Forces - Newtons 1st law of motion

• Newton's first law of motion

  If the resultant force acting on a stationary object is zero, the object will remain stationary. If the resultant force acting on a moving object is zero, the object will continue moving in the same direction at the same speed (with the same velocity).
• Newton's first law of motion

  1. Stationary object with no resultant force

  2. Stationary object with balanced forces

  3. Moving object with no resultant force

  4. Moving object with balanced forces
• The velocity of an object will only change if a resultant force is acting on the object
• Resistive forces


  Forces that act to oppose the motion of an object, including friction with air and friction with the road
• Resultant force acting on a stationary object

  Object accelerates in the direction of the resultant force
• Resultant force acting on a moving object

  Object decelerates (slows down)
• Resultant force acting on the bottom of a moving object

  Object accelerates upwards
• You'll find plenty of questions on Newton's first law in the revision workbook available by clicking the link above