An asteroid is flying through space with a velocity of 1,500 m/s. If no forces act on the asteroid, what will happen to it?

Question

The asteroid will continue moving forever with the same speed and direction.

The asteroid will eventually come to a stop when its velocity reaches 0 m/s.

The asteroid’s inertia will decrease and its acceleration will slowly increase.

The asteroid will continue moving until its acceleration is greater than its velocity.

Answer 1

If no forces act on the asteroid, according to Newton's first law of motion (the law of inertia), the asteroid will continue moving in a straight line with the same speed and direction. Therefore, the correct answer is:

The asteroid will continue moving forever with the same speed and direction.