Investigating Friction
Investigating Friction is a free interactive simulation of friction between different surfaces for GCSE Physics (Edexcel IGCSE 4PH1). Students test different surfaces and materials and measure the force needed to drag a block to investigate how surface type affects friction. No login required — includes a worksheet and self-marking quiz.
Aim: To investigate how different surfaces affect the force of friction.
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10
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Surface Type:
Block Mass:
Base mass: 1.0 kg
Total: 1.0 kg
Current Measurements:
Applied Force:
0.00 N
Kinetic Friction:
0.00 N
Data Table:
| Surface | Mass (kg) | Force (N) |
|---|
- Choose a surface type from the control panel.
- Pull the newtonmeter slowly and steadily to drag the block across the surface.
- Watch the force reading as you pull — notice it spike initially as you overcome static friction, then drop and settle once the block is sliding (kinetic friction).
- Record the kinetic friction force shown in the control panel, along with the surface and mass, in the data table.
- Repeat the drag three times for the same surface and mass, then calculate an average.
- Repeat the whole procedure for each of the four surfaces, keeping the mass the same each time.
- Extension: keeping one surface fixed, add or remove masses on the block and repeat the drag, recording how the friction force changes.
- Compare your average friction force across the four surfaces. Which surface produced the highest friction, and which the lowest? What does this suggest about the relationship between surface texture and friction?
- Using your extension data, describe how (if at all) the friction force depends on the mass on the block.
Data point recorded!