Identifying effects of force in Force – Class 8 Science Experiment

Chapter Name: Force

Activity Name: Identifying effects of force in Force

Activity Description:

Required Items:

1. Two trays
2. Lime powder or fine sand
3. Two rectangular bricks of equal mass and similar shape

Step by Step Procedure:

1. Take the two trays and fill both of them with lime powder or fine sand.
2. Take one rectangular brick and place it vertically in one tray.
3. Take the other rectangular brick and place it horizontally in the second tray.
4. Observe and compare the sinking depth of both bricks in the lime powder.

Experiment Observations:

You will notice that the brick standing vertically sinks deeper into the lime powder than the brick standing horizontally.

Precautions:

1. Ensure that the mass of both bricks is equal.
2. Make sure the shape of both bricks is similar for accurate comparison.
3. Carefully place the bricks in the trays to avoid disturbances in the lime powder.

Lesson Learnt from Experiment:

The experiment demonstrates that the depth to which a brick sinks in the lime powder is influenced by the contact area or surface area on which force is acting. When the brick stands vertically, the contact area is smaller, leading to higher pressure exerted by the brick. In contrast, when the brick stands horizontally, the contact area is larger, resulting in lower pressure exerted by the brick.

This variation in pressure accounts for the difference in the extent to which the brick sinks in the lime powder. This experiment helps understand the concept of pressure and its relation to force and surface area.