Friction & Motion

Friction, which slows motion, is almost everywhere! One of the few exceptions is an air hockey table, which reduces friction significantly by using air. Even on an air hockey table, friction eventually wins and motion stops.

The following graph, excerpted from Gravity, Springs, & Collisions: Volume 2 from Schottenbauer Publishing, shows a disk traveling on an air hockey table.

Discussion Questions

1. How many collisions occur in the graph?
2. Draw a sketch of the air hockey table, showing the points of collision with sides of the table. Label each point of collision with the time. Number each segment of the journey.
3. Make a table, listing each segment in one column. In the next column, describe whether the effects of friction are present (yes/no).
4. How many collisions occur before the effects of friction are apparent?
5. Calculate the average speed of the puck during each segment. Add these to the table from #3. 
6. Calculate the initial kinetic energy of the puck. The air hockey puck has mass of 1.22 g, diameter 3.2 cm, and height 0.2 cm.
7. In the final segment, what is the average kinetic energy of the puck?
8. Why does the puck eventually stop? Draw a diagram of the side of the puck, showing theoretical initial and final conditions.

Over 8,000 graphs from Schottenbauer Publishing provide additional real-life topics for student learning, including sports, transportation, construction, environment, music, entertainment/toys, and general physics. 


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The Hard Truth Regarding Gravity and Flight

In physical science and physics class, students learn that all objects fall at the same rate due to gravity. When learning that force equals mass times acceleration (F = ma), many students may question the assertion, due to many apparent contradictions. Here are a few:

• Why does a leaf fall slowly, while a ball falls quickly?
• Why does a parachute slow the rate of descent?
• Why do space rockets not fall back to earth when the engines stop?

Although there is no data about space travel in the book series Soar! The Science of Flight, there are plenty of graphs on the motion of objects moving in the lab:

Volume 1

• String Trolley
• Umbrella
• Plastic Bag
• Ball
• Pen
• Yardstick
• Paper Airplanes
• Radio-Controlled Helicopter

Volume 2

• Air Rocket
• Parachute
• Glider
• Kite

By comparing graphs of motion, students can estimate the effects of air resistance on various types of falling objects. In addition, direct measurement of force by an accelerometer are provided in some graphs within each book above, showing the acceleration due to gravity versus acceleration which describes changes in motion.

The following books from Schottenbauer Publishing contain graphs and data pertaining to the science of falling or flying objects:

Graphs & Data for Science Lab: Multi-Volume Series

• The Science of Flight
• The Science of Archery & Shooting Sports
• The Science of Balls
• Sampler Edition: 24 Sports Balls Bouncing, Rolling, & Flying
• Volumes 3, 6, & 7
• Volume 8: Assorted Balls
• The Science of Baseball
• Gravity, Springs, & Collisions: Graphs of Classical Physics Experiments

Anthologies of 28 Graphs

• The Science of Transportation
• The Science of Ball Sports

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New Book Series on The Science of Transportation

Several new book series from Schottenbauer Publishing provide graphs and data for educational purposes on the science of popular forms of transportation, including boats, airplanes, cars, trains, bicycles, rollerskates, rollerblades, and skateboards. Selections include several multi-volume series with graphs from specific transportation topics, as well as an anthology of 28 graphs demonstrating a variety of mathematical functions related to transportation! Plus, geometry workbooks contain action diagrams of cars and boats, providing exciting opportunities for elementary school children to learn about angles and measurement!

Books are available from CreateSpace wholesale, as well as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, and other internet retailers!



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