Which situation describes a non-contact force changing the speed of an object?
A: a bicycle accelerating as the rider pedals more quickly
B: a drawer opening when a user pulls the handle
C: a gust of wind blowing a leaf away
D: a ball accelerating as it rolls down a hill
The situation that describes a non-contact force changing the speed of an object is C: a gust of wind blowing a leaf away. Non-contact forces are forces that act on an object without physically touching it. In this case, the wind is exerting a force on the leaf, causing it to move and change its speed.
The situation that describes a non-contact force changing the speed of an object is option C: a gust of wind blowing a leaf away.
A non-contact force is a force that acts on an object without physically touching it. In this case, the gust of wind exerts a force on the leaf but does not make physical contact with it.
To understand why the wind changes the speed of the leaf, we need to consider Newton's laws of motion. Newton's second law states that the force acting on an object is equal to its mass multiplied by its acceleration (F = m*a). In this case, the gust of wind applies a force on the leaf, causing it to accelerate.
So, if you come across a similar question and need to identify a situation where a non-contact force changes the speed of an object, remember to consider if there is any force acting without direct physical contact with the object.