Question

A sprinter accelerates out of the starting blocks. Can you consider him as a closed system? Explain.

a) Yes, because the sprinter is not influenced by external forces.
b) No, because external forces like air resistance and friction affect the sprinter.
c) Maybe, depending on the mass of the sprinter.
d) None of the above.

Answer 1

No, the sprinter cannot be considered a closed system because external forces like air resistance and friction affect the sprinter.

Step-by-step explanation:

No, the sprinter cannot be considered a closed system because external forces like air resistance and friction affect the sprinter. When a sprinter accelerates out of the starting blocks, they experience air resistance as they move through the air. Additionally, they experience friction between their feet and the starting blocks. Both of these external forces act on the sprinter and affect their motion, which means they are not a closed system.