Question

Answer the following question.

Are there any situations in which we cannot apply Newton’s laws of motion? Is there any alternative for it?

Answer 1

1. Limitation: Newton’s laws of motion cannot be applied for objects moving in a non-inertial (accelerated) frame of reference.
   Alternative solution: For a non-inertial (accelerated) frame of reference, pseudo force needs to be considered along with all the other forces.
2. Limitation: Newton’s laws of motion are applicable to point objects and rigid bodies.
   Alternative solution: Body needs to be approximated as a particle as the laws can be applied to individual particles in a rigid body and then summed up over the body.
3. Limitation: Newton’s laws of motion cannot be applied for objects moving with speeds comparable to that of light.
   Alternative solution: Einstein’s special theory of relativity has to be used.
4. Limitation: Newton’s laws of motion cannot be applied for studying the behaviour and interactions of objects having atomic or molecular sizes.
   Alternative solution: Quantum mechanics has to be used.