Question

Define Inertia. Describe a simple experiment to demonstrate the inertia of rest.

Answer 1

Inertia is the property of matter by which it continues in its existing state of rest or uniform motion in a straight line, unless that state is changed by an external force.

Here is an experiment to demonstrate the inertia of rest.

Activity:

1. Make a pile of similar carom coins on a table.
2. Attempt a sharp horizontal hit at the bottom of the pile using another carom coin or the striker.

Observation:
If the hit is strong enough, the bottom coin moves out quickly. Once the lowest coin is removed, the inertia of the other coins makes them ‘fall’ vertically on the table.

Conclusion:
The activity given above illustrates that there is a resistance offered by an object to change its state of motion.