Skip to content
    Physics GCSE

    Newton's third law

    What Newton's third law means in Physics GCSE, as defined for AQA, OCR.

    Definitions of Newton's third law

    Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.

    Check what you remember

    Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Newton's third law in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.

    Reference: OCR

    When body A exerts a force on body B, body B exerts an equal-sized force on A in the opposite direction.
    OCR · Newton's laws (study guide)
    The magnet experiences an equal and opposite force to the force the conductor experiences.
    OCR · Uses of magnetism (study guide)
    Whenever two objects interact, the forces they exert on each other are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.
    AQA · Moments, levers and gears (physics only) (study guide)

    Topics that use Newton's third law

    Related terms

    Using Newton's third law in the exam

    Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.

    Practise Physics questions

    Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.

    Start free

    A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge

    All Physics GCSE terms