How would playing a game of soccer, baseball, or basketball be different if inertia didn’t exist?
You just kick it?
I mean I did that when I was kid and I didn't even what inertia meant...
How could you throw a ball, "if inertia didn’t exist?"
If inertia didn't exist, the way we play games like soccer, baseball, or basketball would be drastically different. Inertia is the property of matter that causes objects to resist changes in their state of motion. This means that without inertia, objects would not require effort to start moving or to change their direction. Here's how each game would be different without inertia:
1. Soccer: In soccer, players rely on inertia to kick the ball and change its direction. Without inertia, the ball would not require a force behind it to travel. Simply tapping the ball would send it flying. Dribbling would be nearly impossible, as the ball would not settle down after being kicked. Players would also find it difficult to change their running direction or speed, as they would not experience any resistance to motion.
2. Baseball: In baseball, inertia plays a critical role in hitting and throwing the ball. Batters generate inertia by swinging the bat, giving the ball its momentum. Without inertia, just tapping the ball with the bat would send it soaring. Similarly, when throwing the ball, pitchers rely on inertia to generate the necessary speed and distance. Without inertia, pitchers would have to exert less effort to throw the ball, and the ball would quickly accelerate to tremendous speeds.
3. Basketball: In basketball, players use their inertia to move, change directions, and perform various maneuvers. Without inertia, players would be able to move effortlessly, quickly reaching their top speed without needing to build up momentum. Jumping would also become much easier, as players would not experience any resistance when taking off or landing. This could result in higher jumps and more frequent spectacular dunks.
In summary, if inertia didn't exist, playing soccer, baseball, or basketball would involve a complete overhaul of the rules and gameplay. The sports would become highly unpredictable and fast-paced, with minimal effort required to achieve substantial results.