suppose that an astronaut throws a rock into outer space at a location far from significant influences of gravity and air resistance. One would expect the rock would
A. eventually stop because all objects "lose steam"
B. eventually stops as its inertia becomes used up
C. Continue in motion with the same speed an direction
D. either a,b,c depending on whether or not the astronaut continues to push it
Hint:
read up about Newton's first law, for example, at the following link:
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/newtlaws/Lesson-1/Newton-s-First-Law
Because it is acted upon force
To determine what would happen to the rock in outer space, we can analyze the forces acting on it. In this scenario, it's stated that the rock is far from significant influences of gravity and air resistance.
Since gravity has a negligible effect in this situation, we can consider the rock as experiencing zero gravitational force. Similarly, as there is no air resistance in space, we can assume that there is no opposing resistance to the rock's motion.
According to Newton's First Law of Motion, an object at rest or in motion will remain in its state unless acted upon by an external force. This law, also known as the law of inertia, suggests that the rock will continue in motion with the same speed and direction (Option C).
Therefore, the correct answer is C. The rock will continue in motion with the same speed and direction until acted upon by an external force.