Alex Wang and Amanda Verdadero

5/13/09
Period 2
Lab Team 4
Block-Pulling Force
Problem: How does surface area (texture) affect starting and sliding
friction?

Hypothesis: If there is a rougher texture, then it’ll take more force to

start and stop and keep an object going and vice versa.

Materials:
-table
-rug
-sand paper
-block with string attached
-Newton scale
-a partner

Procedure:
1. First, place a block laying on a wood texture (like the one of a
table).
2. Attach one end of the scale to the string attached to the block.
3. Using minimal force, pull the spring so it barely pulls the block
along. Be very observant on how much force it takes on the
scale. At the same time, notice how much force it takes for it to
keep the block moving. (It may be easier for a partner to keep an
eye on the scale indicator.)

Data Table:
Texture Newtons to start Newtons to keep in
motion
Table 2 1.25
Rug 2.75 2.5
Sand paper 3.5 2.5
 Alex Wang and Amanda Verdadero
5/13/09
Period 2
Lab Team 4
Conclusion:
In summation, the hypothesis was correct. When the block was
moved across a rougher surface, more force was needed to get the
block moving and to keep the block moving. When the surface was
smoother (such as with the table), the force for both the starting
friction and sliding friction were on average less than that of the
block on the rough surface. An experiment never is perfect
however. This experiment had the problem of inconsistent human
strength; very careful observation of the scale was required, and is
relatively easy to mess up, the use of the more accurate tools and
perhaps a mechanism which can pull the block at the same velocity
can make this experiment more accurate. The significance was that
the surface area does indeed affect the amount of force needed for
starting and sliding friction