MEX-010 · Dynamics and conservation laws Sample material

Mass and inertia

The property of bodies to resist changes of velocity — inertness — and its quantitative measure, mass; inertial and gravitational mass, the Atwood machine, non-inertial frames and inertial forces.

Estimated time: 2 h 50 min 4 activities

Learning objective

Distinguish the concepts of inertia and inertness.
Define mass as the measure of inertness and learn how to measure it through interaction.
Understand the equivalence of inertial and gravitational mass.
Learn to use inertial forces in non-inertial frames of reference.

Expected outcomes

Finds the mass ratio of bodies from the results of their interaction.
Calculates the acceleration and string tension for an Atwood machine.
Solves problems in accelerating and rotating frames by introducing inertial forces.
Explains the basic properties of mass (additivity, conservation, scalar nature).

Interactive modelAtwood machine

Activities

Lecture
Lecture · 1 h 15 min · required
Problem solving: “Mass and inertia”
Practice · 1 h 15 min · required
The Coriolis force
Self-study · 6 h 15 min · optional
Final test
Test · 20 min · required · pass ≥ 70%

Completion conditions

  • Lecture
  • Problem solving: “Mass and inertia”
  • Final test — at least 70%