Jawahar Navodaya

Vidyalaya, Satara

Investigatory Project

Subject - Physics

Name – Parag Bhimrao Londhe

Class – XI Science
Roll no. - 1102
 Certificate
This is to certify that Parag Londhe student of
class XI – Science (Roll No. - 1102) of J.N.V.
Satara Has successfully completed research in
the below given project under the heading
‘Newton's Third law of Motion’ during the
academic session 2018-19 under the guidance
of Mr. S. H. Wagh

Sign of subject teacher Sign of principal

 Objective
To study the Newtons Third Law of Motion
using two spring balances.
 Abstract
A variety of action-reaction force pairs are evident in
nature. Consider the propulsion of a fish through the
water. A fish uses its fins to push water backwards. But a
push on the water will only serve to accelerate the water.
Since forces result from mutual interactions, the water
must also be pushing the fish forwards, propelling the
fish through the water. The size of the force on the water
equals the size of the force on the fish; the direction of
the force on the water (backwards) is opposite the
direction of the force on the fish (forwards). For every
action, there is an equal (in size) and opposite (in
direction) reaction force. Action-reaction force pairs
make it possible for fish to swim.
 Theory
Newton’s Third Law of Motion states: ‘To every action
there is an equal and opposite reaction’.
It must be remembered that action and reaction always
act on different objects. The Third Law of Motion
indicates that when one object exerts a force on another
object, the second object instantaneously exerts a force
back on the first object. These two forces are always
equal in magnitude, but opposite in direction.
These forces act on different objects and so they do not
cancel each other. Thus, Newton’s Third Law of Motion
describes the relationship between the forces of
interaction between two objects.
Whenever two bodies interact with each other, the force
exerted by the first body on the second is called action.
The force exerted by the second body on the first body is
called reaction. The action and reaction are equal and
opposite.
For example, when we placed a wooden block on the
ground, this block exerts a force equal to its weight, W =
mg acting downwards to the ground. This is the action
force. The ground exerts an equal and opposite force W’
= mg on the block in the upward direction. This is the
reaction force.
Applications of Newton’s Third Law of Motion
1.A gun recoils when a bullet is fired from it:
When a bullet is fired from a gun, the gun exerts a force
on the bullet in the forward direction. This is the action
force. The bullet also exerts an equal force on the gun in
the backward direction. This is the reaction force. Due to
the large mass of the gun it moves only a little distance
backward by giving a jerk at the shoulder of the gunman.
The backward movement of the gun is called the recoil of
the gun.

2.A man walking on the ground 3.Rowing a boat

 Procedure

1. Take two similar spring balances of different ranges,

say A and B.
2. Note the least count of the spring balances.
3. Attach the ring of spring balance A on a hook fixed in
the wall and the spring balance B is attached to the hook
of spring balance A.
4. Hold the spring balances exactly horizontal to the
table.
5. Pull the ring of spring balance B gently.
6. Observe and note the reading of both the spring
balances.Repeat the experiment by applying different
forces.
 Observations

1. Least count of the spring balance = value of 1 small division

2. Least count of the spring balance A=………N

3. Least count of the spring balance B =…………………N

 Result

The readings on both the balances are the same in each case. Thus
action and reaction forces are equal and opposite and act on two
different bodies.
 Precautions

1.Spring balance of different least count should be taken.

2.The spring balance should be brought in elastic mode before doing

the experiment.

3.The second spring balance should not be pulled beyond its elastic
limit.

4.The reading of the spring balance should be taken without any

parallax error.
 Bibliography

Books
•Manual of Secondary Science Kit for Classes IX and X - Published by
NCERT

•Science textbook for class IX – Published by National Council of

Educational Research and Training, New Delhi
Websites
•http://epathshala.nic.in/wp-
content/doc/book/flipbook/Class%20IX/0964-
Science/CHAP%209/index.html

 www.seminarsonly.com
 www.wikipedia.com
Thank
You