ACTIVITY A

“Push Mo Yan”
Comparing Movements of Objects on Different Surfaces
At the end of the activity, I can:
a. Describe frictional force
b. Infer how friction affect movements of objects.
c. Explain the effects of friction.

Materials:
Block of wood hook
Spring scale rods
Sand paper tape
Baby powder

What you need to do:

1. Attach a piece of sand paper on one side of the block of wood.
2. Hook a spring scale to the block of wood. Place the wood on the table. (The sand paper should met the surface
of the table.)
3. Using a steady force, use the spring scale to pull the wood across the table at a steady speed. Record the force
applied to pull the block of wood across the table.
4. Remove the sand paper from the block of wood. Sprinkle a small amount of powder on the table. Repeat step
3.
5. Place several rods on the table. Place the block of wood on top of the rods. Then repeat step 3.
Force Exerted (N)
Kind of surface
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Average
Smooth Surface
Rough Surface
Surface with rollers

What have you found out?

1. What affects the motion of the block of wood?______________
2. What kind of friction is shown when you let the block of wood with sandpaper slide on the surface of the
table?____________________________________.
3. What kind of friction is shown when you let the block of wood roll on rods?
________________________________________.
4. Under what condition was the frictional force smallest?
5. How do rollers help in decreasing the amount of force needed to pull the block of wood?