Question

in class, you saw that moving objects stop because a force is applied to them opposite to the direction of their motion. you investigated how books in motion stop because of friction. you ask yourself whether the strength (magnitude) of the stopping force mattered? how does the magnitude of a force affect the way an object stops? this reading will use three examples to show how the strength of a force affects the way an object stops—air hockey, baseball, and a circus trapeze. air hockey a typical air hockey table consists of a large, smooth playing surface with tiny holes in it. a small pump blows air through the tiny holes, creating a cushion of air on the surface. pucks slide easily on the cushion of air because the air reduces the amount of friction between the table and the puck. imagine that as the puck moves across the table, the pump was suddenly turned off and there was no more air cushion. what would happen to the puck?

Explanation:

Step1: Understand air - cushion function

The air - cushion reduces friction between the table and the puck.

Step2: Analyze situation without air - cushion

When there is no air - cushion, friction increases.

Step3: Determine puck's motion

Increased friction will slow down and eventually stop the puck.

Answer:

The puck would slow down and stop due to the increased friction between the table and the puck when there is no air - cushion.