Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi!!, I want to know about, how to measure force? I'm doing an experiment about a raft powered by surface tension and i was going to measure speed but i would like to know if i can measure force instead and how? Thank you

Hello mariadpuche,

I'm assuming that you're working on the project described here:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... ce-tension

Numerous sensors and other kinds of devices are available to measure force. Unfortunately I'm not aware of a device that would be appropriate to use for the surface tension powered raft. Perhaps another expert will chime in with an idea for the force measurement.

Please note that the speed is proportional to the force applied to the raft. So comparing speeds resulting from different surfactants applied to the raft's sponge would produce the same ranking as comparing forces.

I hope this helps. Please ask again if you have more questions.

A. Norman