Friction
Recommended for grades 6–12.
Introduction
Friction is a force that resists motion and lessens energy. It acts parallel to objects that are in contact with each other, and it can be either helpful or harmful. Friction is helpful when you want to slow or stop a bicycle, but it is harmful when it causes wear on the parts of a machine. Sliding friction depends on the nature of materials in contact. Some surfaces are rough, causing them to snag against each other when pulled. Other surfaces are smooth, causing them to slide easily. Engineers are concerned with friction when designing roadways, machines, fasteners, and lubricants. In this activity, you will study the effects of surface smoothness and material properties on sliding friction. You will use a Force Sensor to measure frictional force as you pull a wooden block across different surfaces.
Objectives
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Force Sensor and NXT to measure sliding friction.
- Measure friction between a wooden block and smooth-surface wood.
- Measure friction between a wooden block and rough-surface wood.
- Predict, test, and compare the friction along other surfaces.
Sensors and Equipment
This project/activity requires each of the following Vernier sensors and equipment (unless otherwise noted):
Additional Requirements
You will also need NXT Sensor Adapter and a LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT robotics system.
Download Experiment Preview
The student-version preview includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for computer-based data collection
- List of materials and equipment
The preview does not include essential teacher information, safety tips, or sample data. We strongly recommend that you purchase the book for classroom use.
Standards Correlations
No standards correlations for this experiment.
Included in the Lab Book
Vernier lab books include a CD with word-processing files of the student instructions, essential teacher information, suggested answers, sample data and graphs, and more.