Newton's third law of motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This means that when one object exerts a force on another object, the second object exerts an equal and opposite force on the first object.
Here are a few examples of Newton's third law of motion:
- When you jump off a diving board, your body exerts a downward force on the board. In response to this force, the board exerts an upward force on your body, propelling you into the air.
- When you row a boat, you push against the water with the oars. In response, the water exerts an equal and opposite force on the oars, pushing the boat forward.
- When you walk, you push against the ground with your feet. In response, the ground exerts an equal and opposite force on your feet, propelling you forward.
- When a rocket engine expels hot gases out of its tail, the gases push against the engine with an equal and opposite force, propelling the rocket forward.
- When a bird flaps its wings, it pushes air downwards. In response, the air exerts an equal and opposite force on the bird, lifting it upward.