Introduction
Friction is a force that resists motion. It involves objects in contact with each other, and it can be either useful or harmful. Friction helps when you want to slow or stop a bicycle, but it is harmful when it causes wear on the parts of a machine. In this activity, you will study the effects of surface smoothness and the nature of materials in contact on sliding friction. You will use a Force Sensor to measure frictional force, in Newtons (N), as you pull a block across different surfaces.
Objectives
In this experiment, you will
- Measure sliding friction.
- Measure friction between a wooden block and smooth-surface wood.
- Measure friction between a wooden block and rough-surface wood.
- Make predictions about other surfaces.
- Test your predictions.
Sensors and Equipment
This experiment features the following sensors and equipment. Additional equipment may be required.
Option 2
Option 3
Ready to Experiment?
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Purchase the Lab Book
This experiment is #29 of Middle School Science with Vernier. The experiment in the book includes student instructions as well as instructor information for set up, helpful hints, and sample graphs and data.
