Investigating Friction

Name:

Date:

📚 Part 1: Quick Check

WALT: Explain the role of friction in motion.

Success criteria: I can describe friction as a force that opposes motion and give examples of how surface texture affects it.

1. What is friction?

A force that pushes objects to speed up

A force that opposes motion between surfaces in contact

A type of energy stored in objects

2. Which example shows friction helping motion?

A person walking forward on a road

A car sliding on ice

A ball gliding on smooth ice

3. Check all that apply: Which factors can change how much friction there is?

Surface texture (smooth vs rough)

Weight of the object

The colour of the object

Use of lubrication (e.g., oil)

4. Match the term to the correct description:

A. Friction

B. Static friction

C. Kinetic friction

D. Lubrication

1. A force that resists motion when objects are already sliding

2. A substance that reduces friction between surfaces

3. A force that opposes motion between any surfaces in contact

4. The friction that must be overcome to start movement

✏️ Part 2: Investigation & Reflection

5. Your group measured the force (with a spring scale) needed to pull the toy car on three surfaces. Record the values below (in newtons, N):

a) Sandpaper: ______ N

b) Smooth wood: ______ N

c) Cloth: ______ N

6. Which surface had the most friction? Which had the least? Briefly explain using surface texture.

7. Draw your experimental setup and label: toy car, surface, and where the force was measured.

8. Extension (optional): Suggest one way to reduce friction for a moving object and one way to increase friction. Explain when each would be useful.

Support: If you need help, work with a partner or use the word bank: (friction, static, kinetic, lubrication, texture, weight).
Extension idea: Test how adding weight to the car changes the force needed to pull it and record your prediction.

Investigating Friction

Investigating Friction

📚 Part 1: Quick Check

✏️ Part 2: Investigation & Reflection

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