law of motion
A student draws a diagram of Newton's first law of motion on a classroom whiteboard.
Noun: - A fundamental principle in physics: Specifically, one of three basic statements formulated by Sir Isaac Newton that describe the relationship between the motion of an object and the forces acting upon it. These laws form the foundation of classical mechanics.
The term "law of motion" is used to refer to any one of Newton's three individual laws. It is typically preceded by an ordinal number (first, second, or third) to specify which principle is being discussed. - Newton's first law of motion is also called the law of inertia. - The rocket's acceleration is a clear demonstration of the second law of motion. - When you push against a wall, the wall pushes back, illustrating the third law of motion.
- In a broader scientific context: While most commonly associated with Newton, the phrase can be used more generally to describe any fundamental principle governing motion, though this is less common.
- Researchers are exploring quantum laws of motion that differ from classical ones.
- Newton's laws (of motion): The most common collective term for the three laws.
- Law of inertia: A specific name for the first law of motion.
- Classical mechanics: The branch of physics built upon these laws.
- Newtonian law
- Principle of motion (less specific)
- Action and reaction: A phrase summarizing the core concept of the third law of motion.
- F = ma: The mathematical expression (force equals mass times acceleration) representing the second law of motion.
A student draws a diagram of Newton's first law of motion on a classroom whiteboard.
- one of three basic laws of classical mechanics