How To: Master Newton's laws of motion in aerospace with NASA

NASA -- the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the United States government's most infamous agency, the powerhouse of space exploration -- teaches you the basics of Isaac Newton's Laws of Motion. Who better to learn motion theory from than NASA?

This NASA video segment from "Flight Testing Newton's Laws" explores how Newton's Laws of Motion apply to the development and operation of airplanes. Watch an instructor at NASA's National Test Pilot School as he describes and then demonstrates why seatbelts are an important force on pilots; what it means to pull 2, 4 and even 6 g in a jet; and how the thrust of a jet engine causes an aircraft to move forward. This video comprises the following sections:

The Law of Inertia: Newton's First Law

Explores how Newton's 1st law of motion applies to aerospace. The instructor defines the law of inertia and then explains how the seatbelt in a jet provides an outside force to stop the inertia of the pilot. The instructor also discusses inertia experienced by humans while riding in the test vehicles for space travel.

Force Equals Mass Times Acceleration: Newton's Second Law

Explores how Newton's second law of motion applies to aerospace. Watch him as he defines the 2nd law and demonstrates how to calculate a person's mass using the law. There is also a discussion about how people experience different g forces at the top and bottom of a roller coaster hill. Footage of the instructor in a fighter jet illustrates what it means to pull 2 and 4 g.

The Law of Action and Reaction: Newton's Third Law

Explores how Newton's third law of motion applies to aerospace. The NASA instructor defines the 3rd law and explains how a jet engine works to move an aircraft forward. There is also a discussion about the four forces involved in flying an aircraft.

***Formulas are presented onscreen along with the calculations.