Newton's First Law straight line speed

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on Newton's First Law of Motion and the concept of objects moving in a straight line at constant speed. It establishes that while light, or electromagnetic radiation, travels at a constant speed of 3x10^8 m/s in a vacuum, it does not maintain a straight path due to gravitational influences. The conversation highlights that all objects with mass, such as meteorites, experience changes in velocity due to nearby forces, confirming the principles of classical mechanics and general relativity. The participants clarify that not everything in the universe has mass, but all objects are influenced by forces.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's First Law of Motion
  • Basic knowledge of electromagnetic radiation and its properties
  • Familiarity with classical mechanics and general relativity
  • Concept of gravitational influence on moving objects
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of Newton's First Law in various physical scenarios
  • Explore the properties of electromagnetic radiation in different mediums
  • Investigate the effects of gravitational forces on the trajectory of objects
  • Learn about the principles of general relativity and its impact on motion
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching classical mechanics, and anyone interested in the principles of motion and forces in the universe.

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Homework Statement


For my A-level homework I have to think whether there are any objects in the universe that move at the same speed in a staight line forever.


Homework Equations


I am stuck to think of anything - do any exist?


The Attempt at a Solution



Thanks for the help
 
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What about something with no mass?
 
that would not be possible.. everything in this universe has mass..

however light or any electro magnetic radiation for that matter, in vacuum, moves with the same speed(3x10^8 m/s) forever..
 
but objects such as meterorites in the universe change velocity because of mass of nearby planets - is this true?
 
You titled this "Newton's First Law". Perhaps that has something to do with this problem! What is Newton's first law?

By the way, it is not true that "everything in this universe has mass". In fact, you gave an example in the same post in which you said that. It is, however, true that everything is affected by force.
 
saiaspire said:
that would not be possible.. everything in this universe has mass..

however light or any electro magnetic radiation for that matter, in vacuum, moves with the same speed(3x10^8 m/s) forever..

But that don't move in a strait line...

or you consider classical mechanics and the speed of light is infinite but move in a strait line, or you consider G.Relativity and light travels at c but don't travel in strait path as there's gravity everywhere. ^_^

EDIT: but for the problem i guess that would be related with 1º law...so, is about direct applying it.
 

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