Chapter 3.2, Problem 16R

To determine

To explain: The reason for calling law of inertia as Newton’s first law of motion.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

According to the Newton’s first law of motion, the state of an object will not change until an external force is exerted on it.

The property of inertia is responsible for the body to stay in rest or in uniform motion until an external force will start acting on the body. The inertia of body is related to mass and is a resistance force that opposes all internal disturbance which can change the state of body. So, Newton’s first law of motion is also termed as law of inertia because it defines the concept of inertia.

Conclusion:

Hence, the Newton’s first law of motion is also called law of inertia.