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Experiments​

Frictional Forces

Experiment #19 from Physical Science with Vernier

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 computer-interfaced 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.

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This experiment is #19 of Physical 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.

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