Man on a Flatbed: Inertia Prediction

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AI Thread Summary
In the scenario described, the principle of inertia predicts that the baseball will land directly below the drop point on the railcar. Since the railcar is moving at a constant velocity, the ball retains the horizontal motion of the railcar when dropped. Therefore, it will not fall behind or in front of the drop point but will land in the same position relative to the railcar. The speed of the railcar does not affect the drop point as long as it remains constant. Understanding inertia is key to predicting the ball's landing position accurately.
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Homework Statement



A flatbed railcar is moving at a slow but constant velocity. A man stands in the railcar, facing sideways (perpendicular) to the motion of the railcar. The man holds a baseball at arm's length and drops it onto the railcar bed. Where does the principle of inertia predict that the ball will land?

A. slightly behind the drop point
B. directly below the drop point on the railcar
C. Need to know the speed of the railcar
D. slightly in front of the drop point on the railcar


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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so, what do you think inertia is about?
Do you think that the ball won't fall?
tell us what you're thinking!
 
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