Physics A-Level
Newton's first law and inertia
What Newton's first law and inertia means in Physics A-Level, as defined for OCR.
Definition of Newton's first law and inertia
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Newton's first law and inertia in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
If the force were removed, the object would continue in a straight line tangent to the circle, as Newton's first law predicts.
Topics that use Newton's first law and inertia
- Centripetal force (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Centripetal acceleration
- Centripetal force
- Difference between speed and velocity
- Relationship between linear and angular quantities
- Rigid-body rotation
- Vector nature of velocity and acceleration
- Centripetal acceleration magnitude and direction
- Constant speed in circular motion
Using Newton's first law and inertia in the exam
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