An external force is any force that acts on an object from outside the system being considered, causing a change in the object's motion or state of rest. It is essential in analyzing the dynamics of systems in physics, as it helps in understanding how objects interact with their environment.
An inertial frame of reference is a perspective in which an object either remains at rest or moves at a constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force. It is fundamental in Newtonian physics, providing a basis for the laws of motion to be applied without the need for additional fictitious forces.
When something doesn't slow down, it keeps going fast without stopping or getting slower. Imagine a toy car that keeps rolling without ever needing to hit the brakes or run out of energy.
Inertia effects refer to the resistance of an object to changes in its state of motion, rooted in Newton's First Law of Motion, which states that an object will remain at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by an external force. This concept is crucial in understanding the dynamics of mechanical systems, where inertia must be overcome to change an object's velocity or direction.
Equilibrium and support reactions in structures are foundational principles in statics, where the sum of forces and moments acting on a stationary body must be zero. Understanding these reactions is crucial for ensuring structures can withstand loads without collapsing or having unintended movements.