equal and opposite forces
What equal and opposite forces means in Physics GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of equal and opposite forces
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Reference: AQA
By Newton's third law the magnet is pushed back with an equal and opposite force, which is why a magnet resting on a balance shows a change in reading when the current is switched on.
The two objects always feel forces of the same size, in opposite directions, however different they are.
The two forces are equal in size and opposite in direction, and they act on different objects.
The force acts on both objects equally and in opposite directions.
Topics that use equal and opposite forces
- Electric fields (AQA GCSE)
- Fleming's left-hand rule (HT only) (AQA GCSE)
- Poles of a magnet (AQA GCSE)
- Static charge (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- effect of separation
- force and separation
- always attraction
- attraction and repulsion
- chain of nails
- charge redistribution
- charging by friction
- conservation of charge
Using equal and opposite forces in the exam
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