This document outlines an experiment to measure the frictional forces between different surfaces. The experiment involves pulling a block of wood across various surfaces, including a desk, carpet, silk, lino, and sandpaper, using a spring balance to measure the force needed to maintain constant motion. Multiple trials are conducted on each surface and the average frictional force is recorded and compared between surfaces.

1. Y E A R 8 – F O R C E S
FRICTION

2. AIM & HYPOTHESIS
• AIM: To measure the
force of friction
between different
surfaces.
• HYPTHESIS: Write
your hypothesis here.

3. EQUIPMENT
• large block of hardwood
with a hook
• a 5-newton spring
balance
• desk
• carpet
• silk
• lino
• sandpaper

4. RISK ASSESSMENT
Risk Injury Prevention
Fill out a risk assessment for your experiment

5. METHOD
1. Hook the spring balance on to the block of wood.
2. Use the spring balance to pull the block slowly
over the desk.
3. Measure the force in Newtons needed to keep the
block moving at a constant slow speed. This force
is equal to the opposing frictional force.

6. METHOD
4. Record this reading in your data table.
5. Repeat the measurement 3 times.
6. Repeat steps 1-4 on different surfaces.

7. RESULTS
Surface Friction needed to move (Newtons)
Trail 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Average
desk
carpet
silk
lino
sandpaper

8. DISCUSSION
1. Why was it necessary to take three measurements
each time, instead of just one?
2. Which surface produced the most friction?
3. Which produced the least?
4. Why do some surfaces have greater friction then
others?

9. CONCLUSION
Write your conclusion here.