Understanding Newton's Laws of Motion: Explaining Car Movement

[tim_mannire]

Homework Statement

Why do you lunge forward when your car suddenly stops? Why are you thrown backwards when your car suddenly accelerates? Explain using Newton's laws

Homework Equations

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The Attempt at a Solution

Because of your seat belt, you are attached to the car, causing you to lunge forward when the car stops and be thrown back when the car accelerates. Is Newtons first law the explanation to this scenario?

 

[Hootenanny]

Homework Statement

Why do you lunge forward when your car suddenly stops? Why are you thrown backwards when your car suddenly accelerates? Explain using Newton's laws

Homework Equations

?

The Attempt at a Solution

Because of your seat belt, you are attached to the car, causing you to lunge forward when the car stops and be thrown back when the car accelerates. Is Newtons first law the explanation to this scenario?

Newton's first law certainly plays a part in this scenario, but I would also mention something about Newton's second law.

 

[Dick]

Without the seat belt you'll lunge even more. Possibly lunge through the windshield. Sure, it's Newton's first law. Now explain how the seat belt and the second law can prevent this excessive lunging.