HMS, BM EQ-Bank 965 MC

A soccer player kicks a wet ball compared to a dry ball of the same size. According to biomechanical principles, what adjustment must the player make?

Use the same force as the wet ball will travel further due to reduced friction
Apply greater force because the increased mass requires more force for the same acceleration
Reduce the applied force as the wet surface provides better contact with the foot
Change the kicking technique entirely as mass has no effect on force requirements

Show Answers Only

\(B\)

Show Worked Solution

B is correct: Increased mass (from water absorption) requires greater force to achieve the same acceleration, following \(F=ma\).

Other Options:

A is incorrect: Greater mass actually requires more force; wet surface may increase, not decrease, friction.
C is incorrect: Wet surface doesn’t necessarily improve contact, and greater mass still requires more force.
D is incorrect: Mass directly affects force requirements according to Newton’s Second Law.