AQA GCSE Physics
AQA GCSE Physics 4.5.6.2.1 Newton's First Law Exam Questions
Free AQA GCSE Physics exam questions for 4.5.6.2.1 Newton's First Law, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers Newton's first law, balanced forces, constant velocity, changes in speed or direction from resultant forces, and inertia.
4.5.6.2.1 Newton's First Law exam questions
1 question pack of real past exam questions, each with its mark scheme. Do not stop after a few: answer as many as you can without notes, then mark every answer with the mark scheme. The more questions you do, the more quickly you will spot how examiners ask about each idea.
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About AQA GCSE Physics 4.5.6.2.1 Newton's First Law
Newton's first law in AQA GCSE Physics states how objects behave when the resultant force on them is zero, and what a non-zero resultant force does. You need to apply it to stationary objects and to vehicles travelling at a steady speed, where driving forces equal resistive forces. Higher tier only content covers inertia, the tendency of objects to continue in their state of rest or uniform motion. It is examined on Paper 2. Examiners test the law in words and its application to cars, skydivers and objects on surfaces.
What you need to know
- The law If the resultant force acting on an object is zero and the object is stationary, the object remains stationary. If the resultant force is zero and the object is moving, it continues to move at the same speed and in the same direction (the same velocity).
- Steady speed vehicles When a vehicle travels at a steady speed the resistive forces balance the driving force.
- Effect of a resultant force The velocity (speed and/or direction) of an object will only change if a resultant force is acting on the object.
- Inertia (Higher tier only) Inertia is the tendency of objects to continue in their state of rest or of uniform motion.
- Applying the law A puck sliding on ice slows down because of friction, a resultant force. In space, with no resistive forces, a moving probe keeps moving at constant velocity without engines.
Common mistakes in 4.5.6.2.1 Newton's First Law
- Saying a force is needed to keep an object moving. With zero resultant force a moving object continues at constant velocity.
- Saying there are no forces on an object at constant speed. There are forces, but they are balanced.
- Forgetting that a change in direction also needs a resultant force.
- Defining inertia as a force. It is a tendency (property) of objects, not a force.
Try three 4.5.6.2.1 Newton's First Law exam-style questions
1. State Newton's first law. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
If the resultant force on an object is zero, a stationary object stays stationary; a moving object continues at the same speed in the same direction (constant velocity).
2. A lorry travels at a constant 25 m/s on a straight motorway. The driving force is 4000 N. State the total resistive force and explain your answer. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
4000 N; the lorry moves at constant velocity so the resultant force is zero and the forces are balanced.
3. Higher tier: Explain, using the idea of inertia, why passengers lurch forwards when a bus brakes suddenly. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Passengers tend to continue moving forwards at the same velocity (inertia); the bus slows down because a force acts on it, but there is little force on the passengers at first, so they move forward relative to the bus.
4.5.6.2.1 Newton's First Law FAQs
What does AQA GCSE Physics 4.5.6.2.1 Newton's first law cover?
It covers what happens when the resultant force is zero, balanced forces on vehicles at steady speed, the effect of a resultant force on velocity and, for Higher tier, inertia.
Which part is Higher tier only?
The idea of inertia, the tendency of objects to continue in their state of rest or uniform motion, is Higher tier only.
How do I spot a Newton's first law question?
Look for the words 'constant speed', 'steady speed' or 'stationary'. These mean the resultant force is zero and the forces are balanced.
