Andrew Peterson

Physics 1040
Blog #1
June 30, 2014
Newtons Laws at a Glance


Since the beginning of mankind, we have been fascinated with how and why the
universe works. One of the earliest advances in theoretical science was the work of Isaac
Newton, focusing on the nature of motion of all objects in the universe. Newton takes apart the
universe through three magnificently written laws. The three laws being: objects at rest stay at
rest; objects in motion stay in motion, motion is changed by unbalanced forces, and whatever is
pushed, pushes back.

Newtons first law, things keep on keepin on, is such an obvious, yet complicated idea.
This idea is what we call inertia. The only thing that can influence the motion, or lack thereof, of
an object is an unbalanced force. Unbalanced forces are specific because it is possible for two
or more forces to oppose one another in a way that they balance themselves out equally. A ball
sitting on the ground wont move because the force of gravity is perfectly balanced on all sides
of the ball, causing it to push back towards to Earth. Motion only means something when it is
measured relative to an inertial frame of reference, which is based upon what the relation
motion of the object is.

Newtons second law, if an unbalanced force acts on an object, then the objects motion
does change. This law tells us how the objects motion changes in response to that force.
Change can defined through direction and motion. Speed and direction of an object in motion is
called its velocity and the rate at which it travels is called acceleration. Acceleration is tricky
because its not just pushing the brake and the gas pedal, but if you arent moving in a straight
line at a constant speed, you are experiencing acceleration. That is why acceleration is so
important when it comes to inertia and mass, there is more force needed. The greater the mass,
the greater the inertia, and the less acceleration will occur with the same amount of force on
comparable objects.

The last of Newtons laws is, in my opinion, the most fascinating one. It says that forces
always come in pairs, and those pairs are always equal in strength but opposite in direction.
That is basically saying that when Im running, when I push off my foot to move forward, the
Earth pushes back with the exact amount of force to create my acceleration. Its the same idea
with weight, your weight pushes you down to the floor, and the floor pushes back to show you
how much mass you have on Earth. For every force, there is always an equal and opposite
force. These laws all work together, but the explanation of that is for a latter date.

In this blog, I have explained to you Newtons three laws of gravity and given you
everyday examples of each. We use these laws everyday, without even realizing it. Maybe its
time to be more noticeable of why the ball on the floor isnt moving or why the scale says I
weight 152 pounds. Just a little food for thought.