The alternation of motion is ever proportional to the motive force impressed; and is made in the direction of the right line in which that force is impressed.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Motion changes proportionally to the force applied, and it follows the straight line of that force.
- In plain terms
- Objects move in the direction of the applied force, and the amount of motion matches the force.
- What can you take from it?
- Apply force in the desired direction to control motion.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does friction alter this relationship?
- Can force be applied without a straight line?
Another view
It assumes ideal conditions without friction or other resistances.
More from Isaac Newton
Every body continues in its state of rest, or of uniform motion in a right line, unless it is compelled to change that state by forces impressed upon it.
Permalink to quote #22 To every action there is always opposed an equal reaction; or, the mutual actions of two bodies upon each other are always equal, and directed to contrary part…
Permalink to quote #24 We are to admit no more causes of natural things than such as are both true and sufficient to explain their appearances.
Permalink to quote #21
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Every body continues in its state of rest, or of uniform motion in a right line, unless it is compelled to change that state by forces impressed upon it.
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