what are the two forces that affect the motion of a child as she comes down a slide?
gravity, friction
The two forces that affect the motion of a child as she comes down a slide are gravitational force and frictional force. The gravitational force, also known as weight, pulls the child downwards towards the Earth. The frictional force acts in the opposite direction of motion and opposes the child's downward motion along the slide.
To understand these forces, let's break it down step by step:
1. Gravitational force: Gravity is a force that pulls objects towards the center of the Earth. When the child is on the slide, gravity acts vertically downwards, and it is responsible for pulling the child downwards. This force gives the child the initial push to start moving along the slide.
2. Frictional force: Friction is a force that opposes the motion between two surfaces that are in contact with each other. In this case, the frictional force arises from the contact between the child and the slide's surface. As the child moves downward, there is friction between her body and the slide, which causes a resistance to her motion. This frictional force acts in the opposite direction to the child's motion, slowing her down.
It's important to note that the magnitude of these forces can vary depending on factors such as the angle and material of the slide, as well as the child's weight and the presence of any lubricants or materials that affect friction.