A stage trick involves covering a table with a smooth cloth. When the cloth is suddenyl pulled horizontally, the dishes "magically" stay in position and drop on to the table.

a)identify all the forces acting on the dishes during the trick
b)explain ho inertia and frictional forces are involved in the trick

The trick part is to use a think, slick cloth, with little friction(satin, silk).

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a) The forces acting on the dishes during the trick can be identified as follows:

1. Gravity: Gravity is always acting on the dishes, pulling them downwards towards the Earth's surface.

2. Inertia: Inertia is the resistance of an object to changes in its state of motion. In this case, the dishes tend to stay at rest or continue moving in a straight line due to their inertia.

3. Friction: Friction is the force that opposes the relative motion between two surfaces in contact. In this trick, the dishes' bottoms create friction against the tablecloth, allowing them to stay in position when the cloth is pulled.

b) Inertia and frictional forces play key roles in this stage trick:

1. Inertia: When the cloth is suddenly pulled horizontally, the dishes tend to resist changes in their motion due to inertia. As the cloth is swiftly moved out from under the dishes, their initial state of rest or motion tends to continue. Consequently, the dishes appear to magically stay in position in mid-air for a brief moment before gravity eventually pulls them down onto the table.

2. Friction: The frictional force between the dishes' bottoms and the tablecloth helps to keep the dishes in position. As the cloth is pulled horizontally, the dishes and the cloth initially move together due to the friction between them. Once the cloth is suddenly removed, the friction between the dishes and the tablecloth prevents immediate motion, causing the dishes to appear suspended until gravity takes effect and pulls them down onto the table.

In summary, inertia allows the dishes to maintain their motion or state of rest briefly, while friction keeps the dishes in position when the cloth is pulled away rapidly. These forces combine to create the illusion of the dishes defying gravity in the stage trick.