Physics
Newton's Laws of Motion
Quick fact
Newton’s third law explains how rockets move in space—by pushing exhaust gases backward, they are pushed forward.
Why this is interesting
Have you ever wondered why a car keeps moving when you take your foot off the gas? Newton's laws explain this and much more.
Read the full explanation
Understanding Newton's Laws of Motion
Newton’s three laws describe how objects move. The first law says objects stay still or move at a constant speed unless acted upon by a force. The second law connects force, mass, and acceleration. The third law states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
A deeper explanation
These laws reveal the relationship between forces and motion. The first law introduces inertia, the tendency of objects to resist changes in motion. The second law quantifies how forces affect acceleration. The third law explains interactions—when one object exerts a force on another, it experiences an equal but opposite force. Together, they form the core of classical mechanics.