What is the Factor that Determines the Inertia of an Object?

Inertia is a part of matter which causes the resistance of its movement to either change its velocity in terms of speed and direction or to stand still. Newton’s first law of motion, says an object moving or completing its motion will continue to do so unless some external force has been applied to it. However, we know that there is a variety of factor that determines the inertia of an object. Let us learn about the type of force needed to overcome inertia of an object and what two factors determine the moment of inertia. You will get to know about all of these as you continue reading the article.

1. What is the Best Factor that Determines the Inertia of an Object?

The factor that determines the inertia of an object is its density and mass. Inertia is comparable to the mass and density of any object, i.e. the inertia of the body is proportionate to the mass of any object. The body which has inertia will be moving for a very long time and will not change its speed or direction until we give some external force or pressure to it. Basically, the body which has more mass consists of more inertia.

We must remember that the principle of inertia is the major principle in classical physics which describes the motion and the state of objects and also how they are affected by the forces applied to them. (See What is the Relation between Pressure Force and Area?)

2. How does the Factor that Determines the Inertia of an Object related to Newton?

We all know that inertia occurs due to mass and is significant to physical systems as its the factor that determines the inertia of an object. This is what Issac Newton told regarding inertia as Newton’s first law is that every object would stay or remain in its uniform motion until and unless it is forced to change its state by the external force. This change of motion is inertia. (See What are the Factors Pressure depends on?) 

3. What is the Type of Force needed to Overcome Inertia of an Object?

The motion of any object must be changed due to inertia. Inertia can be overcome by the unbalanced force which is applied to any object. The principle of inertia states that the body will stay in motion and will stay at rest if we don’t deliver any external force to it. To overcome inertia, we must apply a force, called fictitious force. The force will shake or move which will make still things move. (See What Type of Energy is produced by Friction?)

4. What Two Factors Determine the Moment of Inertia?

The moment of inertia of any object is calculating the measure of a firm body which happens in rotational motion on an angular axis.

The factors that determine the moment of inertia are:

• The Density of the Material
• Shape and Size of the Body
• Distribution of Mass

5. What are the Types of Inertia?

The following are the types of inertia:

• The Inertia of Rest – It means that the body remains in a state of rest.
• The Inertia of Direction – It means that the body remains in a particular direction.
• The Inertia of Motion – It means the state of the body remains in a uniform motion.

6. Why is Moment of Inertia important in Daily life?

The moment of inertia has the mass property which defines its stability and the forces applied for change of motion. It can be seen in daily life such as in designing and manufacturing aircraft, and spacecraft.

• When you turn off the electric fan, it still runs. The reason being the blades of the fan continues to move after being switched off, and the object will take time to rest.
• When you stir a coffee or tea, the motion still continues.

According to Newton’s first law of motion, a body tends to remain at rest or move uniformly, until any external force is applied to it. Inertia is the term for this phenomenon. Therefore, a body’s inertia is the characteristic that causes it to oppose or resist changes to its condition of rest or uniform motion. The mass and density of an object are what define its inertia. (See What are Examples of Pulleys in Everyday Life?)