Answer:
On an air hockey table, when the table is on, pucks glide freely when hit. When the table is off, pucks do not travel as far when hit. Explain in as much detail as you can why this occurs and what allows this to occur, using Newton’s 1st Law.
Newton's 1st Law, also known as the law of inertia, states that an object at rest will remain at rest, and an object in motion will remain in motion with a constant velocity unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.
In the case of an air hockey table, the air flow created by the table's motor serves as the unbalanced force that affects the movement of the puck. When the table is on, the motor creates a cushion of air that flows across the surface of the table, allowing the puck to glide freely with little resistance. This air flow reduces the friction between the puck and the table, allowing the puck to travel farther when hit.
However, when the table is turned off, there is no longer a cushion of air to reduce friction between the puck and the table. This increased friction slows down the puck more quickly, causing it to travel a shorter distance when hit. The puck is also more likely to come to a complete stop when it reaches the edges of the table, as the lack of air flow makes it more difficult for the puck to bounce off the table's walls.
In summary, the air flow created by the motor on an air hockey table serves as an unbalanced force that reduces friction and allows the puck to travel farther. Without this air flow, the increased friction between the puck and the table causes the puck to slow down more quickly, resulting in shorter travel distances and a higher likelihood of coming to a complete stop.