Question

part d now explore friction force. set the piece of plastic or wood on the table and push it steadily across the tabletop using your fingertip. note how much opposition to your push you feel. repeat the steps, but this time push the piece of plastic or wood across a rug, carpet, or piece of fabric. if you’re using fabric, be sure to secure the fabric so it doesn’t move. how does the opposition to motion on the tabletop compare with that of the rug, carpet, or fabric?

Explanation:

Friction depends on surface roughness. A tabletop is usually smooth, while a rug/carpet/fabric has a rougher surface. Rougher surfaces exert more frictional force (opposition to motion). So, the opposition (friction) on the tabletop is less than on the rug/carpet/fabric.

Answer:

The opposition to motion (frictional force) on the tabletop is less than the opposition to motion on the rug, carpet, or fabric. This is because the tabletop is generally a smoother surface, while the rug, carpet, or fabric has a rougher surface, and friction is greater between surfaces with more roughness.