My Question is about Newton's third law of motion

In summary: Inelastic collisions happen without any displacement of the objects. Elastic collisions happen with some displacement of the objects.
  • #1
Awais gul
3
1
Hello, I am Awais gul, a student of science subjects and learning the basic of Physics , chemistry and computer science.I have a Question about Newton's third law of Motion.

Question : If we Throw a ball on a wall it goes back but if we throw a ball on sand why it does not go back?

Newton's law states that: To every action, there is an equal but option reaction.

In the law, there is no specific material then why It does not go back.
 
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  • #2
Awais gul said:
Hello, I am Awais gul, a student of science subjects and learning the basic of Physics , chemistry and computer science.I have a Question about Newton's third law of Motion.

Question : If we Throw a ball on a wall it goes back but if we throw a ball on sand why it does not go back?

Newton's law states that: To every action, there is an equal but option reaction.

In the law, there is no specific material then why It does not go back.

Although the laws of nature are always acting, there are other factors that affect motion. For example, a piece of paper can float upwards in the air, in apparent defiance of gravity. Gravity still acts on the paper, but there are other forces at work too.

Why do you think a ball doesn't bounce very well on sand?
 
  • #3
Confusion arises because of vague wording in statements of laws, or misunderstanding the words. In your case, "action" does not mean "everything that happens"
The experiment is, you are throwing a ball at something, wall or another ball or whatever. When the ball hits the object, the ball exerts a force on the object. You can call this force the "action". The object exerts an equal force on the ball, in the opposite direction. This force can be called the "reaction. Newton's law is talking about these two forces. The "reaction" is not "going back". The reaction is, the equal force in the opposite direction. Of course, it does not matter which one you call the action and which one the reaction.

To add, as Perok says above, you must be mindful of other forces acting on each object in question. All the forces acting on an object together determine what "happens" to that object.
 
  • #4
Look up the difference between elastic and inelastic collisions.
 

1. What is Newton's third law of motion?

Newton's third law of motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This means that when an object exerts a force on another object, the second object will exert an equal and opposite force on the first object.

2. How does Newton's third law of motion apply to everyday life?

Newton's third law of motion can be seen in everyday life, such as when you walk. Your feet push against the ground, and the ground pushes back with an equal force, allowing you to move forward. It also applies to sports, like when a basketball player jumps off the ground, the ground pushes back with an equal force, propelling them upwards.

3. Can you give an example of Newton's third law of motion?

One example of Newton's third law of motion is when you push against a wall. The force you apply to the wall is equal to the force the wall exerts back on you. This is why you cannot push a wall and make it move.

4. Why is Newton's third law of motion important?

Newton's third law of motion is important because it helps explain how objects interact with each other. It is essential in understanding how forces work and how objects move in the world around us.

5. Is Newton's third law of motion always true?

Yes, Newton's third law of motion is always true. It is a fundamental law of physics and has been proven through numerous experiments and observations. However, it may not always be apparent or easy to observe in certain situations.

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