Observing the motion of a ball on different surfaces in Force – Class 8 Science Experiment
Chapter Name: Force
Activity Name: Observing the motion of a ball on different surfaces in Force
Activity Description:
In this experiment, we will observe the motion of different objects (ice cube, eraser, and a rupee coin) on different surfaces.
We will lift one end of a tray and place the objects in a line at the elevated end. The goal is to observe how the objects slide down the inclined surface and to understand the factors affecting their motion.
Required Items:
- Tray
- Ice cube
- Eraser
- Rupee coin
Step by Step Procedure:
- Set up the experiment on a flat and stable surface.
- Place the tray on the surface and ensure it is level.
- On one end of the tray, create a small incline by gently lifting that end.
- Place the ice cube, eraser, and rupee coin in a line on the inclined surface.
- Ensure the objects are lined up at the same height on the incline.
- Release the tray and observe the motion of the objects as they slide down the incline.
Experiment Observations:
- Observations: The objects slide down the incline due to gravity.
- The ice cube might slide down first because it has the least friction with the surface.
- No, the objects will not experience the same resistance to motion.
- The rupee coin might experience more resistance to motion because it has the highest friction with the surface among the three objects.
Precautions:
- Make sure the tray is stable and doesn’t wobble during the experiment.
- Ensure the objects are placed at the same height on the incline for a fair comparison.
- Use a consistent and smooth surface for the tray to ensure uniformity in the observations.
Lesson Learnt from Experiment:
The experiment demonstrates how different objects experience different amounts of resistance to motion due to their varying coefficients of friction with the surface.
Objects with lower friction will slide down more easily, while those with higher friction will experience more resistance and slide down more slowly. The experiment helps understand the relationship between friction, surface, and motion, which is an important concept in the study of forces.
