Question

you slide across an icy sidewalk and eventually come to a stop. according to newton’s first law, why are you no longer in motion?

a. there is too much air resistance.

b. you are subject to unbalanced forces.

c. inertia forced you to stop.

d. you are subject to balanced forces.

Explanation:

• Option A: Air resistance is not the main reason here; friction (from ice, though low) and other forces matter more, so A is wrong.
• Option B: Newton's first law says an object in motion stays in motion unless acted on by unbalanced forces. When sliding on ice, friction (an unbalanced force) acts, causing a change in motion (stopping), so B is correct.
• Option C: Inertia is the tendency to stay in motion, not a force that stops motion, so C is wrong.
• Option D: If forces were balanced, motion (constant velocity) would continue, but you stopped, so forces aren't balanced, D is wrong.

Answer:

B. You are subject to unbalanced forces.