Sir Isaac Newton formulated the Laws of Motion, which explain the relationship between the motion of a physical object and the forces acting upon it. To understand these laws, it is essential first to grasp two key concepts: Force and Inertia.
Force is a push or pull on an object. It’s an interaction between two or more objects.
Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist a change in its state of rest or motion. Inertia simply means “resistance to change in motion.”
Human and Inertia: Human inertia also plays a significant role in one’s life. Understanding positive and negative aspects of one’s lifestyle and making necessary changes (resisting inertia) is crucial for personal and professional growth.
Newton’s Laws of Motion
- Newton’s First Law of Motion states that “An object remains in a state of rest or motion unless acted upon by an external unbalanced force.” This is also known as the Law of Inertia.
- Newton’s Second Law of Motion states that “The change in the increased or decreased motion of an object depends on the force(s) acting on it and the mass of the object.”
- Newton’s Third Law of Motion states that when one object exerts force on another object, “Forces come in pairs.” Action and reaction are equal and opposite.
Let’s explore how Newton’s laws, especially the First Law, are applied in real-life situations, specifically through car safety features like seatbelts and airbags.
Seatbelts
Seatbelts are installed in vehicles to ensure the safety and protection of passengers. When a car is in motion, both the car and its occupants are moving at the same speed. If the car stops suddenly or crashes, the seatbelt restrains the occupant’s body, keeping them in place rather than being thrown forward, thereby preventing major injuries.
Without a seatbelt, if the car comes to an abrupt halt, the occupants would continue moving forward due to inertia, potentially colliding with the dashboard, windshield, or other parts of the vehicle. A seatbelt works by applying an external force to the occupant’s body, slowing their motion in a controlled manner. It spreads the decelerating force over a larger area of the body and helps to keep the occupant restrained in their seat, significantly reducing the risk of severe injury or ejection from the vehicle.
Also Read: Strap in and Stay Safe: Car Seat and Seat Belt Rules
(Image reference: Seat Belt Safety 101)
Airbags
Airbags are a common feature in cars, with most vehicles equipped with six or eight airbags, including those deployed for the driver and front-seat passenger. These airbags serve to protect individuals in the event of a collision. When an accident occurs, the sudden deceleration triggers an electrical switch that sparks a chemical reaction, producing gas that inflates the airbag, forming a protective cushion to prevent the driver’s head from hitting the windshield.
Airbags work in conjunction with seat belts to provide additional protection. When a car crashes, an airbag inflates within milliseconds, creating a cushion between the occupants and the hard surfaces of the car interior, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or side panels. The airbag, combined with the seatbelt, helps manage the deceleration of the occupant’s body. The seatbelt keeps the occupant in the optimal position, while the airbag reduces the impact force, distributing it more evenly across the body. This combination minimises abrupt changes in momentum and reduces the likelihood of serious injuries.
Newton’s First Law of Motion explains why both seatbelts and airbags are essential for car safety. Seat Belts help control and reduce the effects of inertia by keeping occupants securely in place, preventing injuries caused by collisions with the interior parts of vehicles. Airbags provide an additional layer of protection by cushioning the force of impact and helping to manage the deceleration process more gradually. This combination is critical in reducing injuries during accidents.
