In class we’ve been learning about friction and how it can advantage or disadvantage objects or people depending on what they are trying to do.
Aim
In this experiment, I’ll be testing the friction of 4 different surfaces (smooth wood, foil, tea towel and baking paper) with my toy car to find out how each affects the toy car’s speed.
Hypothesis
I predict the plain, flat surface will be the fastest because it’s the smoothest surface so less friction.
The slowest result will be from the tea towel because it is the most uneven surface so it creates more friction.
Foil will be the second fastest because it’s still smooth but has unpredictable bumps.
Baking paper will be third because the paper is light and wind could get underneath it and lift the surface.
Materials
- Chopping Board
- Foil
- Teatowel
- Baking paper
- toy car
- masking tape
- books
- phone
Method
- We rested the chopping board on top of 2 books to give it enough angle for the car to travel down.
- We used masking tape to stick the other surfaces to the board.
- We used a phone to record each race
Science friction in action
Results
In order of fastest…
- Chopping Board = 1.7 seconds
- Foil = 1.8seconds
- Baking Paper = 2 second
- Tea Towel = 3 seconds
Conclusion
The smoother and more solid the surface with less layers = less friction which means the car travels faster.