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Friction and Surface Area

In this worksheet, students will consider how surface area affects friction between solid surfaces and in air and water.

'Friction and Surface Area' worksheet

Key stage:  KS 2

Year:  Year 5 Science worksheets

Curriculum topic:   Forces

Curriculum subtopic:   Resistance and Friction

Difficulty level:  

Worksheet Overview

Friction is created between surfaces which rub together. Smooth surfaces produce less friction.

 

Snowboarder Skier

 

Snowboards and skies are designed with very smooth surfaces underneath them, to allow them to travel as quickly as possible over the snow and ice.

Rough surfaces produce large forces of friction.

 

Although not solid materials, air and water create rubbing surfaces when objects travel through them. More friction is created when there is a large surface area 'rubbing' against the air or water. We call this friction resistance.

 

Fish swimming

Fish have a smooth shape and surface to reduce the amount of water resistance as they swim, allowing them to swim quickly.

 

Rocket

Rockets also have a smooth shape and surface to reduce air resistance.

 

Use this worksheet to see if there are any rough edges to knock off friction and resistance.

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