Newtons 1st law

Question 1

Formally state Newton’s first law with reference to sero resultant force

Answer 1

• A body remains at rest or moves with a constant velocity (constant speed in a particular direction) provided the resultant force is zero

Question 2

Explain simple observations using N1 (e.g. being thrown backwards when a vehicle pulls away, being thrown over the handlebars when braking sharply on a bike, being thrown outwards when a vehicle turns
a corner at speed).

Answer 2

• Inertia is the idea that something will remain at rest or travel at a constant velocity.
• Therefore when a car accelerates forwards the person remains at rest while the car accelerates forwards giving the feeling of being thrown backwards
• When riding a bike, the person has forward momentum. Due to inertia, their body wants to continue moving forward
• Therefore, if the bike deccelerates, the person will continue moving forward
  + See notes page