What term refers to the resistance of an object to changes in motion?

Master the NCEA Level 3 Physics Mechanics Exam with tailored quiz questions. Study efficiently with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Get prepared for your exam success!

Multiple Choice

What term refers to the resistance of an object to changes in motion?

Explanation:
The term that refers to the resistance of an object to changes in motion is inertia. Inertia is a fundamental concept in physics that describes the tendency of an object to maintain its state of rest or uniform motion unless acted upon by an external force. This property is directly related to the mass of the object; the greater the mass, the greater the inertia, and thus the more force is required to change its state of motion. Momentum, while related to motion, specifically refers to the quantity of motion an object has, which is the product of its mass and velocity. Dynamics involves the study of forces and why objects move, whereas kinetics focuses on the effects of forces on the motion of objects. Inertia is distinct from these concepts as it specifically indicates the object's inherent resistance to changes in its motion rather than the forces acting upon it or the variables involved in motion.

The term that refers to the resistance of an object to changes in motion is inertia. Inertia is a fundamental concept in physics that describes the tendency of an object to maintain its state of rest or uniform motion unless acted upon by an external force. This property is directly related to the mass of the object; the greater the mass, the greater the inertia, and thus the more force is required to change its state of motion.

Momentum, while related to motion, specifically refers to the quantity of motion an object has, which is the product of its mass and velocity. Dynamics involves the study of forces and why objects move, whereas kinetics focuses on the effects of forces on the motion of objects. Inertia is distinct from these concepts as it specifically indicates the object's inherent resistance to changes in its motion rather than the forces acting upon it or the variables involved in motion.

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