1. First Law (Law of Inertia): This law states that an object will remain at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by an external force. In terms of boats, when a boat is at rest, it stays at rest until an external force (like wind or engine power) is applied to set it in motion. Once moving, it continues moving at a constant speed unless another force (like friction or a change in engine power) acts on it.
2. Second Law (Law of Acceleration): This law states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. In the context of boats, the amount of force (such as engine power) applied to a boat determines its acceleration. A larger force will result in a greater acceleration, while a heavier boat will experience less acceleration for the same force applied.
3. Third Law (Action-Reaction): For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. When a boat pushes against the water with its propeller or oars (action), the water exerts an equal and opposite force back on the boat (reaction), propelling it forward. Similarly, when a boat turns its rudder to one side, the water exerts a reactive force that allows the boat to change direction.