Pulling an Object with a Force Meter – Weight, Friction and Spring Extension

Integrated ScienceForces & MotionAges 11–12

A wooden block on a table is pulled by a spring force meter. Students drag the meter's hook (or the slider) to increase the pulling force: the spring stretches in proportion to the force and the pointer shows the reading; the block only starts to slide once the pulling force exceeds the maximum static friction. Change the mass to see the weight P = 10·m and the friction increase with it; change the surface (ice, wood, concrete, rubber) to compare roughness; force arrows show the two forces balancing while the block stays still.