Inertia

Acceleration and deceleration

---

In this animation we have two blocks on top of a cart on a frictionless surface. When the cart starts, the block on the left falls to the ground. When the cart stops, it is the block on the right that falls. Explain these results.

Uniform motion

---

In this animation, a cart with a block on it is moving at a constant speed. Suddenly the block is thrown vertically, while the cart continues its motion. Can you explain what happens? What would happen if the mass of the block or the velocity of the cart were changed?

Suspended ball

---

In this simulation we have a truck carrying a ball suspended by a cable. See what happens when accelerations or decelerations are applied to the truck and when the truck moves with uniform velocity.

Water tank

---

In this simulation we have a truck carrying a tank of water. See what happens to the surface of the water when accelerations or decelerations are applied to the truck and when the truck moves with uniform velocity.

Motion of an elevator

---

In this simulation we can see what happens to the compression balance readings as the elevator moves up and down.