Newton's Third Law (AQA GCSE Physics): Revision Notes
📚 Revision Notes
5.7.4 Newton's Third Law
infoNote
Whenever two things interact, they push or pull on each other with forces that are equal in strength but opposite in direction. This law applies to all interactions, no matter the objects involved.
lightbulbExample
Example: Paddling a Canoe When you use a paddle to push on the water:
- The paddle pushes the water backwards.
- At the same time, the water pushes the paddle forwards with the same force but in the opposite direction.
infoNote
More Examples
- Rocket Taking Off:
- The rocket pushes gases out of its engines.
- The gases push back with equal force in the opposite direction, lifting the rocket into the air.
- A Book on a Table:
- The book's weight pushes down on the table.
- At the same time, the table pushes up on the book with equal force, holding it in place.
