A student is moving furniture. Even though table A and table B are the same size, table A requires more force to move. Why?

Question

Table A has less weight than table B.
Table A has less weight than table B.

Table A has less density than table B
Table A has less density than table B

Table A has a greater mass than table B.
Table A has a greater mass than table B.

Table A has greater volume compared to table B.

Answer 1

The question notes that even though tables A and B are the same size, table A requires more force to move. The most likely explanation for this is related to the following factors:

1. Weight: If table A requires more force to move, this could imply that it is heavier than table B. Weight is the force due to gravity acting on the mass of the object, and if table A has a greater weight (mass being the same), it would require more force to overcome static friction and move it.

2. Friction: The surfaces in contact with the floor might contribute to the force required to move table A. If table A has more surface area in contact with the ground or if its materials create more friction, it would need more force to initiate movement.

3. Construction materials: The material of table A might have poor gliding properties or create more friction with the surface compared to table B.

From the given statements, the most plausible reason for why table A requires more force to move despite being the same size as table B is:

• Table A has a greater mass than table B.

This would indicate that table A is heavier and thus would require more force to overcome inertia and friction, which aligns with the phenomenon described.