Newton's Third Law: Action and Reaction

What You'll Learn

Newton's third law states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. When you push against a wall, the wall pushes back on you with the same force.

Key Words

friction
inertia
speed

Materials Needed

string
weights
tape

Safety First

Work in a well-ventilated area when using vinegar or other strong-smelling substances.
Dispose of materials properly after the experiment.

Steps

Step 1 — Read

Read the introduction and identify the main idea of this lesson.

Step 2 — Do

Build an electromagnet by wrapping insulated wire around a nail and connecting it to a battery. Test how many paper clips it can pick up. Try adding more wire coils.

Step 3 — Observe

Use your senses (except taste) to describe what you notice.

Step 4 — Record

Write a summary of your findings in 3-5 sentences.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

What is gravity?