Education Technology

Science: Vernier - Friction

by Vernier Software & Technology

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.

Key Steps

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    Set up the Force sensor connecting it to a wooden block using a paper clip. Slowly pull the block across a smooth surface. Once the block is moving press start to begin collecting data.

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    Determine and record the force used to pull the block using the force vs. time graph displayed.