other, the force exerted by the first body on the second is called action. The
force exerted by the second body on the first body is called reaction. The action and reaction are equal and
opposite. 
For example, when we placed a wooden block on the ground, this block exerts a force equal to its weight, W = mg
acting downwards to the ground. This is the action force. The ground exerts an equal and opposite force W’ = mg on
the block in the upward direction. This is the reaction force.

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Applications of Newton’s Third Law of Motion

1.A
gun
recoils
when
a
bullet
is
fired
from
it:
When a bullet is fired from a gun, the gun exerts a force on the bullet in the forward direction. This is the action force.
The bullet also exerts an equal force on the gun in the backward direction. This is the reaction force. Due to the large
mass of the gun it moves only a little distance backward by giving a jerk at the shoulder of the gunman. The
backward movement of the gun is called the recoil of the gun.

2.A
man
walking
on
the
ground

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7/19/2019 Newton's Third law of Motion | Physics Astronomy Project Topics

 3.Rowing
a
boat 

4.A
person
is
moving
forward
during
swimming

5.Rocket
propulsion

Procedure:
1. Take two similar spring balances of different ranges, say A and B.
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7/19/2019 Newton's Third law of Motion | Physics Astronomy Project Topics
2. Note the least count of the spring balances.
3. Attach the ring of spring balance A on a hook fixed in the wall and the spring balance B is attached to the hook of
spring balance A.
4. Hold the spring balances exactly horizontal to the table.
5. Pull the ring of spring balance B gently.
6. Observe and note the reading of both the spring balances.Repeat the experiment by applying different forces.

Observations:

1. Least count of the spring balance = value of 1 small division

2. Least count of the spring balance A=………N
3. Least count of the spring balance B =…………………N

Result:
The readings on both the balances are the same in each case. Thus action and reaction forces are equal and
opposite and act on two different bodies.

Precautions:
1. Spring balance of different least count should be taken.
2. The spring balance should be brought in elastic mode before doing the experiment.
3. The second spring balance should not be pulled beyond its elastic limit.
4. The reading of the spring balance should be taken without any parallax error.

References
Books
• Manual of Secondary Science Kit for Classes IX and X - Published by NCERT
• Science textbook for class IX – Published by National Council of Educational Research and Training, New Delhi

Websites
• http://epathshala.nic.in/wp-content/doc/book/flipbook/Class%20IX/0964-Science/CHAP%209/index.html

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