Friction
When on a mission, you will need to be on the lookout for anything that may slow you down or get in your way. When you need to flee quickly from danger, friction may slow you down. When you are in a slippery situation, you may need to use friction to your own advantage. Friction can be on your side in one situation and against you in the next. Many people that have taken this road before you have learned the hard way that you need to really know your enemy, and at times, your enemy could be friction. Please read the material presented here carefully. We have also included a training video and some experiments that will help you gain a better understanding of this complicated force.
Surface Texture
Friction is the force of resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over or against another surface. Surface texture plays a large role in how much friction an object encounters. As you work through the tasks below, record your thoughts in your science books.
Game Stop!
Task:
1.) We can classify surface textures into three main categories; rough or bumpy, smooth and slippery. Think of an example for each type of surface texture and think about the way in which the motion of an object being pulled across that surface would be affected by the surface texture.
2.) What we wear on our feet to participate in various sports has a lot to do with surface texture. Imagine what it would be like if you tried to play basketball with ballet slippers on, or tried to play ice hockey in cleats! Look at the three items of footwear below. Explain when you would choose to wear each piece of footwear and why. Be sure to include details about friction and surface texture in your answers.
2.) What we wear on our feet to participate in various sports has a lot to do with surface texture. Imagine what it would be like if you tried to play basketball with ballet slippers on, or tried to play ice hockey in cleats! Look at the three items of footwear below. Explain when you would choose to wear each piece of footwear and why. Be sure to include details about friction and surface texture in your answers.
Game Stop!
Now that you have had some hands on experience with friction, you will need to test your theory out by exploring with the virtual environment provided for you here. Think about all that you have learned as you select the various the surfaces. We have great confidence in you! Click on the picture below to continue your training. Explore using activity and then take the quiz when you feel ready.