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Balloon Car Friction Investigation

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Balloon Car Friction Investigation

Can the same balloon-powered car travel different distances on different surfaces? Work with a partner. Keep the car, balloon and starting point the same for every test. Measure the distance from the start line to where the car stops. Record your own results; sample answers are provided in the answer fields for teacher reference.

Plan your investigation

Use a clear, flat test area. Try carpet, smooth tile, sandpaper and a plastic mat. Make sure the track is long enough and safe to use. Inflate the balloon to about the same size each time, release the car without pushing it, and repeat each surface test three times. Ask an adult for help with any materials or surfaces that may be unsafe.

1.Which surface do you predict will let the car travel the furthest: carpet, smooth tile, sandpaper or plastic mat? Explain your prediction using the idea of friction.

2.In this test, what is the variable you change, what do you measure, and name one thing you should keep the same to make it a fair test.

3.When air rushes backwards out of the balloon, the car moves forwards. What force from the escaping air helps make the car move?

Surface

Trial 1 (cm)

Trial 2 (cm)

Trial 3 (cm)

Mean distance (cm) and observation

Carpet

Smooth tile

Sandpaper

Plastic mat

4.Why should you repeat each surface test three times instead of relying on just one run?

To make the balloon bigger each time
To spot unusual results and get a more dependable result
To make the car travel in a different direction

5.A car travels 84 cm, 96 cm and 90 cm on the plastic mat. What is its mean distance?

6.Suppose your results show that the car travelled furthest on smooth tile and the shortest distance on carpet. Which surface probably created more friction? Explain how the results support your answer.

7.Friction always stops objects from moving and is never useful. Write true or false, then give one example that supports your answer.

TrueFalse

8.Many vehicle tyres have grooves or treads. How can these patterns help a vehicle on a wet road?

9.Your car veers sideways on some runs. Suggest one change to the method or car that could make the distance results more reliable, and explain why it would help.