Question

There are three solids made up of aluminum, steel, and wood, of the same shape and same volume. Which of them would have the highest inertia?

Answer 1

Inertia:

1. The resistance of any physical object to a change in velocity is known as inertia.
2. The mass of an object is a measure of its inertia.
3. There are 3 types of inertia:
   • The inertia of rest- When the body offers resistance to remain in a condition of rest unless an external force acts on it.
   • The inertia of direction- When the body provides resistance to keep moving in the same direction until an external force acts on it.
   • The inertia of motion- When the body provides resistance to continue in a regular motion unless an external force acts on it.

Explanation:

1. The mass of an object is a measure of its inertia.
2. The mass of solids of the same size and volume determines their inertia.
3. The more mass you have, the more inertia you'll have.
4. Steel has the highest density and hence the highest mass of these three materials.
5. Thus we may say steel has the most inertia.