Question

A student grabs a piece of paper and tears it from the middle. Which statement best explains the forces involved?

a. The friction between the hands and the paper interacts with gravity and causes the paper to tear.
b. The normal force between the molecules of the paper is overcome by the contact force of the hands.
c. The electrostatic forces from the contact of the hands with the paper causes the paper molecules to separate.
d. The magnetic force between the hands and the paper separates the molecules of the paper.

Answer 1

The electrostatic forces from the contact of the hands with the paper causes the paper molecules to separate.

Here's the rest of the answers

1.) Which statement is correct about the strength of forces?

Electrostatic forces are trillions of times stronger than gravitational forces.

2.) A student tries to push a book across a table. Which forces acting on the book are a result of electrostatic forces?

normal force and friction

3.) What type of force can explain how a gecko climbs up a wall?

contact forces

5.) A heavy hammer is sitting on top of a board. Which statement correctly describes why the hammer does not go through the board?

The electrostatic forces between the molecules of the board prevent the force of gravity from breaking the board apart.

Answer 2

b. The normal force between the molecules of the paper is overcome by the contact force of the hands.

Step-by-step explanation:

The paper molecules are held together by a weak bond. When the student holds the paper on both sides with the center of the paper in between, the student applies two equal forces in the opposite direction of the paper making the paper molecules weaken and separate.