Newton's First Law
Physics: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 5.2.6
Newton’s 1st Law
Newton's 1st Law says that the velocity of an object will only change if a resultant force is acting on the object. This applies to a stationary (still) or moving object.
Stationary (still)
- If an object is stationary (not moving) and there is no resultant force acting on it, it will stay stationary.
Moving
- If an object is moving and there is no resultant force acting on it, the object will continue moving in the same direction at the same speed.
- This means that the object will continue moving at the same velocity.
- This also means that the velocity of an object will only change if a resultant force is acting on the object.
Test yourself on Newton's First Law
The velocity of an object will only change if it is acted on by what?