Explorations: Introduction to Astronomy (Arny), 6th Edition

Chapter 3: Gravity and Motion

Thought Questions

1
Which do you think has more inertia: a small, inflated balloon or a cinder block? If each were moving toward you at 1 meter/second, which would be easier to catch?
2
A cinder block can be weightless in space. Would you want to kick it with your bare foot? Even if it is weightless, does it have mass?
3
In some amusement park rides, you are spun in a cylinder and are pressed against the wall as a result of the spin. People sometimes describe that effect as being due to "centrifugal force." What is really holding you against the wall of the spinning cylinder? Drawing a sketch and using Newton's first law may help you answer the question.
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