WHY? Friction is the force that occurs when two things rub together. In this case, the smooth surface causes less friction, so the rubber ball moves more easily and quickly than the tennis ball. The tennis ball, with its rougher surface, moves more slowly and awkwardly. This is why fast boats and airplanes have streamlined, smooth bodies. ASSESSMENT: Can the student communicate what they observed?

Student is able to communicate that the rubber ball moves more quickly and easily because of less friction. Student is able to communicate that the ball with the smooth surface moved more quickly and easily than the ball with the rough surface. Student is able to communicate that one ball moved faster than the other. Student is able to communicate that the balls moved.

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Last modified: Tue Mar 24 17:17:56 PST 1998

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