Question

Match the scenario to the Newton's Law it describes.

Column A
1.
As a man steps forward off of a boat, the boat moves backwards.:
As a man steps forward off of a boat, the boat moves backwards.
2.
A stationary book on the table must be picked up in order for it to move:
A stationary book on the table must be picked up in order for it to move
3.
A soccer ball rests on a field until it is kicked.:
A soccer ball rests on a field until it is kicked.
4.
Increasing the mass on an object experiencing the same force would decrease the acceleration:
Increasing the mass on an object experiencing the same force would decrease the acceleration
5.
A man pushes on a wall, and the wall pushes back on the man.:
A man pushes on a wall, and the wall pushes back on the man.
6.
A rocket made with lighter composite materials will accelerate faster than a heavier one:
A rocket made with lighter composite materials will accelerate faster than a heavier one

Answer 1

1. Third Law — stepping off a boat: the man pushes the boat backward while the boat pushes the man forward (action–reaction).
2. First Law — stationary book: an object at rest stays at rest until a net force acts (inertia).
3. First Law — soccer ball at rest until kicked: again inertia; it remains at rest until a force changes its motion.
4. Second Law — same force, more mass → less acceleration (F = ma).
5. Third Law — man pushes wall and wall pushes back: forces come in equal and opposite pairs.
6. Second Law — lighter rocket accelerates more for the same thrust (F = ma).