Difference between revisions of "Newton's First Law"
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:: If the [[Resultant Force|resultant force]] on an [[object]] is not [[zero]] then an [[object]] will [[accelerate]] (change [[speed]] or direction). | :: If the [[Resultant Force|resultant force]] on an [[object]] is not [[zero]] then an [[object]] will [[accelerate]] (change [[speed]] or direction). | ||
: This means that if an [[object]] is [[observe]]d changing [[speed]] or direction then there must be an [[Unbalanced Forces|unbalanced force]] acting on it. | : This means that if an [[object]] is [[observe]]d changing [[speed]] or direction then there must be an [[Unbalanced Forces|unbalanced force]] acting on it. | ||
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| + | ===Examples=== | ||
| + | Stationary Object - The [[object]] remains at rest because the [[force]]s and [[Balanced Forces|balanced]]. | ||
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| + | Constant Speed in a Straight Line - The [[object]] remains at a constant [[speed]] and continues in a straight line because the [[force]]s acting on the [[object]] are [[Balanced Forces|balanced]]. | ||
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| + | Constant Speed but Changing Direction - The [[object]] is changing direction because there are [[Unbalanced Forces|unbalanced forces]] acting on it. | ||
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| + | Changing Speed - The [[object]] is changing speed because there are [[Unbalanced Forces|unbalanced forces]] acting on it. | ||
Revision as of 14:08, 14 February 2019
Key Stage 4
Meaning
Newton's First Law states that "An object in motion will tend to stay in motion in a straight line and an object at rest will tend to stay at rest unless an unbalanced force acts upon it."
About Newton's First Law
- Newton's First Law describes the fact that:
- If the resultant force on an object is zero then it will continue to move at a constant velocity.
- If the resultant force on an object is not zero then an object will accelerate (change speed or direction).
- This means that if an object is observed changing speed or direction then there must be an unbalanced force acting on it.
Examples
Stationary Object - The object remains at rest because the forces and balanced.
Constant Speed in a Straight Line - The object remains at a constant speed and continues in a straight line because the forces acting on the object are balanced.
Constant Speed but Changing Direction - The object is changing direction because there are unbalanced forces acting on it.
Changing Speed - The object is changing speed because there are unbalanced forces acting on it.