Newton’s 1st Law Model
Product Code : SCL-AM-11168
Quick answer: The Newton's 1st Law Model is a law of inertia apparatus based on the coin-and-card experiment. A spring-loaded lever flicks an acrylic card from under a steel ball, which stays in place and drops into a catching cup, showing inertia of rest. Lab Exports manufactures it in Delhi for schools, colleges and universities.
Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product type | Mechanics apparatus - law of inertia demonstrator |
| Projectile | Solid steel ball bearing |
| Trigger mechanism | Manually primed, spring-loaded release lever |
| Resting card | Square acrylic card on a vertical pillar |
| Base | Weighted base with integrated catching cup |
How the model is used in teaching
Newton's first law states that a body stays at rest, or keeps moving at constant velocity, unless an external force acts on it; this resistance to a change in motion is called inertia. The familiar classroom test puts a coin on a card over a glass and flicks the card away. This model does the same job with a spring-loaded lever, so every release is fast and repeatable.
When the lever strikes, the card shoots out sideways in a fraction of a second. Friction between card and ball acts for such a short time that the ball receives almost no horizontal impulse, so it stays where it was and then falls straight down into the catching cup under gravity.
- Stand the base on a flat, level bench.
- Lay an acrylic card on top of the vertical pillar and set the steel ball in the centre of the card.
- Prime the spring lever by pulling it back.
- Release the lever so it strikes the card, and watch the ball drop into the cup.
Pulling the card away slowly by hand instead drags the ball along with it, a useful contrast that shows how the time over which a force acts decides the outcome.
Key features
- Spring-loaded release gives a consistent, rapid strike for repeatable results
- Weighted base keeps the apparatus steady when the lever snaps forward
- Integrated catching cup collects the ball after each trial
- Polished acrylic resting cards keep friction on the steel ball low
- Quick to set up for classroom demonstrations and student practicals
What is included
- 1 x weighted base with integrated catching cup
- 1 x spring-loaded release lever assembly
- 1 x vertical resting pillar
- 2 x square acrylic resting cards
- 1 x solid steel ball bearing
- 1 x instructional manual with experiment guide
Documentation and supply
Most Lab Exports products carry a one-year manufacturer warranty.
Lab Exports manufactures the Newton's 1st Law Model at its works in Laxmi Nagar, Delhi, and supplies it to schools, colleges and universities in India and 60+ countries, handling the export documents for each shipment. More about the company is on the About Lab Exports page.
Related Applied Mechanics products
- Newton's Second Law Model (2nd Law of Motion Apparatus) (SCL-AM-11167)
- Newton's Third Law Model (3rd Law of Motion Apparatus) (SCL-AM-11166)
- Newton's Cradle Model (SCL-AM-11165)
- Anti Gravity Cone (SCL-AM-11157)
- Hydro Power Model (SCL-AM-11156)
- Hydraulic Brake Model (SCL-AM-11154)
The full range is in the Applied Mechanics section of the Physics Lab range.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Newton's first law apparatus demonstrate?
It demonstrates inertia of rest: the steel ball stays in place when the card beneath it is flicked away quickly, then falls into the cup under gravity.
Why does the ball not fly off with the card?
The card is removed so quickly that friction acts on the ball for only a very short time. The horizontal impulse is too small to move the ball noticeably, so its inertia keeps it in place.
What is the price of the Newton's 1st Law Model?
Prices are not published on the website. Add the Newton's 1st Law Model to the Enquiry Cart with the Add To Cart button on this page, or email [email protected] with the house code SCL-AM-11168 and the quantity, to receive a quotation.
Does Lab Exports manufacture the Newton's 1st Law Model?
Yes. Lab Exports manufactures the Newton's 1st Law Model at its works at 11/315, Lalita Park, Laxmi Nagar, Delhi 110092, under house code SCL-AM-11168.
Request a quote
Email [email protected] with the house code SCL-AM-11168 and the quantity, or add the Newton's 1st Law Model to the Enquiry Cart with the Add To Cart button on this page. Tender buyers can also see the Tenders and OEM page.
