Question

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.

Answer 1

In this question, first explain the concept of the friction with the help of an example then check the concept of the friction for each given option and then decide the suitable option for the given problem.

Complete step by step answer:
Friction may be a force between two surfaces that are sliding, or trying to slip, across one another. For example, once you attempt to push a book along the ground, friction makes this difficult.
Friction always works within the direction opposite to the direction during which the thing is moving or trying to maneuver. Friction always slows a moving object down.
According to the question, where friction will occur between the surface of the rubber ball and the surface of the wooden surface. And due to force friction, the rubber ball cannot attain maximum distance.
If we use sand on the wooden surface, then the rubber ball would not attain maximum distance. This is because sand cannot be used as the best lubricant. So, instead of sand, the boy should use sprinkle talcum powder on the wooden surface.
That’s why lubricants, or liquids and powder, are often used to reduce the friction between moving bodies.
To make the same ball to roll over a longer distance, friction between the floor and the ball is to be reduced. Sprinkling talcum powder on the wooden floor will decrease the friction.

Therefore, to make the long-distance before coming to rest, he may sprinkle talcum powder on the wooden surface. Hence, the correct option is C.

Note:
Be clear about the concept of the friction that the friction force occurs in the opposite direction of the moving object so it reduces the speed and the friction force is dependent on the structure of the surface that is whether the surface is rough or smooth.