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Newton's Laws of Motion

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Newton's Laws of Motion

During rehearsal, Nathan, Anahera and Tane test a wheeled stage platform and a balloon-powered prop. Use Newton’s three laws to explain what happens. For calculations, use F = m × a. Show working and give force in newtons (N).

Inertia: the first law

An object stays at rest, or keeps moving at the same speed in a straight line, unless an unbalanced external force acts on it.

1.The platform is parked on the stage. Nathan gives it a brief push, then lets go. Which statement best explains why it eventually slows down?

It runs out of motion.
Friction and other unbalanced forces act against its motion.
Its mass disappears after the push.
The first law says moving objects must stop.

2.A prop box slides across the floor and then stops. Name one force acting on it that changes its motion, and state the direction of that force compared with the box’s motion.

3.Anahera stands on the platform as it is pushed suddenly forward. Explain why her body tends to keep its original state of motion, and name the first law concept involved.

Force, mass and acceleration: the second law

An unbalanced force changes an object’s motion. The relationship is F = m × a, where force is measured in newtons, mass in kilograms and acceleration in metres per second squared.

4.Tane pushes a 6 kg scenery crate so it accelerates at 2 m/s². Calculate the net force on the crate. Show your calculation and include the unit.

5.The same net force of 12 N acts on an empty 3 kg platform and a loaded 6 kg platform. Which platform accelerates more, and what is its acceleration?

6.A 10 kg platform accelerates at 1.5 m/s². Calculate the net force causing this acceleration. Show working.

Action and reaction: the third law

Forces come in pairs: when one object exerts a force on another, the second object exerts an equal-sized force in the opposite direction on the first. The forces act on different objects.

7.Anahera releases an inflated balloon. Air rushes out towards the back, and the balloon moves forward. Identify the action force and its equal-and-opposite reaction force.

8.When Tane walks across the stage, his shoe pushes the floor backwards. What force from the floor helps move him forwards?

The floor pushes his shoe forwards.
The floor pulls his shoe down only.
The shoe pushes itself forwards.
No force acts on the shoe.

9.A student says, “The action and reaction forces cancel, so nothing can move.” Explain the mistake in this claim.

10.Choose the best match for each situation: (A) inertia, (B) force and acceleration, or (C) action–reaction. 1. A heavier platform needs more net force than a lighter one for the same acceleration. 2. A balloon moves forward as it pushes air backwards. 3. A prop remains still until it is pushed.