Misconception in Physics
If we are not careful in learning physics, we could get into a delicate
type of trouble. We usually do not realize that a misconception covers
our mind, and consequently prevents us from understanding the heart of
the problem.
However, we can caution ourselves in the very beginning of the learning
process about the danger of misconception. This fine trap often imprisons
learners for ages, till a recognized capable physicist comes to wake them
up.
To illustrate what the misconception is all about, please try to answer the following simple question :
The normal force exerted by a plane (N) on a mass lying on it is the same in magnitude as the gravitational force (w). Are they the pair of interaction forces meant by the third Newton's law?
If yes is your answer to the question like most of my students', you are suffering from a misconception in physics. To get the correct explanation of the problem, please click here.
Find more about the misconception in physics in my paper (a PDF-file, translated from the original Indonesian version).