• The motion of an object is determined by the sum of the forces acting on it; if the total force on the object is not zero, its motion will change. The greater the mass of the object, the greater the force needed to achieve the same change in motion. For any given object, a larger force causes a larger change in motion. (6-8)
• Newton's second law accurately predicts changes in the motion of macroscopic objects. (9-12)

• Modeling in 9–12 builds on K–8 and progresses to using, synthesizing, and developing models to predict and show relationships among variables between systems and their components in the natural and designed worlds. (9-12)
  • Use a model to provide mechanistic accounts of phenomena. (9-12)

• 6-8: 4F/M3a. An unbalanced force acting on an object changes its speed or direction of motion, or both.
• 9-12: 4F/H1. The change in motion (direction or speed) of an object is proportional to the applied force and inversely proportional to the mass.
• 9-12: 4F/H4. Whenever one thing exerts a force on another, an equal amount of force is exerted back on it.
• 9-12: 4F/H8. Any object maintains a constant speed and direction of motion unless an unbalanced outside force acts on it.

A simulation-based problem that supplements the problem above on momentary push.  A satellite is floating at constant velocity when its thrusters engage.   The resulting path of its motion will differ from the example above.  Assesses student understanding of how resultant motion is affected by a sustained force produced by thrust.

• Physical Sciences K-8 Newton's First Law & Inertia Unit
• Physics First Newton's First Law & Inertia Unit
• Conceptual Physics Newton's First Law & Inertia Unit
• Algebra-Based Physics Newton's First Law & Inertia Unit
• AP/Calculus-Based Physics Newton's First Law & Inertia Unit