Inertia


Famous movie star J.C. Cramwood sees the BAAD, a Biggish Attention Attracting Dohickey. He wants one for himself.


Cramwood visits Jenkins Bike Shop to buy a BAAD for his bike. Cramwood used to bully Jack in high school. Looks like he's still at it. Cramwood buys a BAAD from Jack.


Every time Cramwood stops his bike, his BAAD smacks him in the back of the head. Did Jack Jenkins boobytrap the BAAD to get back at Cramwood?


Cramwood hires Doug Savage, Science Court attorney and weekend dog walker, to sue Jack Jenkins for selling him a bad BAAD.


At the trial, Julie Bean explains Newton's First Law of Motion. But does it explain the BAAD's bad behavior?


Stenographer Fred travels to space to test the laws of motion and loses his toothbrush. Forever.

Science Court challenge question:

If you're riding in a car and it stops suddenly, do you stop?

Before you answer... try these simple experiments.

The Tablecloth Trick

You'll Need

  • plastic mug
  • a smooth piece of paper
  • water

What to Do

  1. Fill the mug half way with water.
  2. Set the mug down in the middle of the piece of paper on a table or other flat, smooth surface. Make sure the outside of the mug and the paper are completely dry.
  3. With a sharp jerk, pull the paper out from under the mug. If you have trouble keeping the mug in place, move it closer to the edge of the table. Grab hold of the paper that is hanging over the edge of the table, hold it straight out, and quickly strike the paper with a downward blow using a ruler.
  4. Try pulling the paper out from under the mug using a variety of motions and forces.
  5. Record your observations.

Ask
Professor
Parsons

Professor Parsons

Click Professor Parsons for an explanation of inertia and Newton's First Law of Motion.

Wagon Ho!

You'll Need

  • wagon
  • 2 tennis balls

What to Do

  1. Place the tennis balls in the back of the wagon
  2. Pull the wagon forward several feet and then stop quickly.
  3. Write about what your observe


 

So, what do you think?
If the car stops suddenly, do you stop?

Yes, you do stop.

No, you don't stop.

 

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