Question 1: Define inertia in your own words and explain how mass influences inertia.

Answer: Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion. The greater the mass of an object, the greater its inertia, meaning it resists acceleration or deceleration more strongly.

Question 2: Describe a real-world scenario where inertia affects everyday life.

Answer: When a car suddenly brakes, passengers lurch forward due to their inertia resisting the sudden change in motion.

Question 3: A 5 kg object is at rest. If a force of 10 N is applied to it, what is its acceleration? (Use F = m * a)

Answer: a = F / m = 10 N / 5 kg = 2 m/s²

Question 4: If the same force of 10 N is applied to a 10 kg object, what will be its acceleration?

Answer: a = 10 N / 10 kg = 1 m/s²

Question 5: Identify the independent and dependent variables in an experiment where you push objects of different masses with the same force and measure their acceleration.

Answer: The independent variable is the mass of the object; the dependent variable is the acceleration observed.

Question 6: List two safety precautions to consider when conducting a physics experiment involving pushing objects of different masses.

Answer: Ensure objects are secured to prevent slipping or falling, and conduct experiments on a stable, flat surface to avoid unintended movement.

Question 7: A scenario: A truck and a bicycle are pushed with the same force. Which object has greater inertia and why?

Answer: The truck has greater inertia because it has a larger mass, making it more resistant to changes in its motion.

Question 8: Calculate the force needed to accelerate a 3 kg object at 4 m/s².

Answer: F = m * a = 3 kg * 4 m/s² = 12 N

Question 9: Explain why a heavy truck requires more force to start moving than a small bicycle.

Answer: A heavy truck has a larger mass, which means it has greater inertia. According to Newton's first law, more force is needed to overcome its inertia and change its state of motion compared to a smaller bicycle.

Question 10: In the context of transportation, how does understanding inertia help in designing safer vehicles?

Answer: Understanding inertia helps engineers design vehicles with appropriate safety features such as seat belts and airbags. These features counteract the effects of inertia during sudden stops or collisions, reducing injury risk by controlling how the vehicle's occupants change their motion.

Question 11: Describe an experiment to demonstrate inertia using household objects. Include the variables involved and safety considerations.

Answer: One experiment involves placing a coin on top of a playing card and quickly flicking the card horizontally. The coin will drop straight down into a cup due to inertia resisting the sudden movement of the card. Variables include the type of object, force applied, and surface stability. Safety considerations include ensuring the area is clear of obstacles and conducting the experiment on a stable surface to prevent objects from flying off or causing injury.