Friction Heat Experiment
Measuring Temperature Change from Rubbing Hands
This interactive experiment demonstrates how friction generates heat. Rub your hands together and watch the thermometer measure the temperature increase caused by the friction!
40°C
35°C
30°C
25°C
20°C
Current Temperature: 20°C
The Science Behind Friction and Heat
What's Happening:
When you rub your hands together:
- Friction occurs between the surfaces of your hands
- Kinetic energy from your motion is converted to thermal energy
- Heat is generated as molecules vibrate faster from the friction
Key Concepts:
Friction is the resistance to motion when two surfaces rub against each other. In this experiment:
- The more vigorously you rub, the more heat is generated
- The thermometer measures the temperature increase from this friction
- This demonstrates energy conversion from mechanical to thermal energy
Real World Applications:
- Starting fires with friction (rubbing sticks together)
- Brake systems in vehicles converting motion to heat
- Why your hands get warm when you rub them together in cold weather
