Activity Overview
In this activity, students' will use a Dual range force sensor to measure the force required to pull a block across different surfaces. They will examine the results to see when more force is needed to move the block and understand the role of frictional force on motion.
Before the Activity
Connect the force sensor into channel 1 of the CBL 2
Start the DataMate™ program
See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
Print pages 67 - 72 from the attached PDF file for your class
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to your class.
Complete the Hypothesis section on the Data Collection and Analysis page and predict the force required to move the block on different surfaces
Follow the Activity procedures:
Position the wooden block on the surface to be tested
Pull the block across the surface for a set distance over 5 seconds
Repeat the procedure three times
Find the average force needed to pull the block across the surface
Repeat the activity for other surfaces
Identify which surfaces decrease and increase friction force
After the Activity
Students' will complete Student Data Collection and Analysis Sheet.
Review student results
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary