University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 4 - Newton's Laws of Motion - Problems - Discussion Questions - Page 123: Q4.7

Answer

According to Newton's first law, an object in motion stays in motion unless acted on by a force. When a car stops suddenly, the passenger's inertia carries them forward at a constant speed until some force, such as friction from the seat or a force from a seat belt, acts to slow down the passenger. Note that this happens after the car has started to decelerate so it seems that a passenger is moving forward relative to the car. Similarly, when a car turns sharply, a passenger's inertia keeps them moving in their original direction of motion until some force, such as from the side of the car or from a seat belt, acts on the passenger and pushes the passenger around the turn with the car.

Work Step by Step

According to Newton's first law, an object in motion stays in motion unless acted on by a force. When a car stops suddenly, the passenger's inertia carries them forward at a constant speed until some force, such as friction from the seat or a force from a seat belt, acts to slow down the passenger. Note that this happens after the car has started to decelerate so it seems that a passenger is moving forward relative to the car. Similarly, when a car turns sharply, a passenger's inertia keeps them moving in their original direction of motion until some force, such as from the side of the car or from a seat belt, acts on the passenger and pushes the passenger around the turn with the car.
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