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Enrichment: Reducing Friction

Read the passage and study the diagram below. Then use a separate sheet of paper to answer
the questions that follow.

The ancient Egyptians built pyramids out of large limestone blocks that weighed up to 2.5 tons.
Physicists have discovered how the ancient Egyptians managed to move these stone blocks
without modern machines. Not only have scientists demonstrated how the ancient Egyptians
were able to reduce the friction beneath the blocks, but wall paintings found in the tomb of
Djehutihotep, an ancient Egyptian monarch, cleary show how it was done.

We know that friction is a force that two surfaces exert on each other when they are rubbed
together. This force prevents you from slipping as you walk. Ice greatly reduces friction and can
be a hazard in the winter if you are walking on an icy sidewalk. Egyptians applied this concept
for reducing friction, but they used water instead of ice. They found that if just the right amount
of water was used to wet the firm desert sand in front of the blocks, they could greatly reduce
the friction and use half as much manpower to slide the blocks. Wall paintings show workers
riding on top of the blocks, pouring water on the sand in front of them as the blocks were pulled
forward.

Analyze and Interpret Data

1. Construct Explanations Is friction a contact force or a noncontact force? Explain your
reasoning.

2. Apply Concepts What two forces are acting on the blocks as they slide over the wet
sand? Which one is a noncontact force?

3. Determine Differences When the workers are pulling the blocks forward, are the forces
balanced or unbalanced?

4. Explain Phenomena When the blocks are at rest, describe the net force acting on the
blocks.

Enrichment
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