Inertia, the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion, is a fundamental concept in classical mechanics. A stationary object remains at rest unless acted upon by an external force, while a moving object continues at a constant velocity unless similarly influenced. For example, a book resting on a table experiences inertia, requiring a push to initiate movement. Similarly, a hockey puck gliding across frictionless ice continues its trajectory until encountering a wall or stick.
This principle, central to Newton’s First Law of Motion, provides a foundation for understanding forces and motion. Its application extends across numerous fields, including engineering, aerospace, and transportation, informing the design and operation of vehicles, machinery, and structures. Historically, understanding inertia marked a significant shift in scientific thought, moving away from Aristotelian views that required continuous force to maintain motion.
