A baseball player is sliding into second base. Identify the forces on the baseball player. Check all that apply.
Thrust
Kinetic friction
Static friction
Tension
Weight
Normal force
The correct answer and explanation is :
When a baseball player is sliding into second base, several forces act on the player. Here’s an explanation of each force, identifying which ones apply to this situation:
Forces acting on the baseball player:
- Kinetic friction:
This force is present because the player is sliding across the ground. Kinetic friction occurs when two surfaces are in relative motion. In this case, the player’s uniform and body are moving against the ground (the dirt or grass of the field). This friction opposes the motion of the player and is responsible for slowing them down. - Weight:
The weight of the player is the force due to gravity acting on their body. This force points downward, towards the center of the Earth. It is equal to the player’s mass times the acceleration due to gravity (W = mg). The weight is always present, whether the player is standing, running, or sliding. - Normal force:
The normal force is the force exerted by a surface to support the weight of an object resting on it. In this case, the ground exerts an upward normal force on the player to counteract their weight. This force is perpendicular to the surface of the ground. The magnitude of the normal force equals the player’s weight, assuming no other vertical forces are acting.
Forces that do not apply:
- Thrust:
Thrust is a force typically associated with propulsion, like the force generated by a jet engine or a rocket. In the context of a sliding baseball player, there is no propulsion force acting in the direction of motion, so thrust does not apply. - Static friction:
Static friction acts when two objects are not in relative motion with respect to each other. Since the player is sliding (moving), static friction does not come into play. Only kinetic friction applies when there is motion. - Tension:
Tension is the force transmitted through a string, rope, or similar object. In the case of the player sliding, there is no rope or string involved, so tension is not a relevant force here.
Conclusion:
The forces acting on the player are kinetic friction, weight, and normal force.