Activity Detail

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Vernier - Friction
 


Activity Overview

Students study how the nature of two materials in contact, and the smoothness of their surfaces affect the magnitude of the sliding force of friction. They use a force sensor to measure frictional force for different surfaces.

Before the Activity

Print the attached .pdf for each student. You will find one .pdf for DataMate and one .pdf for EasyData.

During the Activity

Distribute the pages to your class.

Follow the Activity procedures:
  • Slowly pull the wooden block across a piece of wood with a smooth surface, and record the frictional force of used to pull the block
  • Slowly pull the wooden block across a piece of wood with a rough surface, and record the frictional force used to pull the block
  • Using the data recorded, predict the order of friction for the desktop, the floor, and sandpaper, and record the values in the data table provided
  • Measure friction as you pull the wooden block across your desktop, the floor, and sandpaper, and compare the values obtained with the predicted values


    After the Activity

    Review student results
  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary


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    Subject Area:
    Science : Physical Science : Friction

    Author:
    Vernier Software & Technology

    Level:
    9-12, 5-8

    Activity Time:
    60 Minutes

    Device:
    TI-83 Plus Family, TI-84 Plus Family

    Apps:
    DataMate, EasyData™

    Software:
    TI Connect™, TI-GRAPH LINK™

    Accessories:
    CBL™/CBL 2™, Sensor - Dual Range Force, TI Connectivity Cable, Unit-to-Unit link cables, Vernier LabPro®

    Other:

  • Wooden block (with a hook)
  • Paper clip
  • Wood with smooth surface
  • Wood with rough surface
  • Sandpaper


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