Chapter 3, Problem 28A

A bowling ball rolling along a lane gradually slows as it rolls. How would Aristotle interpret this observation? How would Galileo interpret it?

To determine

Interpretation of Aristotle and Galileo on the given observation.

Explanation of Solution

Aristotle was a famous scientist, educator and philosopher of ancient Greece. According to him, there would be no motion without any force. So, the proper state of an object is rest, until the object is being pushed or pulled.

Galileo, the scientist of late-Renaissance Italy, gave great contributions to physics. He argued that there is a force present to keep the body moving only when the force of friction is present.

Conclusion:

Hence, to conclude, Aristotle interpreted the bowling ball observation in terms of the state of rest. The bowling ball will eventually slow down to achieve the state of rest at some point. While Galileo interpreted that the bowling ball will slow down due to the force of friction.