Pre Lab
Directions/Description: In this lab we will be exploring frictional forces. Friction is a resistive force in that it opposes the motion of an object and is the result of that object being in contact with another surface. Specifically, we will look at two types of friction (static and kinetic), learn how to calculate the force of friction, and apply this knowledge along with what we know of Newton's 2nd Law. Static friction is what must be overcome to start an object moving. In other words, it is the resistive force an object feels before it starts to move (be careful! This is not Newton's 3rd Law). Kinetic friction is the resistive force an object feels as it slides across a surface. For more info on friction, please read the background section in both labs and see the video to the right.
This lab will involve a video analysis and a hands on component. First we will use Logger Pro software to analyze a video of a cart slowing down due to friction and determine if the cart would fall off of the edge of the table. Next we will explore static and kinetic friction in the hands on lab. We will find the coefficient of static friction for several surfaces by putting an object on a track and angling that track to see when gravity overcomes the static friction (like in the video to the right). We will then use a force sensor to find the coefficient of kinetic friction (similar to simulation 2 below). Prior to this week's lab be sure to 1) Watch my Pre Lab video below, 2) Explore the simulation as described in the video, and 3) Complete the pre-lab quiz on Blackboard. |
Useful video explaining forces of friction
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Pre Lab Video
Simulations
Explore the Friction simulations embedded at the following links to see how different factors impact friction and how friction effects motion.
Simulation 1: https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/forces-and-motion-basics/latest/forces-and-motion-basics_en.html
Simulation 2: http://www.thephysicsaviary.com/Physics/Programs/Labs/ForceFriction/index.html
You may use the simulation to answer the pre lab quiz questions as well.
Simulation 1: https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/forces-and-motion-basics/latest/forces-and-motion-basics_en.html
Simulation 2: http://www.thephysicsaviary.com/Physics/Programs/Labs/ForceFriction/index.html
You may use the simulation to answer the pre lab quiz questions as well.
Pre-Lab Quiz is available at the course Blackboard website
Lab
This week you will be completing the Friction - Video Analysis Lab (page 45) and Friction - Hands On (page 51) from your lab manual.
We will be using the Vernier Logger Pro software for the video analysis and Pasco Capstone software with an Economy Force Sensor to conduct the hands on lab.
We will be using the Vernier Logger Pro software for the video analysis and Pasco Capstone software with an Economy Force Sensor to conduct the hands on lab.
Post Lab
Please post a reflection on the lab experience on the Friction Lab Reflection discussion board on the course Blackboard site.
Be sure to include:
Be sure to include:
- What you did
- Why you did it
- Any interesting observations
- What you learned from doing the lab