Answer to Question #139560 in Physics for Cathy McGee

Question

An air freshener hangs on a long string from the rearview mirror of an automobile . The automobile is driving forward at constant velocity when it suddenly makes a sharp turn to the right. In which direction will the air freshener appear to move to the driver of the vehicle? Explain.

Answer 1

The air freshener appear to move to the right to the driver of the vehicle because according to Newton's first law, the freshener will "try" to continue moving forward, which will result in displacement to the right relative to the initial direction of motion. Mirror will show a reflection moving to the right.