Inertia of Rest: Newton's First Law
Inertia Ball
PIRA Class: 1F20.10

Purpose
To observe the inertia of rest when a large force is applied slowly (and alternately quickly to a large mass)

Description
Break the string on the top or bottom of a suspended mass.
1. Hang the heavy mass from a relatively thin string (with a 2nd string hanging loosely from the bottom of the mass)
2. Have a student predict which string will break first for:
- A slow, but gradually increasing in strength downward pull on the bottom string
or
- A fast jerk on the bottom string.

Equipment
Large mass, string