Physics is not physics without Newton’s laws of motion. These laws are some of the most fundamental concepts to learn in Science. If you are taking up a Physics courses, you probably already know just how important and prevalent Newton’s laws are.
Aside from being one of the main lessons in Physics, Newton’s laws are necessary to learn because they can be applied to many real-life circumstances. To give you a better idea, here is a brief guide on Newton’s laws on motion and their different applications to your everyday life.
Newton’s 1st Law: Law of Inertia
Newton’s first law is known as the law of inertia. This law of inertia states that a resting body will remain at rest while a body in motion will remain in motion, at a constant speed, unless interfered by another force. Essentially, without an outside force applied or interfering with it, an object will remain resting or moving at the same speed and in the same direction.
Here are some examples of Newton’s first law:• A ball rolling on a flat surface will keep on running unless an outside force stops it.
Newton’s second law is represented by the equation F = ma. This means that force equals to mass times acceleration; the law states that the rate at which a body changes its momentum is directly proportional to the force applied to it. When a constant force is applied to a massive body, it causes the body to accelerate at a constant rate. If the body is at rest, a force applied will cause it to accelerate in the same direction as the force. On the other hand, if the body is in motion, it might reduce speed, speed up, or change direction depending on the direction of the force.
Here are some examples of Newton’s second law:• A car that weighs 2,500 pounds will be easier to push than a truck weighing 6,000 pounds if the same amount of force is used.
Newton’s 3rd Law: Equal and Opposite Reaction
Newton’s third law is all about equal but opposite reaction. This law postulates that for each action, there will be an opposite and equal reaction. If one body acts upon a second body, then the second body will respond to the first with an equal amount of force but in an opposite direction. In essence, this third law by Newton represents symmetry – when one body applies a force on another, it will experience a force in response.
Here are some examples of Newton’s third law:• Throwing a punch at the wall – the harder you hit a wall, the greater the impact on your fist, resulting in a greater amount of pain you feel. This is because the force applied by the wall on your fist is equal and opposite to your force.
Newton’s laws of motion are essential because they are applicable to everyday life. One can see the operations of these laws in everyday life. From showing how cars work to explaining how buildings remain upright, these laws of motion tell us exactly how things move and work. For this reason, it is necessary for you to have a good grasp of Newton’s three laws.
If you are interested in learning more about Newton’s laws and other similarly fascinating lessons, then taking up Physics tuition is something you must consider! At the JC level, particularly, we deliver the most comprehensive JC Physics tuition to help you master Physics in no time!