PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Force and Translational Dynamics · Force and Translational Dynamics
Problem
A ball X of mass 0.5kg is moving in a straight line at 4m s−1. It is brought to rest uniformly in 0.20s. Another ball Y of mass 1.5kg is moving with the same speed in the same direction and is also brought to rest uniformly in the same time interval.
(i) Calculate the magnitude of the acceleration experienced by each ball while coming to rest.
(ii) Determine the average retarding force acting on each ball.
(iii) Compare the forces obtained and identify which ball possesses the greater inertia, giving reasons for your answer.
(iv) Discuss how this experiment exemplifies Newton’s First Law of Motion.