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Newton's Laws of Motion

Sir Isaac Newton described three rules for how things move. An object stays still or keeps moving unless a force acts on it. Force equals mass times acceleration, and every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

๐Ÿ’ก Fun fact

A rocket pushes gas down so the gas pushes the rocket up.

All about Newton's Laws of Motion

Sir Isaac Newton described three laws of motion. The first says an object keeps its speed and direction unless a force acts on it. The second links force, mass and acceleration, and the third says every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

These laws explain why a football curves in the air, why a rocket lifts off and why you lean forward when a bus brakes.

This is why a football keeps rolling until friction or a player stops it.

When you push against a wall, the wall pushes back on you just as hard.

๐ŸŽฎ Try it yourself!

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Real-life uses of Newton's Laws of Motion

  • Designing safe cars and seat belts
  • Launching rockets and satellites
  • Understanding sports moves such as kicks and throws

Frequently asked questions about Newton's Laws of Motion

What is Newtonโ€™s first law?

An object stays still or keeps moving at the same speed in a straight line unless a force acts on it.

Why does a rocket move up?

It pushes hot gas downwards, and the gas pushes the rocket upwards with an equal force.