Applications of Newton's Laws in Real-life Scenarios - SS2 Physics Lesson Note

Newton's laws of motion are fundamental principles in physics that describe the behaviour of objects when subjected to external forces. These laws have numerous applications in various real-life scenarios.

-       Seatbelts in cars are designed to prevent passengers from continuing their forward motion in the event of a sudden stop or collision. The seatbelt applies an external force to bring the passenger to a stop, preventing them from being thrown forward.

-       The calculation of force required to accelerate a vehicle is based on this law. For example, the engine of a car applies a force to propel it forward, and the acceleration depends on the force applied and the car's mass.

Third Law of Motion (Law of Action-Reaction):

The third law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. When one object exerts a force on a second object, the second object exerts an equal but opposite force on the first object. Application: Rockets use the principle of action-reaction to generate thrust. As hot gases are expelled backwards with high velocity, the rocket moves forward in the opposite direction due to the reaction force, propelling it into space.

Frictional Forces:

Friction is a force that opposes the relative motion between two surfaces in contact. The brakes in vehicles utilise friction to slow down or stop motion. When the brake pads press against the rotating wheels, friction is generated, which reduces the rotational motion and brings the vehicle to a stop.

Air Resistance:

Air resistance is a type of frictional force that opposes the motion of objects moving through the air. Application: Parachutes use air resistance to slow down the descent of skydivers. The large surface area of the parachute increases air resistance, which counteracts the force of gravity, allowing a safe descent.

Newton's laws of motion have far-reaching applications in various fields, including engineering, transportation, sports, and everyday life. These laws provide a framework for understanding and analysing the behaviour of objects in response to external forces, enabling us to design systems, vehicles, and structures that function efficiently and safely.