how is newton's first law used in everyday situations
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/newtlaws/Lesson-1/Newton-s-First-Law
Newton's first law, also known as the law of inertia, states that an object will remain at rest or in uniform motion in a straight line unless acted upon by an external force. This law has practical applications in various everyday situations. Here are a few examples:
1. Car Safety: When driving a car, Newton's first law is at play. If you suddenly apply brakes, your body tends to move forward due to inertia. To prevent this, seat belts are used to apply an external force and keep you in place.
2. Slipping and Falling: If you are walking on a slippery surface and suddenly stop, your body tends to keep moving due to inertia. This can cause you to lose balance and fall. By planting your foot firmly or gripping something stable, you apply an external force to counteract the inertia and maintain your balance.
3. Pushing or Pulling: When you push or pull an object, Newton's first law comes into play. If the object is at rest, you need to overcome its inertia by applying an external force to set it in motion. Once the object is in motion, it tends to continue moving until acted upon by another external force.
4. Sports: In many sports, Newton's first law is involved. In soccer, for example, a stationary ball will remain still until a player applies a force by kicking it. Similarly, in baseball, a pitched ball will continue moving until acted upon by a bat or glove.
In everyday situations, understanding and applying Newton's first law helps us anticipate and react to the forces acting on objects and ourselves. By considering inertia, we can take appropriate measures to ensure our safety and manipulate objects efficiently.