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, the following forces act on the player:
✅ Kinetic friction
✅ Weight
✅ Normal force
❌ Thrust
❌ Static friction
❌ Tension
Explanation (300 words):
When a baseball player slides into second base, several forces come into play due to the interaction between the player’s body, the ground, and gravity. The three relevant forces are kinetic friction, weight, and normal force.
- Kinetic Friction:
This force opposes the motion of the sliding player. Since the player is moving relative to the ground, kinetic (or sliding) friction is present—not static friction. Kinetic friction acts in the opposite direction of the player’s motion, working to slow the player down. - Weight:
Weight is the force due to gravity pulling the player downward toward the center of the Earth. It acts vertically downward and is calculated as the product of the player’s mass and the acceleration due to gravity (W = mg). This force is always present, regardless of motion. - Normal Force:
This is the force exerted by the ground (or basepath) perpendicular to its surface, pushing up against the player. It balances the vertical component of the player’s weight and acts perpendicular to the surface of the field.
The other options do not apply in this context:
- Thrust: Thrust refers to a force that propels an object forward, like a jet engine or a rocket. A sliding baseball player is not being propelled by any internal engine or forward force while sliding.
- Static Friction: Static friction occurs when there is no movement between the surfaces. Since the player is already sliding, kinetic friction, not static friction, applies.
- Tension: Tension is the force transmitted through a rope, string, or cable. There is no such object pulling the player, so tension is not involved.
In summary, as the player slides into second base, kinetic friction, weight, and normal force are the key forces acting on the body.
