Question

The statement that an object at rest will remain at rest unless acted upon by a force is an example of which of the following? A) hypothesis C) law B) variable D) theory

Short answer

The statement is an example of a law.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Known Concepts

Let's identify what the exercise is asking for. It mentions an object at rest remaining at rest unless acted upon by a force. This is a well-known concept.

Recall Scientific Principles

Recall concepts from physics. The mentioned statement is part of the fundamental principles of physics, specifically related to motion.

Match with Scientific Categories

Go through the given options: hypothesis, law, variable, theory. A hypothesis is a proposition that can be tested. A law describes a consistently observed natural phenomenon. A variable is something that can change. A theory is a well-substantiated explanation.

Conclusion

The statement describes a fundamental principle observed consistently in nature and proven through experiments. This aligns with the definition of a 'law' in scientific terms.

Key concepts

Laws of Motion

Newton's First Law, often referred to as the Law of Inertia, is a cornerstone of classical mechanics in physics. It highlights the concept that objects will not change their state of motion (rest or uniform motion) unless a net external force acts upon them. This simple yet profound idea paved the way for modern physics.
Understanding the Laws of Motion can help us explain how and why objects behave the way they do in different conditions. For example, when you're sitting in a car that suddenly stops, you lurch forward because your body wants to stay in motion even though the car has stopped.

• The First Law tells us that without a force, nothing changes an object's motion.
• Inertia is the resistance of any physical object to change its current motion.

Thus, Newton's First Law not only illuminates the behavior of objects at rest but also those in motion. It's about understanding how forces interact with physical bodies and influence their movement.

Physics Principles

Physics principles are the fundamental truths that serve as the foundation for the natural sciences. These principles guide our understanding of the universe's behavior, covering everything from the microscopic particles to the expansive cosmic bodies.
**Understanding Physics Principles:**
1. **Universality:** Physics principles apply everywhere in the universe, providing a consistent framework for interpreting phenomena.
2. **Predictability:** These principles help predict future events or states of systems based on current knowledge. For instance, by understanding gravitational principles, we can predict the movement of planets.
The reliability of physics principles makes them crucial for scientists, engineers, and everyone who uses technology. They enable us to build bridges, develop new technologies, and even explore outer space—all based on consistent physical laws.

Scientific Laws

Scientific laws are statements based on repeated experiments or observations that describe some aspect of the world. They hold universal truth under specific conditions and are usually accepted by the scientific community as fact.
**Characteristics of Scientific Laws:**

• **Consistency:** They are established only after consistent observations and experiments.
• **Predictability:** Scientific laws predict natural phenomena, such as the Law of Gravity predicting the motion of falling objects.
• **Universality:** These laws are valid across time and place, illustrating the consistent nature of reality.

Understanding scientific laws helps us grasp the predictable patterns in the universe. They are different from hypotheses, theories, or variables in that they are straightforward principles that describe natural behaviors under defined conditions. Newton's Law of Inertia is a prime example of a robust scientific law that has stood the test of time through application and observation.