THE CONCEPT OF INERTIA: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH

“Every body perseveres in its state of rest, or of uniform motion in a right line, unless it is compelled to change that state by forces impressed thereon” (p. Newton 1846, p. 83). This is the famous first axiom or law of motion stated by Newton in his masterpiece The Mathematical principles of natural philosophy (ivi). Everywhere, in the courses of physics at the high school level the inertia principle is the first to be taught. However, there are many doubts that most of learners fully grasp its numerous and fundamental nuances, which are necessary for a satisfying introduction to physics. Therefore, I propose an interdisciplinary approach for the explanation of this principle in which history of science and analysis of the daily experiences are joined to offer a complete comprehension of the concept of inertia.