Can Loose Objects in a Car Cause Serious Injury? A Newton's First Law Experiment

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the dangers of loose objects in vehicles, illustrating the principles of Newton's First Law of Motion. Participants share personal anecdotes, emphasizing the potential for serious injury when unsecured items, such as toolboxes or heavy objects, are present in a car during sudden stops or accidents. A suggested demonstration involves using a clear plastic enclosure with an egg and a dense object to safely illustrate the concept. The conversation highlights the importance of securing items in vehicles to prevent injuries.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's First Law of Motion
  • Basic knowledge of physics experiments
  • Familiarity with safe demonstration practices
  • Experience with using clear plastic enclosures for experiments
NEXT STEPS
  • Research safe physics demonstration techniques
  • Explore Newton's First Law applications in real-life scenarios
  • Learn about the impact of unsecured objects in vehicle safety
  • Investigate materials suitable for creating safe experimental setups
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for educators, physics students, safety advocates, and anyone interested in vehicle safety and the practical applications of physics principles.

Steph
Hey there everyone

I need to do a presentation that shows the danger of having loose objects in the car...using Newton's first law...i'm stuck for ideas, we have to make some experiment like an egg on a trolley or something...does anyone have any ideas?

Steph
 
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If the loose object is a rattlesnake the demo is pretty easy. :wink:

Njorl
 
I once hitched a lift in a lorry carrying over 20 tons of steel bars on a flatbed right behind the cab.
The driver had never heard of Newton's first law. I guess that's why he took the job.
 
My brother-in-law once did just such a demonstration himself. He had a tool-box full of heavy stuff like wrenches, hammers, chisels, etc on the floor of the cab of his pickup and he missed a curve and rolled his truck in the ditch. That toolbox beat the crap out of him. To add to the authenticity, he wasn't wearing his seat-belt (never does!). I'm surprised he's still alive.

You could do a safer demonstration using a clear plastic enclosure on a cart with an egg and a ball-bearing or a large hex nut or some other dense object inside.
 

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