Question

Define inertia and its type with example.

Answer 1

1. Inertia is defined as a property of matter by which it tries to maintain its state of rest or of uniform motion along a straight line.
2. In other words, inertia is the property of matter by virtue of which it resists any change in its state of rest or uniform motion along a straight line.
3. Following are the three types of inertia:

1. The inertia of Rest: When the resistance is offered by the body to continue in the state of rest unless an external force acts on it. e.g., the tendency of moving back when the stationary bus starts to move is due to the inertia of rest.
2. The inertia of Direction: When the resistance is offered by the body to continue the motion in the same direction unless an external force acts on it. e.g when a car takes a sharp turn, the driver tends to get thrown to the other side due to inertia of direction.
3. The inertia of Motion: When the resistance is offered by the body to continue to be in uniform motion unless an external force acts on it. e.g., the passengers fall forward when a moving bus stops suddenly due to inertia of motion.