Summary
Phil tests how friction — the force between two surfaces that rub together — slows objects down, from a slide to a giant ramp. He shows how rougher and smoother surfaces change the way things move. ~22 min, free on the official Science Max YouTube channel.
Viewer safety
All ages
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Discussion
Why does a slide need to be smooth? Phil tests friction on every kind of surface.
- What is friction?
- How does a rough surface change how far something slides?
- When is friction helpful instead of annoying?
- How could you make a surface have less friction?
Quick work-a-long
Vocabulary: friction, surface, rough, smooth, slow.
Try it: Slide a coin across your desk, then across a piece of sandpaper or cloth. Tell which surface had more friction.