Physics: Newton's 3rd Law of Motion

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Questions and Answers

What is the fundamental principle underlying Newton's 3rd Law?

Every action has an equal but opposite reaction (correct)

A force applied to an object creates an equal reaction in the opposite direction

Every object at rest will remain at rest unless acted upon by an external force

For every force, there is a corresponding opposite force

Why is it essential to take precautions during this physics lab?

Because it requires a lot of people to assist

Because it requires a lot of physical strength

Because it involves a chemical reaction with potential safety risks (correct)

Because it involves very expensive equipment

What is the purpose of using a paper towel in this physics lab?

To absorb any spills

To hold the cork in place

To create a small explosion

To create a barrier between the vinegar and baking soda (correct)

What is the primary objective of strapping the wine bottle to the toy car?

To investigate Newton's 3rd Law Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using vinegar in this physics lab?

To react with the baking soda to produce a chemical reaction Signup and view all the answers

Why do you need to measure the mass of the contraption and the cork?

To compare the before and after masses Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected outcome of this physics lab?

The toy car will move forward due to the chemical reaction Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of tapping the bottle on the ground in Step 5?

To make the wad of paper fall into the bottle Signup and view all the answers

What should you do after putting the bottle down on the driveway in Step 6?

Sit down and watch Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason the cork shoots out of the bottle?

The reaction between the vinegar and baking soda creates a gas Signup and view all the answers

According to Newton's 3rd Law, what happens to the forces applied to the cork and the car?

The forces on the cork and the car are equal and opposite Signup and view all the answers

Why does the cork travel a much greater distance than the car?

The car has a larger mass than the cork Signup and view all the answers

What is the equation form of Newton's 2nd Law?

F = m * a Signup and view all the answers

What can be concluded about the acceleration of the cork and the car?

The acceleration of the cork is larger than the car Signup and view all the answers

How do the forces on the cork and the car balance out?

A small m times a large a equals a large m times a small a Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Newton's 3rd Law

Newton's 3rd Law states that if body A exerts a force on body B, body B exerts an equal but opposite force on body A.
Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
Example: when you push down on your desk, you apply a force to the desk, and the desk applies an equal but opposite force back to you.

Physics Lab Experiment

The experiment involves creating a chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar to propel a cork out of a wine bottle, which is attached to a toy car.
Safety precautions: ensure the cork doesn't point towards humans, and wear protective gear.

Lab Steps

Step 1: strap the wine bottle to the top of the toy car using duct tape, measure the mass of the contraption, and note down the mass of the cork.
Step 2: measure the mass of the vinegar, pour it into the bottle, and note down the mass.
Step 3: stuff paper towels in the neck of the bottle to hold the cork in place.
Step 4: fill the rest of the neck with baking soda, and close the bottle with a cork.
Step 5: tap the bottle on the ground, shake to mix the vinegar and baking soda, and observe the reaction.
Step 6: place the car on a flat surface, ensuring the cork isn't pointing towards anyone.
Step 7: observe and note down the results.

Observations and Conclusions

The cork is forced out of the bottle due to the gas created in the reaction between vinegar and baking soda.
The cork shoots one way, and the car shoots the other way, demonstrating Newton's 3rd Law.
The car moves a shorter distance than the cork due to their mass difference.
The force exerted by the cork on the car is equal to the force exerted by the car on the cork.
According to Newton's 2nd Law (F = ma), the acceleration of the cork is greater than the acceleration of the car due to their mass difference.

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Description

Understand Newton's 3rd Law of Motion, which states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Explore why objects move despite equal forces.