Free Printable WorksheetScienceGrade 8Science CurriculumSCI.8.38

8.38 Newton's First Law and Inertia Worksheet

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Worksheet Overview & Skills Covered

Core academic competencies and curriculum alignment

This Grade 8 Science worksheet provides structured practice on 8.38 Newton's First Law and Inertia. Students are guided through targeted exercises that build foundational understanding, computational accuracy, and critical thinking skills.

Newton’s First Law and Inertia - What is the best prediction that motion of objects when net force is zero and explain inertia in everyday contexts? (NGSS MS‑PS2‑2; TEKS §112.28 Grade 8; FL NGSSS; VA SOL; MA STE)

Whether you are an educator preparing classroom handouts, a tutor reinforcing weekly topics, or a parent supporting homeschool learning, this printable resource gives students the deliberate practice required to achieve subject fluency and master state standards.

Grade

Grade 8

Subject

Science

Domain

Science Curriculum

Formats

PDF & DOCX

Sample Practice Problems

Preview the types of problems and questions covered in this worksheet

Below are sample questions representative of the exercises included on this worksheet and related 8.38 Newton's First Law and Inertia skill assessments:

Problem 1Difficulty: Mastery

A student argues: “If a moving object has net force zero, it must have zero momentum.”

Which statement is correct?

ANet force zero always means momentum is zero.

BNet force zero means the object’s mass is zero.

CNet force zero means the object must be stopped by friction.

DIt can have nonzero momentum; net force zero means momentum stays constant, not necessarily zero.

Solution & Explanation:Momentum depends on mass and velocity. With net force zero, acceleration is zero, so velocity (and momentum) stay constant. If it was moving, momentum can be nonzero.

Problem 2Difficulty: Mastery

A cart moves right at constant speed while two forces act on it: 12 N right from a motor and friction left. The friction force suddenly increases but the motor force stays 12 N.

Immediately after friction increases," what happens?,A. The cart begins to slow down (accelerate left) because the net force becomes left. | B. The cart keeps the same speed because inertia guarantees constant velocity. | C. The cart speeds up right because the motor is still on. | D. The net force stays zero because the cart is already moving.,A,If friction becomes larger than 12 N left

Solution & Explanation:motion

Problem 3Difficulty: Mastery

In a simulation, a spaceship is shown moving in a straight line at constant velocity. The simulation also shows four forces on it: 15 N forward thrust, 10 N backward drag, 3 N upward, and 8 N downward.

What must be changed to make the forces consistent with the motion shown?

ARemove the thrust force only.

BIncrease the upward force to 8 N only.

CChange the forward thrust to 10 N only.

DChange the backward drag to 15 N and the downward force to 3 N so all forces balance.

Solution & Explanation:Constant velocity means net force must be zero in every direction. Horizontally, forward must equal backward (15 = 15). Vertically, up must equal down (3 = 3). Adjusting drag to 15 N and down to 3 N balances both axes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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QWhat grade level and standards does this worksheet align with?

This worksheet is designed specifically for Grade 8 Science students. It aligns with educational standard SCI.8.38 (Explain inertia and how balanced forces connect to Newton's First Law.).