why does a tassle hanging from the rearview mirror appear to swing forward as you apply the brakes?

Answer 1

And here's one that'll really bake your noodle.

The tassle, like most other things in the car (people, loose bowling balls, kleenex boxes, etc.) will appear to move forward relative to the car upon braking. A helium balloon, floating in air, will move BACKWARD relative to the rest of the car.

Weird, huh?

Answer 2

Depending on how fast you are going that's how fast everything in the car is moving. Lets say you're going 50 that means the tassel is traveling at 50 also. So when you step on the brakes the car starts to slow down but the tassel doesn't have brakes so it keeps going forward. Kind of like if you have something in the back seat and you slam on the brakes everything goes flying forward. I hope that helps.

Answer 3

Momentum is the word for you.