Ashley Drummond

Janekia Jean

Newtons 3rd Law

What is Newtons Third Law? The third law states that all forces between two objects exist in
equal magnitude and opposite direction. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Meaning
that in every interaction there is a pair of forces acting on the two interacting objects. The size of the
forces on the first object equals the size of the force on the second object.
One example of Newtons Third Law is when a person walks; they push against the floor and the
floor pushes against the person. The action is the person pushing against the floor, while the opposite
reaction is the floor pushing against the person. Swimming is another example of Newtons Third Law. In
swimming a person interacts with the water pushing the water backward while the water simultaneously
pushes the person forward. In this scenario the person pushing the water is the action and the water
pushing the person forward is the reaction creating Newtons Third Law.
When a rocket ignites exhaust it is forced out the bottom of the ship. This creates an action and a
downward force. The downward force creates an equal and opposite reaction propelling the rocket
upward. Driving is another example where Newtons Third Law can take place. The tires of a car push
against the road while the road pushes back. The action is the tires pushing against the road and the
reaction is the road pushing back. As well for the rocket; Newtons third law occurred because the rocket
ignited exhaust pushing it downward forcing an opposite reaction to happen and push the rocket forward.
In conclusion, Newtons Third Law happens in everyday situations. If there wasnt Newtons
Third Law it would be extremely hard to explain why we walk, swim, or drive. Newtons Third Law also
explains why in accidents one object is more damaged than the other object. So if you happen to think
about what allows to you to skip, jump, or run remember that Newtons Third Law explains it all.