Consider The Following Force: A Fridge Magnet Is Pulling On A Paper Clip. According To Newton's Third Law, What Other Force Must Be Happening?A. The Paper Clip Is Pushing On The Fridge Magnet. B. The Paper Clip Is Pulling On The Fridge Magnet.
Introduction
Newton's third law of motion is a fundamental concept in physics that describes the relationship between two objects interacting with each other. It states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In other words, when one object exerts a force on another object, the second object will exert an equal and opposite force on the first object. In this article, we will explore the concept of Newton's third law and apply it to a simple scenario involving a fridge magnet and a paper clip.
Newton's Third Law: A Brief Overview
Newton's third law is often referred to as the law of reciprocal actions. It states that:
- For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
- The force exerted by one object on another is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the force exerted by the second object on the first.
This law can be applied to a wide range of situations, from the motion of objects on Earth to the behavior of celestial bodies in space.
The Fridge Magnet and the Paper Clip: A Simple Scenario
Let's consider the scenario described in the problem statement: a fridge magnet is pulling on a paper clip. According to Newton's third law, what other force must be happening?
To answer this question, we need to apply the concept of Newton's third law to the situation. When the fridge magnet exerts a force on the paper clip, the paper clip must exert an equal and opposite force on the fridge magnet.
The Correct Answer: The Paper Clip is Pushing on the Fridge Magnet
Based on the application of Newton's third law, we can conclude that the paper clip is pushing on the fridge magnet. This is because the force exerted by the fridge magnet on the paper clip is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the force exerted by the paper clip on the fridge magnet.
Why is this the Correct Answer?
The correct answer is not option B, which states that the paper clip is pulling on the fridge magnet. This is because the force exerted by the paper clip on the fridge magnet would be in the same direction as the force exerted by the fridge magnet on the paper clip, not opposite.
Real-World Applications of Newton's Third Law
Newton's third law has numerous real-world applications, from the design of machines and mechanisms to the understanding of complex systems in physics and engineering. Some examples include:
- Rocket propulsion: When a rocket engine expels hot gases out of the back of the rocket, it exerts a force on the rocket, propelling it forward. According to Newton's third law, the rocket also exerts an equal and opposite force on the expelled gases.
- Walking and running: When you walk or run, you exert a force on the ground, which exerts an equal and opposite force on you, propelling you forward.
- Aerodynamics: When an airplane flies, it exerts a force on the air, which exerts an equal and opposite force on the airplane, lifting it up and propelling it forward.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Newton's third law of motion is a fundamental concept in physics that describes the relationship between two objects interacting with each other. When a fridge magnet pulls on a paper clip, the paper clip must exert an equal and opposite force on the fridge magnet. This is just one example of the many real-world applications of Newton's third law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Newton's third law of motion?
A: Newton's third law of motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Q: What is the relationship between action and reaction in Newton's third law?
A: The action and reaction are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.
Q: Can you give an example of Newton's third law in action?
A: Yes, consider a scenario where a person is pushing a wall. The person exerts a force on the wall, and the wall exerts an equal and opposite force on the person, preventing them from moving forward.
Q: What are some real-world applications of Newton's third law?
A: Some examples include rocket propulsion, walking and running, and aerodynamics.
Q: Why is Newton's third law important?
A: Newton's third law is important because it helps us understand the behavior of objects in motion and the forces that act upon them.
Glossary of Terms
- Action: The force exerted by one object on another.
- Reaction: The force exerted by the second object on the first object.
- Equal and opposite: The relationship between the action and reaction forces, which are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.
References
- Newton, I. (1687). Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica.
- Halliday, D., Resnick, R., & Walker, J. (2013). Fundamentals of Physics.
- Serway, R. A., & Jewett, J. W. (2018). Physics for Scientists and Engineers.
Q&A: Understanding Newton's Third Law of Motion =====================================================
Introduction
Newton's third law of motion is a fundamental concept in physics that describes the relationship between two objects interacting with each other. It states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about Newton's third law and provide a deeper understanding of this concept.
Q: What is Newton's third law of motion?
A: Newton's third law of motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This means that when one object exerts a force on another object, the second object will exert an equal and opposite force on the first object.
Q: What is the relationship between action and reaction in Newton's third law?
A: The action and reaction are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction. This means that if one object exerts a force of 10 Newtons on another object, the second object will exert a force of 10 Newtons in the opposite direction on the first object.
Q: Can you give an example of Newton's third law in action?
A: Yes, consider a scenario where a person is pushing a wall. The person exerts a force on the wall, and the wall exerts an equal and opposite force on the person, preventing them from moving forward.
Q: What are some real-world applications of Newton's third law?
A: Some examples include:
- Rocket propulsion: When a rocket engine expels hot gases out of the back of the rocket, it exerts a force on the rocket, propelling it forward. According to Newton's third law, the rocket also exerts an equal and opposite force on the expelled gases.
- Walking and running: When you walk or run, you exert a force on the ground, which exerts an equal and opposite force on you, propelling you forward.
- Aerodynamics: When an airplane flies, it exerts a force on the air, which exerts an equal and opposite force on the airplane, lifting it up and propelling it forward.
Q: Why is Newton's third law important?
A: Newton's third law is important because it helps us understand the behavior of objects in motion and the forces that act upon them. It is a fundamental concept in physics and has numerous real-world applications.
Q: Can you explain the concept of action and reaction in more detail?
A: The action and reaction are two forces that are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction. When one object exerts a force on another object, the second object will exert an equal and opposite force on the first object. This is a fundamental principle of physics and is essential for understanding the behavior of objects in motion.
Q: How does Newton's third law relate to other laws of motion?
A: Newton's third law is one of the three laws of motion that were formulated by Sir Isaac Newton. The three laws are:
- Newton's first law: An object at rest will remain at rest, and an object in motion will continue to move with a constant velocity, unless acted upon by an external force.
- Newton's second law: The force exerted on an object is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its acceleration.
- Newton's third law: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Q: Can you provide some examples of Newton's third law in everyday life?
A: Yes, here are some examples:
- Throwing a ball: When you throw a ball, you exert a force on the ball, and the ball exerts an equal and opposite force on you, propelling it forward.
- Walking on a treadmill: When you walk on a treadmill, you exert a force on the ground, which exerts an equal and opposite force on you, propelling you forward.
- Driving a car: When you drive a car, you exert a force on the ground, which exerts an equal and opposite force on you, propelling the car forward.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Newton's third law of motion is a fundamental concept in physics that describes the relationship between two objects interacting with each other. It states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. We hope that this article has provided a deeper understanding of this concept and has answered some frequently asked questions about Newton's third law.
Glossary of Terms
- Action: The force exerted by one object on another.
- Reaction: The force exerted by the second object on the first object.
- Equal and opposite: The relationship between the action and reaction forces, which are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.
References
- Newton, I. (1687). Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica.
- Halliday, D., Resnick, R., & Walker, J. (2013). Fundamentals of Physics.
- Serway, R. A., & Jewett, J. W. (2018). Physics for Scientists and Engineers.