2.4.A—Describe the conditions under which a system’s velocity remains constant

Describe the conditions under which a system’s velocity remains constant.

• The net force on a system is the vector sum of all forces exerted on the system.
• Translational equilibrium is the configuration of forces such that the net force exerted on a system is zero. Derived equation:
• Newton’s first law states that if the net force exerted on a system is zero, the velocity of that system will remain constant.
• Forces may be balanced in one dimension but unbalanced in another. The system’s velocity will change only in the direction of the unbalanced force.
• An inertial reference frame is one from which an observer would verify Newton’s first law of motion. TOPIC 2.4 Newton’s First Law TOPIC 2.5 Newton’s Second Law