Final answer:
Pulling a block of ice requires less force than pushing it at the same angle due to less friction being generated when pulling. When objects roll down an incline, some of their potential energy converts to rotational kinetic energy, thus slowing their translational movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of physics and energy considerations, when comparing the methods of sliding a block of ice, pulling requires less force than pushing if done at the same angle above the horizontal. This is because when pulling, you're less likely to apply a downward force that increases friction between the ice and the surface. In contrast, pushing usually involves some component of force that acts downward thereby increasing the normal force and in turn, the friction that needs to be overcome to slide the block.
Furthermore, considering the conservation of energy, cans rolling down a ramp demonstrate that when rotation is involved, some of the object's gravitational potential energy (PEgrav) is converted into rotational kinetic energy (KErot) besides the translational kinetic energy (KEtrans). Consequently, cans filled with thick soup, which stick to the can walls and contribute to rotation, have more of their gravitational potential energy converted to rotational kinetic energy which reduces the amount of energy available for translational movement down the ramp. This explains why cans with thicker soup roll down slower than those with thinner soup or just sliding.