Question

lab conclusion: using what you observed in your lab, explain how each of newtons laws of motion relate to fireworks being set off. for newtons second law, make sure to include the mathematical relationship between force, mass and acceleration. newtons first law: newtons second law: newtons third law: how fireworks work at their simplest, fireworks consist of a shell fired from a mortar tube. office of science, prek - 12 baltimore county public schools june 13, 2025

Explanation:

• Newton’s First Law (Law of Inertia): Fireworks shells remain at rest in the mortar (or in uniform motion if already moving) until an unbalanced force (like the explosion of the lift charge) acts on them. For example, before the lift charge ignites, the shell doesn't move on its own.
• Newton’s Second Law (\(F = ma\)): The force (\(F\)) from the explosion of the lift charge accelerates (\(a\)) the shell of mass (\(m\)). A larger force (more powerful explosion) on a given - mass shell leads to a greater acceleration. A heavier shell (larger \(m\)) will have a smaller acceleration for the same explosive force.
• Newton’s Third Law (Action - Reaction): When the lift charge explodes, it exerts a downward force on the gases (action). In return, the gases exert an upward force on the shell (reaction), propelling it into the air. When the burst charge explodes, it exerts a force on the stars (action), and the stars exert a force back on the gases (reaction), scattering the stars in various directions.

Answer:

• Newton’s First Law: Fireworks shells stay at rest in mortar until lift - charge force acts (inertia).
• Newton’s Second Law: \(F = ma\), lift - charge force accelerates shell (force, mass, acceleration relationship).
• Newton’s Third Law: Lift/burst charge explosions have action - reaction (gas - shell/star - gas forces).