Question

why is newtons first law of motion sometimes referred to as the law of inertia?
○ a. inertia is the direction of motion of an object.
○ b. inertia prevents a net force from acting on an object.
○ c. inertia influences an objects motion.
○ d. inertia affects moving objects but not stationary objects.

Explanation:

Newton's First Law of Motion 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. Inertia is the property of an object that resists changes in its state of motion. So, Newton's First Law is about how inertia influences an object's motion.

• Option A: Inertia is not the direction of motion. Direction of motion is related to velocity.
• Option B: Inertia does not prevent a net force from acting. A net force can act on an object, and inertia is about how the object responds to that force (resisting the change in motion).
• Option D: Inertia affects both moving and stationary objects. A stationary object has inertia that resists being set in motion, and a moving object has inertia that resists changes in its motion.

Answer:

C. Inertia influences an object’s motion.