Final answer:
The algebra book with the higher initial horizontal velocity of 7 m/s will travel further before hitting the ground in comparison to the physics book with an initial velocity of 5 m/s, since both have the same time of flight.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question is Physics, as it involves concepts of force, mass, and projectile motion. The question asks which of two books, with different masses and initial horizontal velocities, will travel the furthest before hitting the ground if slid off a table of the same height and assuming no air resistance.
Since there is no air resistance and the friction between the books and the table is the same for both, the distance each book travels horizontally (range) before hitting the ground depends solely on the horizontal component of their velocities and the time of flight. The time it takes for each book to reach the ground is the same for both, as it is determined by the vertical component of their motion under gravity, and this is the same for both books since they fall from the same height. Hence, the horizontal distance each book travels is proportional to its horizontal velocity.
The algebra book, with an initial horizontal velocity of 7 m/s, will have a greater range compared to the physics book with an initial velocity of 5 m/s. Therefore, the algebra book will travel the furthest before hitting the ground.