Physics

Due to some technical difficulties, we decided to change the method we used to test the experiment out. Instead of using a spring balance to drag the metal weights across the flat metal surface, we lubricated a wooden surface and placed the metal surface on it. Then, we tied a string to the metal surface and connected it to a pulley. Weights was then placed onto the hanger that was connected to the metal surface by the string. The total amount of weight needed to pull the metal surface 20cm from the starting point determines how good the substance lubricates the metal surface. The lesser weights the better!(:


Resuuults!

Substance 1! -baby powder

Total weights needed: 215g

Substance 2! -soap

Total wights needed:120g

Substance 3! -butter

Total weights needed:520g

Substance 4!- baby oil/lotion

Total weights needed:90g


So, the answer is, the household item that is best for lubricating metal is......Baby oil!


Observations made during experiment: butter is NOT a good lubricant as it causes the two surfaces to stick together, hence the metal surface doesn't slide across the wooden surface like it was supposed to.