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MIT 8.01 Lesson 3: Motion with Constant Velocity and Zero Net Force

Lesson Summary

We introduce a simple model based on Newton's revolutionary insight - that the natural state of motion of an isolated body is motion with constant velocity.

We now explore our first model - motion with constant velocity. According to Newton, this is the natural state of motion that occurs when the net external force acting on a body is zero. This constant velocity will be measured with respect to any inertial coordinate system (but not an accelerating one).

Learning Objectives

After completing this Lesson, students should be able to:

Describe the difference between distance and displacement.
Define average velocity and average speed.
Describe the features of a motion diagram that exhibits motion with constant velocity.
Relate displacement, time and velocity.
Find velocity from the slope of a position versus time graph.
Describe the properties of the position versus time graph given the velocity and the initial position for a trip made at constant velocity.
Mathematically determine when two objects moving with constant velocity will meet by constructing and solving a system of equations.
Graphically determine when two objects moving with constant velocity will meet.
understand and use the One-Dimensional Motion with Constant Velocity model template from the hierarchy of Models.

Now that you have completed the Lesson, look at the model template for 1-D Motion with Constant Velocity, which is intended to be a succinct summary of what you have learned.