From Thingamabobs to Gismos & Gadgets

Newton's First Law: Inertia

A body at rest will remain at rest; a body in motion will remain in motion unless acted on by an outside force. Inertia is an object's resistance to changing its status, either stationary or in motion. That means that objects in motion will continue in motion in a straight line unless acted upon by an outside force.

Have you ever been riding in a car when the driver suddenly slammed on the brakes? How did your body move as the car came to a stop? You probably felt your body move forward. When you felt this happening you experienced Newton's first law of motion.

Use this site to help you answer the questions about Newton's first law. Be sure to fill out your answers in your lab notebook.

Now do these experiments to learn more about inertia. Be sure to record your observations in your lab notebook.

Tablecloth Challenge

Kory and Jordon's Ramp Experiment

The Hoop Swoop

Egghead's Great Adventure

 

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