A balloon floats inside a stopped car. When the car starts moving forward, the balloon appears to move backward relative to the car. Which statement best explains this observation? (1 point)

Question

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• The force of inertia on the balloon balances the force from the motion of the car.
• The car moves forward, while inertia keeps the balloon in place.
• The motion of the car creates an unbalanced backward force on the balloon.
• Inertia prevents the force of the car from acting on the balloon.

Answer 1

The statement that best explains the observation is:

The car moves forward, while inertia keeps the balloon in place.

When the car starts moving forward, the balloon, due to inertia, tends to remain in its original position (relative to the ground) and appears to move backward relative to the car. This is a result of the balloon's inertia resisting the change in motion.