Name: ___________________________________ Date: __________ Section: ____

---------------------------------------Laboratory Investigation ---------------------------------------

Friction

Background Information
One of the forces you have studied is friction. Friction is a force that counters other
force. This means it lessons the effect of other forces. Friction, therefore, causes a “loss” of
useful energy in many mechanical devices. This energy, of course, is not really lost but is
transferred to heat energy at the point of contact.
In this investigation you will explain why the movement of one object over another
produces heat and how changes in design can reduce friction. You will also learn how
surface area, texture, and weight influence friction

Problem
What are some objects and factors that will have an affect on the Force of Friction
acting on a wooden block?

Hypothesis:
Which surface will have the greatest force of friction? The wood, the sand paper, the cork, or the
rubber? Explain your answer.
The rubber will have the greatest friction because it has kind of sticky surface and ridges

whereas the wood will have the least because it is polished

Materials (per group)

Spring scale
Rectangular block of wood fitted with a loop
Weight
Ruler
Friction Board
Procedure
1. Suspend a block of wood from the spring balance and obtain its weight in newtons.
Record the weight below:
2
Weight of block: Newtons

2. Calculate the surface area (in cm) of the face and side of your block (area = length x
width) MAKE SURE YOU USE THE CENTIMETERS SIDE OF THE RULER!

Surface Area of Face: 135 cm2

Surface Area of Side: 45 cm2

3. Now your group will be comparing the forces necessary to pull a block across several
different kinds of surfaces.

4. Attach the spring scale to the hook on the wooden block. Place the block face down. Pull
it gently until right before it starts to move over four different surfaces. This is the
(maximum) force of static friction. Record the information on the data table.

5. Place the block on its side and repeat step #5. Record the information on your data table.

6. Place the block face down. Place a weight in the block and repeat step #4. Record your
information on your data table.

Fill in the table and answer the questions below.

Data Table:

Position of Surface Force to Pull (N)

Block
Trial 1: _____________
0.1
Face Down Wood Trial 2: _____________
0.1 0.133
Average: _____________
0.2
Trial 3: _____________
Trial 1: _____________
0.9
Face Down Sandpaper Trial 2: _____________
0.9 0.933
Average: _____________
1
Trial 3: _____________
Trial 1: _____________
1
Face Down Cork Trial 2: _____________
0.7 Average: _____________
Trial 3: _____________
0.6
Trial 1: _____________
1
Face Down Rubber Trial 2: _____________
1.1 Average: _____________
Trial 3: _____________
0.7
Trial 1: _____________
0.5
Side Wood Trial 2: _____________
0.4 Average: _____________
Trial 3: _____________
0.6
Trial 1: _____________
1.4
Side Sandpaper Trial 2: _____________
1.3 Average: _____________
Trial 3: _____________
1.4
Trial 1: _____________
1.5
Side Cork Trial 2: _____________
1.4 Average: _____________
Trial 3: _____________
1.3
Trial 1: _____________
1.3
Side Rubber Trial 2: _____________
1.4 Average: _____________
Trial 3: _____________
1.3
0.7
Trial 1: _____________
Face Down with 0.8
Wood Trial 2: _____________ Average: _____________
Weight
Trial 3: _____________
0.7
3.6
Trial 1: _____________
Face Down with 5
Sandpaper Trial 2: _____________ Average: _____________
Weight 4.4
Trial 3: _____________
3.3
Trial 1: _____________
Face Down with 3.5
Cork Trial 2: _____________ Average: _____________
Weight
Trial 3: _____________
3.7
3
Trial 1: _____________
Face Down with 3.1
Rubber Trial 2: _____________ Average: _____________
Weight
Trial 3: _____________
3.3
Analysis and Conclusions:

Based on your experience, how does surface area (the size of the object) influence the force
needed to overcome friction?

Based on your experience, how do the surface properties (how rough or smooth the object or the
surface the object moves on is) influence the force needed to overcome friction?

How does weight influence friction?

How can you reduce the friction between two surfaces (give two examples)?

____________

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