EXPLANATION:

Simple Science Experiments: Newton’s Third Law Of Motion

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In: Physics

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Newton’s third law states that for every action there is an equal, but opposite, reaction. Help students understand Newton’s third law of motion by carrying out a few activities in your classroom.

Balloon rockets

Materials needed: TAPE, drinking STRAWS, balloons

Divide the students into pairs and give each pair some tape, a drinking straw and a balloon. Ask one of the students to BLOW up the balloon and hold the mouth of the balloon closed. Now, ask each pair of students to tape the balloon to the straw carefully ensuring that the air does not escape from the balloon. The student holding the mouth of the balloon closed should then release the balloon at the same time as the other student who is holding the straw. The students will see that the balloon moves like a rocket dragging the straw along with it.

This activity DEMONSTRATES Newton’s third law of motion. The force of the air rushing out of the balloon creates enough force to push the balloon and straw in the opposite direction.