| Newton's First Law: Mass and Inertia |
| For this experiment, you'll need a quarter, a 10-cm by 10-cm piece
of a manila folder (card), and a 10-ounce plastic glass with a smooth rim.
|
| Hold onto the plastic glass with one hand as you proceed through the
experiment. The glass should remain stationary.
Slowly pull on the manila card. Observe the position of the quarter relative to the motion of the card. |
| Place the card and quarter in their original places. Hit the
card with a "flick" of your finger. Observe the motion of the quarter
relative to the card.
|
| Mass and Inertia Questions
Briefly answer the questions below regarding the experiment with mass and inertia that you just conducted. 1. State Newton's First Law. 2. Define "mass" and "inertia." 3. Use your answers to questions 1 and 2 to explain your observations
during the experiment.
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| Reference:
Cunningham, J. and Herr, N. (1994). Hands-on Physics Activities. The Center for Applied Research in Education, New York. |
