Question

Use the following scenario to answer the question.

Dale paddled through the water on his kayak. At one point, he chose to stop paddling to just let the kayak drift. However, as the lake was calm, he noticed that the kayak gradually slowed down and stopped drifting.

Which is the greater force in the scenario?

(1 point)

Magnitude is the greater force because it slowed the kayak’s speed.

Inertia is the greater force because the object remained at rest.

Drag is the greater force because it caused the kayak to slow down.

Applied force is the greater force because the kayak drifted.

Answer 1

Drag is the greater force because it caused the kayak to slow down. Once Dale stopped paddling there was no forward (applied) thrust, so water resistance (drag) was the unbalanced force opposing the motion and produced the deceleration until the kayak stopped. (Inertia is not a force.)