Newton 3rd law

1 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.

2 Objective

To study the Third Law of Motion using two spring balances

3 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.

4 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

3.Rowing a boat

4.A person is moving forward during swimming



5.Rocket propulsion

5 Procedure:

1. Take two similar spring balances of different ranges, say A and B.

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.

6 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

7 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.

8 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.

9 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