Forced Changes Only: A New Take on the Law of Inertia

TL;DR

This paper reinterprets Newton's First Law as a more general principle that limits changes in motion even under forces, correcting a historical translation error that led to a narrower understanding.

Contribution

It presents a new conceptual understanding of Newton's First Law as a universal limit on motion change, extending its applicability beyond force-free bodies.

Findings

Reinterprets Newton's First Law as a broader principle

Identifies translation error in early English editions of Newton's Principia

Proposes a unified view of inertia and force effects

Abstract

Newton's First Law of Motion is typically understood to govern only the motion of force-free bodies. This paper argues on textual and conceptual grounds that it is in fact a stronger, more general principle. The First Law limits the extent to which any body can change its state of motion -- even if that body is subject to impressed forces. The misunderstanding can be traced back to an error in the first English translation of Newton's Principia, which was published a few years after Newton's death.