Calculating Friction with Free-Body Diagrams
Grade 10th Grade · Physics · 80 min
What's Included
Learning Objective
I can draw a free-body diagram and use it to calculate the coefficient of friction.
Warm-Up Video
CrashCourse · 10:59
Friction: Crash Course Physics #6
Guided Notes
3 key concepts
- 1
Kinetic friction slows objects down as they slide, while static friction must be overcome to start an object's movement.
- 2
The force of kinetic friction depends on the coefficient of kinetic friction (μₖ) and the normal force (F_N), and is calculated as F_friction = μₖ * F_N.
- 3
When an object is on a ramp, the normal force is equal to (mg) x (the cosine of the angle), where mg is the weight of the object.
Practice Questions
12 questions · Multiple choice & Short answer
Exit Ticket
Quick comprehension check
“A 10 kg box is placed on a horizontal surface. A force of 49 N is required to start the box moving. Draw a free-body diagram of the box, labeling all forces. Then, calculate the coefficient of static friction (μₛ) between the box and the surface. Show your work.”
Teacher Guide
Get the complete package:
- Answer keys for all questions
- Differentiation strategies
- Extension activities
- Printable student handouts
