Question

While pushing a very heavy box, Derek notices that it was much harder for him to get the box to start moving than it was for him to get the box to continue to move once it had started. This is an example of which mechanics principle? A) Newton’s third law of motion B) Law of universal gravitation C) Newton’s first law of motion D) Newton’s second law of motion

Answer 1

Derek's experience with the heavy box is described by Newton's first law of motion, emphasizing the concept of inertia and the distinction between static and kinetic friction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The challenge Derek is experiencing with the heavy box is an example of Newton's first law of motion, which is sometimes referred to as the law of inertia. According to Newton's first law, an object at rest will stay at rest, and an object in motion will stay in motion at a constant velocity, unless acted upon by a net external force. The box requires a larger force to overcome its static friction, which is the resistance to motion that occurs when the box is at rest. Once the box starts moving, it only has to overcome kinetic friction, which is usually less than static friction, hence it requires less force to keep the box moving compared to getting it started.