You can test this by adjusting the length of the wedge. Click on the point of the wedge, then drag it to elongate or shorten the wedge. The width of the wedge will remain the same.

• When you have selected a size for the wedge, click on [Add Mass] and blocks will appear on your wedge. If the wedge does not lower, click again to add mass.

• Record the length of your test wedge, and the weight applied to separate the stone on Table 1 in your lab packet.

• Test a variety of sizes until you feel comfortable in predicting what wedge sizes will separate the stone with the least force.

  

• Discuss with your partner then write a general statement in your lab packet, explaining which wedges will work most effectively.

• To look at this information in another way, make a line graph in your packet showing the dimensions of the wedges you have tested.

• Use the second graph to look at the force required for all wedges.

• What might happen with the extreme shapes? (almost flat to almost pin like)