📚 Learning Guide
Friction
medium

If an object is sliding down an inclined plane and begins to slow down, what is the underlying cause of this deceleration?

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Learning Path
Learning Path

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Choose the Best Answer

A

The gravitational force is decreasing

B

The normal force is increasing

C

Frictional force is acting against the motion

D

The object's mass is increasing

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

The object slows because friction between the object and the inclined surface pushes back against its motion. This friction force arises from tiny bumps and irregularities on both surfaces that resist sliding. As the object moves, kinetic energy is converted into heat, so the speed gradually decreases. For example, a toy car sliding down a ramp slows as its wheels rub against the metal rail, turning motion into heat. Thus, the deceleration is caused by the friction force opposing the motion.

Detailed Explanation

Friction is the force that pushes against the motion of an object on a surface. Other options are incorrect because It is easy to think that gravity must lessen to slow the object, but the pull of gravity stays the same while the object is on the incline; The normal force is the push from the surface that balances part of the object's weight.

Key Concepts

Friction
Inclined Plane Dynamics
Force Analysis
Topic

Friction

Difficulty

medium level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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