Station 3: The Friction Factor Experiment

Objective

  • To observe how wheels and axles reduce friction to make moving objects easier.

Materials Needed

  • One heavy textbook

  • Two round pencils or dowels

Part A: Identifying Parts

  • Look at the diagram of the wagon:

    • Label the components: Identify which part is the wheel and which part is the axle.

    • Wheel: The large round part that touches the ground.

    • Axle: The rod that goes through the center of the round part.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. The Drag Test:

    • Place the heavy book flat on the desk.

    • Use one finger to push the book slowly across the surface.

    • Observation: Notice how much effort it takes to get it moving.

  2. The Roller Test:

    • Place the two round pencils parallel to each other on the desk.

    • Set the heavy book on top of the pencils.

  3. The Move:

    • Use one finger to push the book again.

    • Observation: The pencils should roll underneath the book.

  4. Observe:

    • Pay attention to the difference in how much force (pushing power) you need to apply between the two tests.

Data Table: Comparing Force

  • Method of Moving

    • Dragging the book flat

    • Rolling the book on pencils

  • Force Needed (Evaluate as High, Medium, or Low)

Part B: Real-World Application

  • Observation: What did you feel change when you added the pencils?

  • Concept: Think about the simple machines studied today.

    • Question: Explain one way a wheel and axle helps us complete a task in our daily lives.

    • Example: A wheel and axle helps us by enabling easier movement of heavy objects, such as moving furniture or vehicles.

Understanding Wheel and Axle

Description

  • A wheel and axle is a simple machine made of two circular objects of different sizes:

    • Wheel: The larger circular object.

    • Axle: The smaller rod in the center.

  • They are locked together, such that when one rotates, the other must also rotate.

Functionality

  • In this machine, the center of the axle acts as the fulcrum (the pivot point).

  • Due to the wheel being much larger than the axle:

    • You can move the outer edge of the wheel a long distance with relatively less force.

Mechanical Advantage

  • Why do we use this machine?

    • It provides us with Mechanical Advantage.

    • This term refers to the capability of a machine to amplify an input force.

    • Example of Application: A wheel provides a thick handle (the wheel) that makes it easier to twist a stubborn screw into hardwood due to the leverage gained from the larger wheel compared to the axle (the metal tip).