Newton's First Law: At Rest or In Motion?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of Newton's First Law of Motion, specifically the phrasing of the law regarding objects at rest and in motion. Participants explore the nuances between the terms "unbalanced force" and "outside force" and seek clarification on their implications within the context of the law.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants present two formulations of Newton's First Law and question which is correct: one using "unbalanced force" and the other using "outside force."
  • Others express confusion over the differing terminology found in various sources and seek clarification on the meanings of "unbalanced force" and "outside force."
  • A participant suggests that the two statements are essentially identical except for the adjective used, arguing that "outside" is more appropriate according to Newton's original formulation.
  • Some participants emphasize the need for personal effort in understanding the concepts rather than seeking direct answers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on which formulation of Newton's First Law is correct, and multiple competing views remain regarding the terminology and its implications.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of clarity regarding the definitions of "unbalanced force" and "outside force," and the discussion reflects varying interpretations of Newton's original wording.

lightbender
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For Newton's first law, which one is correct?

1. All objects that are at rest, stay at rest; all objects that are in motion stay in motion, unless acted upon an unbalanced force.

Or

2. All objects that are at rest, stay at rest; all objects that are in motion stay in motion, unless acted upon an outside force.

Thank you!
 
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What do you think and why? It is not the purpose of this forum to spoon-feed answers. You need to make some effort yourself.
 
This is not a homework question!
I am just confused because some websites say number 1 while others say number 2
 
explain the difference between the two statements. What does an "outside force" mean, and what would an "unbalanced force" be?
 
I do not know!
 
lightbender said:
I do not know!

It is only 'words' that you appear to have a problem with.
Start from the standpoint that Newton One is probably right (go to a third source, perhaps) and see which of those two alternatives could be 'wrong' or just a strange way of putting it, in your view. Try to reconcile them together rather than looking for a wrong one.
 
lightbender said:
For Newton's first law, which one is correct?

1. All objects that are at rest, stay at rest; all objects that are in motion stay in motion, unless acted upon an unbalanced force.
2. All objects that are at rest, stay at rest; all objects that are in motion stay in motion, unless acted upon an outside force.
The two sentences are identical but for an adjective, unbalanced is not appropriate, according to Newtons original formulation outside/ external is more appropriate:
Lex I: Corpus omne perseverare in statu suo quiescendi vel movendi uniformiter in directum, nisi quatenus a viribus impressis cogitur statum illum mutare.
Law I: Every body persists in its state of being at rest or of moving uniformly in a straight line unless it is compelled to change its state by forces impressed.
 

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