Force Friction Lab

The purpose of this lab is to look at the connection between the force normal and the force friction that an object experiences as it moves across a surface.

Forces on the box when moving at a constant speed.

Fg = mg

Fn = Fg

Fa → from graph

Ff = Fa

Step 1: Open the program found here

Step 2: For each trial, click on the person’s hand to start the applied force. The force will increase until the box starts to slide and then the force will be just enough to keep the box moving at a slow and steady speed.

Step 3: Expand the graph and estimate the average force needed to keep the box moving at a constant speed.

2.7 N

Step 4: Reset the system and click on the box to change the mass for your next trial.

Step 5: Graph your data and use it to make a prediction for the mass you are told after hitting finished.

Make Sure to Give Your Equation Below your Graph

Somewhere below your graph and above your conclusion, make sure you give your equation.

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DO NOT use x and y as your variables, but put in what these actually stand for in your graph.

Things to have in your conclusion

1. General statement about the relationship that you found in the experiment.�
2. The actual graph type you found in your experiment.�
3. The meaning of the graph constant for your equation�
4. A source of error for your experiment and how to minimize that error.�
5. Limits to your model. Under what circumstances would this relationship no longer hold.

Write it in sentence/paragraph form and don’t worry if you are not quite sure what to write. Try to include all the things listed below.