The inherent property of a body to resist any change in its state of rest or the state of uniform motion, unless it is influenced upon by an external unbalanced force, is known as ‘inertia’.
Types of Inertia
Inertia of rest: The resistance of a body to change its state of rest is called inertia of rest.
Example
When you vigorously shake the branches of a tree, some of the leaves and fruits are detached and they fall down, (Inertia of rest).
Inertia of motion: The resistance of a body to change its state of motion is called inertia of motion.
Example
An athlete runs some distance before jumping. Because, this will help him jump longer and higher. (Inertia of motion)
Inertia of direction: The resistance of a body to change its direction of motion is called inertia of direction.
Example
When you make a sharp turn while driving a car, you tend to lean sideways, (Inertia of direction).