Question

which of the following is a true statement regarding newtons first law?
f. an object at rest is at a constant speed.
g. an object at rest has no motion until an unbalanced force acts on it.
h. any force may result in an acceleration, regardless of the sum of the forces
on that object.
j. an object may only change its own state of motion, outside forces have no
effect.

Explanation:

Newton's First Law states that an object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.

• Option F: An object at rest is at a constant speed. This is incorrect. An object at rest has a speed of \(0\), and “constant speed” usually implies non - zero and uniform motion.
• Option G: An object at rest has no motion until an unbalanced force acts on it. This is in line with Newton's First Law.
• Option H: Any force may result in an acceleration, regardless of the sum of the forces. This is wrong. Only unbalanced forces (non - zero net force) cause acceleration.
• Option I: An object may only change its own state of motion, outside forces have no effect. This is contrary to Newton's First Law. Objects do not change their state of motion on their own; external unbalanced forces are required.

Answer:

G. An object at rest has no motion until an unbalanced force acts on it.