Physics POGIL: Newtons First Law of Motion In this POGIL we will look at Newtons First Law of Motion.

This law is a model for explaining why objects stay at rest or move at constant velocity. Net Force A force is simply a push or a pull. A force is always exerted by some agent on an object. A force has both magnitude and direction. It has magnitude because you can push or pull with different amounts of effort. It has direction because you can direct a push or pull in a particular direction. The magnitude of a force is commonly measured in pounds (lb.) or Newtons (N). The greater the number of Newtons or pounds of force, the greater the magnitude of the push or pull. A push with 5 N of force is a harder push than one with only 1 N. The net force is the overall force on the object, taking into account the magnitude and direction of each individual push or pull on the object. The following diagrams show the magnitude and direction of several forces exerted by people pushing on some boxes and the resulting net force on each one.

15 N 10 N 10 N

15 N

15 N net force = 10 N to the right net force = 5 N to the left net force = 0 N
Note that for the moment we are assuming that there is no friction and the boxes are in free space; that is, there is no gravity. 1. Determine magnitude and direction of the net force on the following objects. Assume the boxes are in free space and there is no friction. (a)

15 N

magnitude = direction =

35 N

(b)

9N magnitude = 2N direction =

(c)

2N 7N

magnitude = direction =

5N

Physics (d)

10 N

magnitude = direction =

4N 6N 8N
(e)

magnitude = 8N 2N direction =

8N
2. Describe how one determines the net force on an object.

3. If the net force on an object is zero, does this mean there are no forces acting on the object? Explain.

4. Can the net force on an object be zero with only one force acting on it? Explain.

Newtons First Law of Motion Newtons First Law of Motion states the following: An object maintains its state of motion unless it is acted upon by a net force. This means that an object at rest will stay at rest if the net force on it is zero. It also means that an object will move with constant velocity if the net force on it is zero. 5. Suppose each of the boxes in question 1 is initially at rest. Which boxes will remain at rest?

6. Suppose each of the boxes in question 1 is initially moving at 10 km/h to the north. Which boxes will continue to move at this speed and in this direction?

Physics 7. Each of the following boxes is initially at rest. Draw arrows to show the magnitude and direction of the force(s) needed for the box to remain at rest. (a)

20 N

(b)

2N

14 N

(c)

6N 13 N
(d)

6N

7N 11 N
8. Can an object be moving if the net force on it is zero? Explain.

9. Can an object be at rest if there are forces exerted on it? Explain.

Problem Solving 10. Look at a book resting on a table. One of the forces acting on it is gravity, exerted by the Earth, pulling it downward. (a) What is the net force on the book?

(b) Suppose the gravitational force on the book is 10 N. This means that the Earth is pulling the book downward with a force of 10 N. What must be the magnitude and direction of the second force that pushes on the book?

Physics (c) What object exerts the force you determined in part (b)?

11. In the picture below, a rocket is moving upward at a constant velocity. The gravitational force, exerted by the Earth on the rocket, is 1000 N.

U S A

(a) What is the net force that acts on the rocket?

(b) Why must there be a second force, in addition to the gravitational force, exerted on the rocket?

(c) What must be the magnitude and direction of the second force that pushes on the rocket?

(d) What object exerts the force you determined in part (c)?

(e) On the axes below, sketch the vertical position and velocity of the rocket as it ascends.

position (m)

velocity (m/s)

time (s)

time (s)