Newton's Laws of Motion
Newton's three laws explain everything from a sliding book to a launching rocket using force, mass, and acceleration. Work through the poster, the interactive force tool, and the lab, then keep the reference handy.
Learning Path
Newton's Laws Poster
A single cohesive visual covering all three laws with annotated force diagrams, inertia, F = ma, and action-reaction pairs with real-world examples.
Open →Forces and Free-Body Diagram Tool
Explore Newton's second law with interactive free-body diagrams on surfaces, inclines, and connected systems. Adjust forces and watch acceleration update in real time.
Open →Momentum and Impulse Lab
Apply variable forces over time and see real-time force-time curves. Calculate impulse as area under the curve, compare to momentum change, and explore crumple zone physics.
Open →The Three Laws
The core statements to keep in mind as you work.
- 1st Law: An object at rest stays at rest unless acted on by a net force.
- 2nd Law: F = ma. Net force equals mass times acceleration.
- 3rd Law: Every action force has an equal and opposite reaction force on a different object.
More Resources
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Common Questions
What are Newton's three laws of motion?
The first law is inertia: objects keep their motion unless a net force acts. The second law relates force, mass, and acceleration as F = ma. The third law says forces come in equal and opposite pairs acting on different objects.
What is a free body diagram?
A free body diagram is a sketch of a single object showing every force acting on it as an arrow. It is the standard first step for applying Newton's second law to solve for acceleration or an unknown force.