PhET Simulation: Force of Friction

The goal of this activity is for your students to gain a deeper understanding of static and kinetic friction forces, Newton’s laws of motion and how to determine the coefficients of static and kinetic friction. This activity includes collecting data about frictional forces, graphing the data and analysis of the graph to determine the coefficients of friction. This web based lab is available as a PDF file that can be completed by distance learners.

This online lab activity uses the Forces and Motion: Basics HTML5 simulation from PhET Interactive Simulations. The simulation can be run from most cellphones, tablets and computers. Nothing to download or install.

This product is part of a series of three products covering Newton’s laws of motion. The other two products are:
PhET Simulation: Forces and Motion
PhET Simulation: Newton’s Laws of Motion

You and your students can get a full explanation of the friction forces and coefficients of friction from my Step by Step Science YouTube video: Newton’s 2nd Law, The Force of Friction, An Explanation

PhET simulations incorporate research based, student centered activities that are fun and easy to use. All of the PhET simulations are available from their website: PhET Interactive Simulations.

This product includes:
(1) The lab activity worksheets.
(2) An answer key for the worksheets.
(3) Notes covering a full description of the kinetic and static friction forces and the coefficients of friction.