Success Homeschool

Year 4 Science · Friction: the force that slows things down

Name: ______________________

Date: ____________

1. What does friction usually do to a moving object?
- ☐ (a) Speeds it up
- ☐ (b) Slows it down
- ☐ (c) Makes it float
- ☐ (d) Makes it magnetic
2. Which surface would make the most friction for a rolling toy car?
- ☐ (a) Ice
- ☐ (b) Polished tiles
- ☐ (c) A shaggy rug
- ☐ (d) Glass
3. Which is a non-contact force?
- ☐ (a) Gravity
- ☐ (b) Friction
- ☐ (c) A kick
- ☐ (d) A push on a door
4. Where is friction useful?
- ☐ (a) Inside a squeaky hinge
- ☐ (b) Wearing out shoe soles
- ☐ (c) Making engines hot
- ☐ (d) Bike brakes stopping the wheel
5. Why do people put oil on squeaky bike chains?
- ☐ (a) To make it rusty
- ☐ (b) To reduce friction
- ☐ (c) To add friction
- ☐ (d) To make it heavier
6. Rubbing your hands together quickly makes them feel warm or cold?
7. A car rolled 90 cm on tiles and 40 cm on carpet. How many centimetres further did it roll on tiles? (number)
8. Friction only works when surfaces are touching. Is it a contact or non-contact force?

Answer sheet

1. Slows it down — Friction acts against movement and slows things down.
2. A shaggy rug — A rough, soft rug makes more friction than smooth surfaces.
3. Gravity — Gravity acts without touching.
4. Bike brakes stopping the wheel — Brakes rely on friction to slow the wheel.
5. To reduce friction — Oil lets surfaces slide past each other more easily.
6. warm — Friction between your hands produces heat.
7. 50 — 90 − 40 = 50 cm.
8. contact — Friction needs surfaces to touch, so it is a contact force.