What is Newton's Third Law and what is an example of it?

Newton's Third Law looks at what happens when two objects interact with each other. The definition of Newton's Third Law is, "When one body exerts a force on a second body, the second body simultaneously exerts a force equal in magnitude and opposite in direction on the first body." Explained simply: When one object exerts a force on a second object, the second object is also exerting a force on the first object at the same time. This force will be the same size but in the opposite direction. An example of this is when you push on the wall. As you push on the wall, you will feel your hands squash slightly meaning you feel a force. This is because the wall is also pushing on you at the same time. So Newton's third law explains why we feel objects when we touch them or why objects can change direction when they hit an obstacle.

MO

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

On a speed/time graph: a) how would a constant deceleration be illustrated? b) how would you use the graph to calculate total distance travelled?


How do I resolve forces on a slope?


How am I going to remember all of the particles I need to know? (A-level Physics)


Explain Newton’s law of Gravitation