Which would be the best tool to use to measure the force needed to slide a brick across a table? metric ruler balance magnet spring scale

## Step 1<br />The problem asks us to identify the best tool to measure the force needed to slide a brick across a table. The options provided are a metric ruler, a balance, a magnet, and a spring scale.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />A metric ruler is used to measure length or distance, not force. Therefore, it is not suitable for this task.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />A balance is used to measure weight or mass,. Therefore, it is not suitable for this task.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />A magnet is used to measure magnetic force, not mechanical force. Therefore, it is not suitable for this task.<br /><br />## Step 5<br />A spring scale is used to measure force. It works by stretching or compressing a spring, and the force required to do this is directly proportional to the distance the spring is stretched or compressed. This makes it the best tool for measuring the force needed to slide a brick across a table.