Question

read the following sentence from paragraph 2.
when the force of the moving blocks finally overcomes the friction of the jagged edges of the fault and it unsticks, all that stored up energy is released.
in the context of this sentence, what does the word friction mean?
a slow motion
b large sparks
c intense cold
d surface resistance to motion

Explanation:

To determine the meaning of "friction" in the sentence, we analyze the context. The sentence describes moving blocks overcoming something to unstick, releasing energy. Option A (slow motion) is not a force the blocks overcome. Option B (large sparks) and C (intense cold) are unrelated to the interaction of moving blocks and fault edges. Option D (surface resistance to motion) fits as friction is the resistance one surface has when moving over another, which the blocks would need to overcome to unstick.

Answer:

D. surface resistance to motion