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    Home » Key Stage 2 Science » Slipping and sliding friction investigation

    Slipping and sliding friction investigation

    July 23, 2013 By Emma Vanstone 6 Comments

    On a rainy day, my children can often be found skidding down our hallway. We have wooden floors, so they are slippy enough to be fun, but not so slippy it’s dangerous.

    We have found that skidding is a lot more fun when wearing socks, but why is this?

    child's foot wearing socks on a wooden floor

    The answer is Friction.

    Friction is a force that opposes motion between two materials moving past each other. Frictional forces act in the opposite direction to the object trying to move and must be overcome for movement to start. Frictional forces are less on smooth surfaces, which is why we slide more easily when wearing socks.

    If you think how easy it is to slide two bits of ribbon over each other and then think how hard it would be to do the same with two velcro strips, it makes it easier to visualise.

    Ideas for learning about friction

    Try sliding on different surfaces with bare feet. Is it easier or harder on carpet than wood or tiles?

    Try the same with socks on. Does it make a difference? What about wearing socks made of different materials?

    What about when you slide down a slide? Is it easier in tracksuit bottoms or jeans?

    Roll a toy car on carpet and tiles to investigate which surface the car travels the furthest. Friction slows objects down, so the car will move less far on the surface where there is more friction.

    Make a friction ramp with different surfaces for toy cars to roll down.

    Homemade friction ramp made from a large sheet of cardboard. The ramp has three lanes. One is covered in carpet, one bubble wrap and one just cardboard.

    A friction tray is a slightly neater way to carry out the same investigation.

    A large storage tray used to make a slide for a small toy. The tray is split into three lanes for a friction investigation. One lane is covered in felt, one bubble wrap and one left plain as the tray.

     

     

    Last Updated on July 4, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

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    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Trisha @ Inspiration Laboratories

      July 23, 2013 at 2:05 pm

      Fun explorations, Emma! Aiden loves sliding around in his socks. Next time, I’ll have him do some testing.

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        July 26, 2013 at 8:44 pm

        Thanks Trisha

        Reply
    2. Natalie

      July 24, 2013 at 1:15 am

      I love these simple 1 minute experiments. Thanks for inspiration!

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        July 26, 2013 at 8:46 pm

        I’m so glad you like them. x

        Reply
    3. bill

      May 24, 2017 at 11:44 pm

      thank you this was very entertaining and i hope you keep this up as a career. i love you so much. keep up the good work

      Reply
    4. JBOIII

      May 24, 2017 at 11:49 pm

      i enjoid dis twas nice. slytly bad but shud be fine,add memes and twood be bettar
      i neen new pants now thanks

      Reply

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