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A boy rolls a rubber ball on a wooden surface. The ball travels a short distance before coming to rest. To make the same ball travel longer distance before coming to rest, he may
  • a)
    spread a carpet on the wooden surface.
  • b)
    cover the ball with a piece of cloth.
  • c)
    sprinkle talcum powder on the wooden surface.
  • d)
    sprinkle sand on the wooden surface.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
A boy rolls a rubber ball on a wooden surface. The ball travels a shor...
Explanation:

Introduction:
The distance traveled by a rolling ball before coming to rest depends on several factors, including the surface on which it rolls. In this scenario, the boy wants to make the ball travel a longer distance before coming to rest. Among the given options, sprinkling talcum powder on the wooden surface is the correct choice.

Explanation:
When a ball rolls on a surface, there are two types of friction acting on it: rolling friction and sliding friction. The combination of these frictions determines the resistance the ball experiences as it moves.

Rolling Friction:
Rolling friction occurs between the ball and the surface, and it is responsible for the ball's ability to roll smoothly. It is generally lower than sliding friction. Rolling friction depends on the nature of the materials in contact and the amount of deformation that occurs at the contact point.

Sliding Friction:
Sliding friction occurs when the ball slides or skids on the surface, rather than rolling smoothly. It is generally higher than rolling friction. Sliding friction depends on the roughness of the surface and the force pressing the ball against the surface.

Effect of Talcum Powder:
Talcum powder is a fine, powdery substance that reduces friction between surfaces. When sprinkled on the wooden surface, it creates a thin layer of powder particles. These particles act as small spheres, reducing the contact area between the ball and the surface.

Reduced Friction:
By reducing the contact area between the ball and the wooden surface, talcum powder reduces both rolling friction and sliding friction. This reduction in friction allows the ball to roll more smoothly and travel a longer distance before coming to rest. The talcum powder acts as a lubricant, minimizing the resistance the ball experiences.

Comparing Other Options:
- Spreading a carpet on the wooden surface may provide some cushioning effect, but it does not reduce friction. In fact, the carpet's texture may increase friction, making it harder for the ball to roll smoothly.
- Covering the ball with a piece of cloth does not directly affect the interaction between the ball and the surface. It may slightly cushion the impact, but it does not reduce friction significantly.
- Sprinkling sand on the wooden surface increases roughness and friction, making it harder for the ball to roll smoothly. Sand particles can also cause abrasion to the ball surface.

Therefore, among the given options, sprinkling talcum powder on the wooden surface is the most effective method to make the ball travel a longer distance before coming to rest.
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Community Answer
A boy rolls a rubber ball on a wooden surface. The ball travels a shor...
Friction force:
  • Friction is the force that resists motion when the surface of one object comes into contact with the surface of another.
  • It is a force that opposes the relative motion of two bodies in contact.
  • The frictional force acts in a direction opposite to the direction of motion of the bodies in contact.
  • Frictional force prevents objects from gliding and ensures contact.
  • Friction forces also provide a significant amount of resistance to motion.
Lubricant:
  • It is a substance used for lubricating an engine or component, such as oil or grease.
  • ​There are 4 types of lubricants i.e., Oil, Grease, Penetrating Lubricants, and Dry Lubricants.
  • It aims at reducing friction between two moving objects.
Explanation:
  • Friction force acts according to Newton's third law of motion.
  • To perform a motion, the force used to initiate it must be greater than the frictional force.
  • Friction is caused due to the roughness of the contact surface and the moving body. 
  • When the rubber ball moves on the wooden table, a frictional force will be active due to friction on the ball.
  • This frictional force prevents the ball from moving.
  • To make the ball travel a longer distance, friction between the floor and the ball must be reduced. 
  • The friction on the wooden floor can be reduced by sprinkle talcum powder on the wooden surface.
  • Talcum powder is an anti-friction material that can be used to reduce friction.
Thus, a boy rolls a rubber ball on a wooden surface. The ball travels a short distance before coming to rest. To make the same ball travel longer distance before coming to rest, he may sprinkle talcum powder on the wooden surface.
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A boy rolls a rubber ball on a wooden surface. The ball travels a short distance before coming to rest. To make the same ball travel longer distance before coming to rest, he maya)spread a carpet on the wooden surface.b)cover the ball with a piece of cloth.c)sprinkle talcum powder on the wooden surface.d)sprinkle sand on the wooden surface.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
A boy rolls a rubber ball on a wooden surface. The ball travels a short distance before coming to rest. To make the same ball travel longer distance before coming to rest, he maya)spread a carpet on the wooden surface.b)cover the ball with a piece of cloth.c)sprinkle talcum powder on the wooden surface.d)sprinkle sand on the wooden surface.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for Mechanical Engineering 2024 is part of Mechanical Engineering preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the Mechanical Engineering exam syllabus. Information about A boy rolls a rubber ball on a wooden surface. The ball travels a short distance before coming to rest. To make the same ball travel longer distance before coming to rest, he maya)spread a carpet on the wooden surface.b)cover the ball with a piece of cloth.c)sprinkle talcum powder on the wooden surface.d)sprinkle sand on the wooden surface.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for Mechanical Engineering 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for A boy rolls a rubber ball on a wooden surface. The ball travels a short distance before coming to rest. To make the same ball travel longer distance before coming to rest, he maya)spread a carpet on the wooden surface.b)cover the ball with a piece of cloth.c)sprinkle talcum powder on the wooden surface.d)sprinkle sand on the wooden surface.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
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