Newton’s First Law of Motion – Lesson Summary

This is a lesson summary. The full lesson can be viewed by purchasing an online course subscription.

Learning Objective

In this lesson we will learn about Newton’s first law of motion.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson you will be able to:

  • State Newton’s first law of motion.
  • Describe how Newton’s first law applies to stationary objects and moving objects, with examples.
  • Define ‘inertia’ and distinguish between inertia of rest, inertia of motion and inertia of direction, with examples.
  • Relate an object’s inertia to its mass and change of velocity.

 
newtons first law of motion lesson contents

(Image: paologhedini, Pixabay)

Lesson Topics

1 | Newton’s First Law

2 | Examples of Newton’s First Law

3 | Inertia

4 | Summary

Lesson Summary

  • Newton’s first law of motion states that objects move in a straight line at a constant speed unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.
  • In other words:
  • An unbalanced force is required to make a stationary object move.
  • An unbalanced force is required to make a moving object change speed or direction.
  • Inertia is an object’s resistance to changes in speed and direction.
  • Inertia of rest is the tendency of a stationary object to remain stationary.
  • Inertia of motion is the tendency of a moving object to continue moving at the same speed.
  • Inertia of direction is the tendency a moving object to continue moving in the same direction.
  • An object’s inertia is directly proportional to its mass and the rate of change of speed or direction.

 

(Image: GIPHY)

(Header image: pressmaster, Adobe Stock)