Explain Newton’s Three Laws of Motion and give an example of each in relation to sport.

Question 1

The Law of Inertia

Answer 1

• Definition: A body at rest stays at rest, and a body in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an external force.
• Sport Example: A soccer ball remains stationary on the field until kicked. Similarly, once the ball is in motion, it will continue rolling until external forces like friction, gravity, or a player’s interception slow it down or stop it.

Question 2

The Law of Acceleration

Answer 2

• Definition: Acceleration depends on the force applied and the object’s mass. More force is needed to move heavier objects. (F = ma).
• Sport Example: A baseball pitcher throws a ball. A heavier ball, like a medicine ball, needs more force to reach the same speed as a lighter baseball.

Question 3

The Law of Action-Reaction

Answer 3

• Definition: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
• Sport Examples:
  
  • A sprinter pushes against the starting blocks, and the blocks push back, propelling the sprinter forward.
  • A basketball player pushes down on the ground to jump, and the ground pushes them upward.