1. Why is ice a faster surface for sleddikng than snow?
a. Ice is flatter than snow.
B. Ice is colder than snow.
C. Ice provides less friction.
D. Ice has less mass than snow.
My answer- A
Seems to me that the only possible reason can be that ice provides less friction, whatever the underlying properties. Friction translates into a restraining force, reducing the speed.
To determine why ice is a faster surface for sledding than snow, we should examine each option and evaluate which one is the most accurate explanation.
Option A states that ice is flatter than snow. While ice can be relatively smooth, it is not necessarily flatter than snow. Snow can also have different textures, ranging from powdery to compacted. Therefore, option A cannot be the sole reason for ice being faster.
Option B suggests that ice is colder than snow, which is true. However, the temperature alone does not determine the speed of sledding. Therefore, option B cannot be the correct explanation either.
Option D suggests that ice has less mass than snow, which is incorrect. Ice is denser than snow, meaning it has more mass per unit volume. Therefore, option D is not the correct explanation.
Option C states that ice provides less friction. When it comes to motion, friction plays a significant role. Friction is the force that opposes the motion of an object. Ice has a lower coefficient of friction than snow, meaning there is less resistance to the sled's motion. As a result, the sled can slide more easily and at a higher speed on ice compared to snow. Therefore, option C is the correct explanation.
In conclusion, the correct answer to the question is C. Ice provides less friction, which allows the sled to slide faster than on snow.