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Understanding Friction Worksheet

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Understanding Friction Worksheet

Objects sliding on different surfaces showing friction

📚 Part 1: Multiple Choice and Fill in the Blanks

1. What is friction?

A force that makes things move faster

A force that stops or slows things when they rub together

A type of energy

Something that only happens with cars

2. Which surface would cause the MOST friction?

Smooth glass

Ice

Sandpaper

Polished metal

3. Fill in the blanks using the words from the box:

Word Bank: force, surfaces, rough, smooth, slipping

Friction is a __________ that happens when two __________ rub against each other. __________ surfaces cause more friction, while __________ surfaces cause less friction. Friction helps us walk without __________.

4. Check ALL the examples of helpful friction:

Shoes gripping the ground when walking

Car brakes stopping the wheels

Sliding down a slippery slide

Holding a pencil to write

🔗 Part 2: Matching and Definitions

5. Match each word to its correct definition by drawing a line:
Force
Surface
Rough
Smooth
Not smooth; has bumps or texture
A push or pull that can make things move or stop
Even and flat without bumps
The outside part of something you can touch
6. Write your own definition of friction in one sentence:
7. Give two examples of when friction is helpful in everyday life:

Example 1: _________________________________________________

Example 2: _________________________________________________

🔬 Part 3: Investigation and Diagram

8. Look at the diagram below. A block is sliding down a ramp with sandpaper on it.

Draw arrows to show:

• The direction the block is moving

• The direction friction is acting (opposite to movement)

• Label the rough surface

9. Predict what would happen if you tested these three surfaces. Number them 1, 2, 3 from MOST friction (1) to LEAST friction (3):

_____ Carpet

_____ Smooth plastic

_____ Sandpaper

10. Explain your thinking: Why did you choose sandpaper as having the most or least friction?
11. What do you think would happen if there was NO friction at all in the world? Write 2-3 sentences:

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