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    Home » Slipping and Sliding

    Slipping and Sliding

    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?

    Friction

    The answer is Friction.

    Friction is a force that opposes movement 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 with two velcro strips, it makes it easier to visualise.

    Some ideas for you

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

    They same with socks on, does it make a difference? What about wearing socks made of different materials?

    You could roll a toy car on carpet and tiles and see on which surface it travels the furthest.

    Or how about making a ramp? Your car will have to overcome friction before it can slide down the ramp.

    Friction

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

    Can you make a chart to record your results?

    *Note. It could also be that our feet are a bit sweaty and sticky, so there are more than just frictional forces at work.

    Last Updated on April 5, 2016 by Emma Vanstone

    « Baking soda ice cubes
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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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