Newtons Laws

Question 1

Newtons 1st Law: Law of Inertia

Answer 1

An object stays at a constant pace of motion until an external force is acted upon it

Sporting Example: During a rugby conversion, Newtons first law can be applied to the ball as the ball is in a constant state of motion whilst placed on the tee, until the force is acted upon by the kicker (external force) and the ball is therefore moved

Question 2

Newtons 2nd Law: Law of Acceleration

Answer 2

An object will accelerate directly proportional to the external force applied to it F=MA

Sporting Example: If a footballer puts minimal power and force into a pass, then the ball won’t travel very far and will most likely not make their target (teammate). However, if a player puts more force and power into the pass (a long ping) then the ball will travel further and will make their target

Question 3

Newtons 3rd Law: Law of Action/Reaction

Answer 3

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction force

Sporting example: In swimming, the athletes start their race off the diving blocks, they push off the blocks to propel themselves into the water, the blocks provide the same force back and allow the swimmers to use their full force and effort into their starting dive. This can also be applied in 100m/200m sprinting