When you row a boat on the pond why does the boat go forward when you are pulling the oars back toward you?

Answer 1

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Newton's laws are essential to understand. When you apply force through your ores you are getting an equal response. Therefore it's like you using the water to throw your weight in the direction of need being.

Another example would be if you're in space. There is nothing to grasp to apply force, therefore the force is not created. Waving your arms in space isn't going to allow you to move unless you have something to throw. If you throw the object in the opposite direction of where you want to go.. the force will be applied equally back therefor causing you to move.

Answer 2

When you're sitting backwards in the boat, the boat moves in the direction that your back is facing.

Just look at how the oar moves when you're pulling - it goes in the water when you're leaned over, and you pull it until you're leaned back. The oars propel the boat backwards, yes. At least for the rowers.

Recent development seen at a boat show in Vancouver, B.C., Canada about 15 years ago -- a strange looking and intricate set of steel oars that allowed the oarsman to row straight ahead the same way he is looking.

Answer 3

Think of it this way ... you're pushing the water with the oars. You push in one direction and that makes you go in the opposite direction from the push.