Chapter 4, Problem 94A

To determine

To Explain: Newton’s first law by considering the role of resistance and to review, analyze and critique the first law.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Every object tries to remain in its state of motion or rest until any external force is applied on it.

Review: 

A body continues its state of position (rest/uniform motion) unless applying a force on it.

Analyses: 

An object or a body sliding across a floor or on a table slows down due to the force of resistance acting on it. For instance, when the running fan is switched off, it cannot come to the rest position at an instance rather it takes some time due to inertia. 

Critique:

Newton’s first law defines the motion on the basis of relative position of the objectand time but the law does not rely on absolute position and time. Newton described three laws-based on motion only with physical space and time.

Conclusion: 

The first law is a representation of the law of inertia which was been described but not well formalized by Galileo.