GlossariesGCSE GlossariesGCSE Physics GlossaryInertia

Inertia - GCSE Physics Definition

Reviewed by: Leander Oates

Last updated

What is inertia?

In GCSE Physics, inertia is the tendency of an object to continue in its state of rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by an external force. Put more simply, inertia is an object's resistance to a change in motion.

Experiment showing inertia: a coin on a card over a glass of water. When the card is removed horizontally, the coin falls into the water.
Using a coin to demonstrate inertia

Examiner-written GCSE Physics revision resources that improve your grades 2x

  • Written by expert teachers and examiners
  • Aligned to exam specifications
  • Everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t
GCSE Physics revision resources

Share this article

Leander Oates

Reviewer: Leander Oates

Expertise: Physics Content Creator

Leander graduated with First-class honours in Science and Education from Sheffield Hallam University. She won the prestigious Lord Robert Winston Solomon Lipson Prize in recognition of her dedication to science and teaching excellence. After teaching and tutoring both science and maths students, Leander now brings this passion for helping young people reach their potential to her work at SME.

The examiner written revision resources that improve your grades 2x.

Join now