Question

you slide across an icy sidewalk. according to newtons first law, why will you eventually slow down?
a. there is no air resistance.
b. you have no acceleration.
c. there is a force acting on you.
d. you have inertia.

Explanation:

Newton's first law states that an object in motion will stay in motion unless acted upon by an external force. When sliding on an icy sidewalk, the force of friction (a type of external force) acts against the motion, causing the person to slow down.

• Option A: If there were no air resistance, but there is still friction (even on ice, there is some friction), so this is incorrect.
• Option B: Since the person is slowing down, there is a deceleration (negative acceleration), so this is incorrect.
• Option C: The force of friction (an external force) is acting on the person, which is why they slow down. This is correct according to Newton's first law.
• Option D: Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its motion. While the person has inertia, it is the external force (friction) that causes the change in motion (slowing down), so this option does not explain why they slow down.

Answer:

C. There is a force acting on you.