How Slow Can You Go?
(Friction lab)
Name ___________________
Period ________
Knowledge:
• Friction converts mechanical energy into heat energy
• Variable: thing that changes
• Independent variables are things you control before the experiment (what
type of friction there will be)
• Dependent variables are measured after the experiment (speed or
distance to stop, in this experiment)
Goal: Adjust your car’s motion using friction by
1. Making your car stop as quickly as possible after leaving the ramp
Rules:
1. The car & ramp must be returned in perfect condition and the test site must be left clean.
2. You cannot stop the car by having it run into anything.
3. The car must make it completely off the ramp on its own.
Write the names of group members by their positions below.
Group Name:
(your choice)
Project Director:
Data gatherer:
(in charge, directs discussion,
makes people feel part of group)
(official /distance measurer)
Recorder:
Supply/Clean-up Captain:
(records data)
(obtains supplies, ensures project site clean)
Initial supplies needed:
• 6 textbooks (for height on the ramp)
• 1 ramp
• 1 car
• Friction enhancing materials (find on your own or
request from Mr. Shelley)
Data: (get this from your recorder at the end of the lab)
Goal: Using friction, make the car stop as soon after the ramp as possible.
Type of friction
Average
Distance past ramp
used
Results
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Distance
None (Control)
Questions:
1. What worked best? Why did it have the most friction?
2. What were the variables in your lab?
3. What were the constants in your experiment?
4. Where in “real life” is friction used to stop vehicles?
5. What type of energy does friction use up?
6. What type of energy does friction produce?
7. Did you know that even gravity causes friction? Gravitation friction slows down spinning planets
and moons- this is why you’ll never see the back side of the moon from earth. It’s slowed down so
much that only one side ever faces earth. Do you think this could ever happen to the earth (have it
stop spinning)? Why do you think the way you do?