by Eric Rogers
How do you know that it is friction that brings a rolling ball to a stop and not demons? Suppose you answer this, while a neighbor, Faustus, argues for demons. The discussion might run thus:
You I don't believe in demons.
Faustus I do.
You Anyway, I don't see how demons can make frction.
Faustus They just stand in front of things and push to stop them from moving.
You I can't see any demons even on the roughest table.
Faustus They are too small, also transparent.
You But there is more friction on rough surfaces.
Faustus More demons.
You Oil helps.
Faustus Oil drowns demons.
You If I polish the table, there is less friction and the ball rolls further.
Faustus You are wiping the demons off; there are fewer to push.
You A heavier ball experiences more friction.
Faustus More demons push it; and it crushes their bones more.
You If I put a rough brick on the table I can push against friction with more and more force, up to a limit, and the block…
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