Newton's Third Law: Action and Reaction — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

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MS-PS2-1

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This comprehensive science reading passage introduces middle school students to Newton's Third Law: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Aligned with NGSS standard MS-PS2-1, it explains the mechanistic details of how forces work in pairs on different objects, using accessible examples like skateboarding, swimming, and walking. The passage clarifies common misconceptions, such as the idea that action and reaction forces cancel out, and explores real-world applications in technology and sports. The resource also features a glossary of key terms, a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, and graphic organizers to deepen understanding. All content is designed for grades 6-8, with both standard and simplified versions for differentiation, and is accompanied by audio integration for accessibility. This resource is ideal for reinforcing scientific thinking and comprehension of core physics concepts in the classroom.

CONTENT PREVIEW

newtons-laws-4 — Newton's Third Law: Action and Reaction

Newton's Third Law of motion describes a fundamental principle of physics: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This law helps explain why objects move as they do and is essential for understanding how forces interact in the world around us. When two objects interact, they exert forces on each other of equal strength but in opposite directions. These forces always act on different objects, not on the same one. Recognizing this law allows scientists and engineers to predict and design the movement of everything from rockets to skateboards.

How Action and Reaction Forces Work

When a force is applied to an object, like a skateboarder pushing against a wall, the wall pushes back with an equal force in the opposite direction. The force from the skateboarder's hands on the wall is the action, and the force from the wall on the skateboarder is the reaction. Both forces are present at the same time and are equal in size, but they act on different objects. This is why the skateboarder moves backward when pushing off the wall. Another example is a swimmer pushing water backward with their hands. The water pushes the swimmer forward with an equal force in the opposite direction, propelling the swimmer ahead. In walking, your foot pushes backward against the ground, and the ground pushes your foot forward, allowing you to move. In each case, the action and reaction forces do not cancel because they act on different objects.

Applications and Connections

Action-reaction pairs are fundamental to many technologies and natural processes. Rockets launch into space because the engine pushes exhaust gases downward (action), and the gases push the rocket upward (reaction). According to measurements, the force of the engine’s exhaust can reach millions of newtons, enough to lift a heavy rocket off the ground. In sports, when you hit a baseball with a bat, the bat exerts a force on the ball (action), and the ball exerts an equal and opposite force on the bat (reaction). Engineers use Newton's Third Law when designing safer cars, making sure that forces during a collision are absorbed correctly to protect passengers. These examples show that understanding action and reaction helps us improve technology, safety, and performance in many areas of life.

Addressing Misconceptions

It is a common misconception that action and reaction forces 'cancel out,' but this only happens if the forces act on the same object, which they do not in Newton's Third Law. For example, if two people push on opposite sides of a box with equal force, the box will not move because the forces are equal and act on the same object. However, in action-reaction pairs, the forces always act on different objects, so they do not cancel each other. This distinction is crucial for understanding motion and predicting how objects will behave. Scientists test these ideas with experiments and measurements, using tools like force sensors to confirm that forces are always equal and opposite in these situations.

Understanding Newton's Third Law connects to broader scientific principles, such as conservation of momentum and balanced versus unbalanced forces. By applying this law, we can better understand not just how things move, but also how to control and use forces in engineering and daily life.

Interesting Fact:
Sir Isaac Newton published his Third Law of Motion in 1687. It still forms the foundation for much of modern engineering and space exploration today!

What does Newton's Third Law state?

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.An object at rest will stay at rest unless a force acts on it.The force of gravity is always stronger than other forces.Energy is created when objects move.

Which example best shows Newton’s Third Law in action?

A person pushing off a wall while on a skateboard.A car staying parked on a hill.A plant growing toward the sunlight.Water freezing into ice.

Why don’t action and reaction forces cancel each other out?

Because they act on different objects.Because they are not equal in size.Because they act at different times.Because they are both pushing in the same direction.

Which of the following is a real-world application of Newton’s Third Law?

A rocket launching into space.A plant performing photosynthesis.A solid melting into a liquid.A magnet picking up metal.

What does the word 'force' mean in the passage?

A push or pull on an object.A group of people working together.A type of energy.A direction of movement.

What is meant by 'action-reaction pairs'?

Two forces that are equal and opposite, acting on different objects.Two forces that act on the same object.A single force that moves an object.Forces that cancel each other out.

Based on the passage, what happens when a swimmer pushes water backward?

The water pushes the swimmer forward.The swimmer moves backward.The swimmer floats in place.The water stops moving.

If two people push a box from opposite sides with equal force, what happens?

The box will not move.The box moves in the direction of the stronger person.The box moves upward.The box spins in circles.

True or False: Newton’s Third Law explains why rockets can launch into space.

TrueFalse

True or False: Action and reaction forces always act on the same object.

TrueFalse