Concept explainers
The head of a hammer is loose and you wish to tighten it by banging it against the top of a workbench. Why is it better to hold the hammer with the handle down, as shown below, rather than with the head down? Explain in terms of inertia.
To Explain: It is better to hold the hammer with the handle down rather than with the head down.
Answer to Problem 43A
Due to inertia, it is better to hold the hammer with the handle down rather than with the head down.
Explanation of Solution
Introduction:
Inertia is the inability of the body to change its state of rest or uniform motion without any external force acting on the body. Mass is the quantity that depends upon the inertia of the body. So, the greater the mass of the object, the greater will be the inertia of the body.
This means that the inertia is greater. Hence, the resistance is higher to change the state of motion. So, even after the handle stops the banging it continues moving downward due to inertia of motion.
That is why the hammer is needed to tighten.
Hence, by banging it with head downwards, the head will keep moving downwards due to inertia and it will tighten itself. But, if the hammer is held with the handle down, the head being heavier will come off the top.
Conclusion:
Due to inertia, it is better to hold the hammer with the handle down rather than with the head down.
Chapter 3 Solutions
Conceptual Physics: The High School Physics Program
Additional Science Textbook Solutions
College Physics (10th Edition)
University Physics Volume 2
Tutorials in Introductory Physics
Life in the Universe (4th Edition)
The Cosmic Perspective (8th Edition)
Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach, Vol. 1 (Chs 1-21) (4th Edition)
- College PhysicsPhysicsISBN:9781305952300Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris VuillePublisher:Cengage LearningUniversity Physics (14th Edition)PhysicsISBN:9780133969290Author:Hugh D. Young, Roger A. FreedmanPublisher:PEARSONIntroduction To Quantum MechanicsPhysicsISBN:9781107189638Author:Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.Publisher:Cambridge University Press
- Physics for Scientists and EngineersPhysicsISBN:9781337553278Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. JewettPublisher:Cengage LearningLecture- Tutorials for Introductory AstronomyPhysicsISBN:9780321820464Author:Edward E. Prather, Tim P. Slater, Jeff P. Adams, Gina BrissendenPublisher:Addison-WesleyCollege Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio...PhysicsISBN:9780134609034Author:Randall D. Knight (Professor Emeritus), Brian Jones, Stuart FieldPublisher:PEARSON