Question

here is a claim that a student is making: all solid objects bend when a contact force is applied. label each piece of evidence as supporting, or refuting, that claim. a laser that is reflected off the surface of a mirror does not move when a contact force is applied to the mirror. a laser that is reflected off the surface of a mirror moves when a steady contact force is applied to the mirror.

Explanation:

1. For the first evidence "A laser that is reflected off the surface of a mirror does not move when a contact force is applied to the mirror", this implies the mirror did not bend as there is no change in the laser - reflection path, so it refutes the claim.
2. For the second evidence "A laser that is reflected off the surface of a mirror moves when a steady contact force is applied to the mirror", this indicates that the mirror bent under the contact force as the reflection path of the laser changed, so it supports the claim.

Answer:

1. A laser that is reflected off the surface of a mirror does not move when a contact force is applied to the mirror: refute
2. A laser that is reflected off the surface of a mirror moves when a steady contact force is applied to the mirror: support