Workout: Friction

Read

the web page: Friction

Launch

the PhET simulation Forces and Motion

Set up

Under the “Applied Forces” arrow to 50 N. Your screen should look like the screen at the right.

Answer these questions

Watch and observe the person.

1. Describe in detail what occurs with forces and what happens to the speed? 

Now add in additional 100N of “Applied Forces” for a total of 150N. 

2. Now add in additional 100N of “Applied Forces” for a total of 150N. Describe what happens with forces and what happens to the speed? 
3. What is the friction force? 
4. What is the sum of the forces? 
5. Describe the speed. 

Now change the friction to the maximum amount. 

6. What is the friction force? 
7. What is the sum of the forces? 
8. Describe the speed.

Now you select. Choose the following: Friction force, Applied force, Sum of the forces, Acceleration. 

9. Describe what happens with forces and what happens to the speed. 
10. What is the friction force? 
11. What is the sum of the forces? 
12. Describe the speed.
13. How does friction, acceleration, speed and net force relate to each other? Explain. 
14. Describe an example of friction, speed and net force in your life. 
15. Describe an example where you want to solve for a balanced F_net= 0N. Be specific and detailed. 
16. Describe an example where you want unbalanced F_net. Be specific and detailed. 

Dave Buehrle, Fall 2016