Flashcards on First Law of Motion: Law of Inertia



What is the First Law of Motion also known as?

The Law of Inertia.

Who formulated the First Law of Motion?

Sir Isaac Newton.

State Newton's First Law of Motion.

An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion at a constant velocity unless acted upon by an unbalanced external force.

What does the Law of Inertia describe?

The resistance of any physical object to any change in its velocity.

What is inertia?

Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion.

How does mass affect inertia?

The greater the mass of an object, the greater its inertia.

In the absence of any external forces, what happens to a moving object according to the Law of Inertia?

It will continue to move at a constant velocity.

Why do passengers tend to lurch forward in a sudden stop of a car?

Due to the inertia of their bodies which keeps them moving forward.

What is an example of inertia in daily life?

A book lying on a table remains at rest unless someone moves it.

Can inertia be seen in liquids?

Yes, for example, when you stop stirring tea, the liquid continues spinning for a while.

How is inertia applied in space exploration?

Spacecrafts use inertia to travel vast distances at constant speeds with minimal fuel.

Does inertia depend on the speed of the object?

No, it depends on the mass of the object.

What role does friction play in Newton's First Law?

Friction is an external force which can act to slow down or stop motion.

Is inertia a force?

No, inertia is not a force; it is a property of matter.

How is the First Law of Motion essential for understanding other laws of motion?

It provides the foundation for understanding how objects interact with forces and how motion is influenced.