Experiment 7.

3 Measuring the magnitude of force

Aim: to measure a force using a spring balance

Procedure:
1.The apparatus shown in Figure 7.3 was set up.
2.The initial reading of the spring balance was
recorded
3. The 500g weight was hung on the spring balance
4. The reading of the spring balance was recorded
5. All readings were recorded in table 7.2
Observation:

Object Weight
500 g weight
Watch
2 pens
Wooden block
Pencil box
Discussion:
1. Ms 60
2. Ms 60
3. Ms 60
4. Newton (N)

Conclusion:
The force on an object can be measured using a
Spring balance.
Additional questions
1.___ N
2. no. because the stretching capability of the
spring is limited
3. The weight of an object is the force of the earth
gravitational pull on the object
7.4 Direction and magnitude of frictional force
Aim: to show that frictional force opposes motion
and has magnitude

Procedure:
1.A wooden block was placed on the table
2.A spring balance was hooked on the blocked and
the blocked was pulled horizontically as shown
in figure 7.4 until the wooden block began to move
3. The reading of the spring balance when the block
began to move was recorded.
Observation:
When the wooden block began to move ,
the reading of the spring balance was _____ N

Discussion:
1.The frictional force oppose the pulling force
exerted on the wooden block
2. ____ N
3. The magnitude of force shown by the spring
balance when the wooden block begins to
move is taken as the magnitude of the frictional
force acting on the wooden block
7.5 The nature of surface affects frictional force
Aim: to show that the magnitude of frictional force
depends on the nature of the surface in contact

Procedure:
1.A wooden block was placed on a table with its
larger surface contact with the table top
2. A spring balance was hooked to the block and
the block was pulled horizontically until it began
to move
3. The reading of the spring balance was recorded
when the block began to move.
4. Steps 2 and 3 were repeated using :
a. pulling the wooden block using the sand paper
b. pulling wooden block on glass sheet
c. pulling the wooden block with its smaller surface
on table
Result:

Step Readings
The larger surface on
table
The larger surface on
sand paper
The larger surface on
sheet glass
The smaller surface on
the table
Discussion:
1a) most friction: sand paper
b) least friction: sheet glass

2. The rougher the surface, the greater the friction

3. Friction does not depend on the area of the
surface contact.

Conclusion:
The magnitude of frictional force depends on the
nature of the surfaces in contact
Additional questions:
1.a) friction slows down movement
b) friction produces heat
c) friction wears out surfaces contact
d) frictional wastes energy

2. When its raining , the layer of water on the road

reduces the friction between the wheels and
the road.
7.6 Increasing and decreasing frictional force
Aim: to show that frictional force can be increased
by having a rough surface and can be reduced
by using grease, ball bearings, rollers and
wheels

Procedure:
1.A wooden block was placed on a smooth wooden
plank
2. A spring balance was attached to the block and
the block was pulled horizontically until the
wooden block began to move
3. The reading of the spring balance when the
block began to move was recorded.
4. Steps 2 and 3 was repeated by:
a) pulling the block on a rough wooden plank
b) pulling the wooden block applied with grease
c) pulling the block on top of marbles
d) pulling block on pencils
e) pulling block on top of wheels
Result:

Surface Readings
Discussion:
1.
a)Increase
b)Decrease
c)Decrease
d)Yes
e)Yes

Conclusion:
Frictional force can be increase by having a rougher
Surface and can be reduce by using grease, roller,
wheel and ball bearings
Additional questions:
1.By having studs on the soles of his shoes
2.By using ball bearings and applying grease
3.Hovercraft