Friction before Activity 3.4

Open Ended

Why is understanding friction important in our daily lives?

Open Ended

Which cup, plastic or glass, would slide down the table first? Why?

Multiple Choice

Why does a plastic cup travel faster and further than a glass cup when pushed on a table?

• Because the plastic cup is heavier than the glass cup

• Because the plastic cup is lighter and has less friction with the table

• Because the glass cup is smoother

• Because the glass cup is lighter and has less friction

Multiple Select

Which of the following statements about friction are correct?

• Friction always helps objects move faster

• Friction opposes the motion of objects

• Friction can cause moving objects to slow down and stop

• Friction only acts when objects are not moving

Multiple Choice

What function does friction play when the brake handles on a bicycle are squeezed?

• It increases the speed of the bicycle.

• It slows the bicycle down by creating a frictional force between the brake pads and the wheel rim.

• It makes the bicycle move in a zigzag manner.

• It stops the bicycle immediately without slowing down.

Open Ended

Can friction be good and bad? How?

Multiple Choice

Why do we slip more easily when we walk on a smooth surface compared to a rough surface?

• There is more friction between smooth surfaces

• There is less friction between rough surfaces

• There is less friction between smooth surfaces,

• There is no difference in friction between smooth and rough surfaces.

Multiple Choice

Why are slips or bumps added to floors and staircases?

• To make them look attractive

• To reduce the cost of construction

• To increase friction and prevent slipping

• To make cleaning easier

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a consequence of frictional force on the soles of our shoes?

• The soles become thinner and smoother

• Shoes become heavier

• Shoes become waterproof

• Shoes become more colorful

Open Ended

Explain how frictional force can cause damage to household appliances such as blenders and drills.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following actions can reduce friction between two surfaces?

• Adding oil between the surfaces

• Making the surfaces rougher

• Increasing the weight on the surfaces

• Adding sandpaper between the surfaces

Multiple Select

Which methods can be used to reduce frictional force between moving parts of a machine?

• Using lubricants

• Using wheels

• Increasing surface roughness

• Applying more pressure

Open Ended

What is one thing you learned about friction today that surprised you or made you think differently?