Experimenting can really help you understand how friction affects work. It makes these ideas easier to see and feel.

Let's look at a simple example with a block sliding down a ramp. By measuring how far the block goes with and without friction, you can see how it changes the work done.

Here’s how you can try this out:

1. Set Up:

   • Get two surfaces: one rough (like sandpaper) and one smooth (like plastic).
   • Put a block at the top of a ramp made from either of these surfaces.

2. Measurements: Measure these things:

   • The angle of the ramp.
   • The distance the block moves.
   • The time it takes for the block to reach the bottom.

3. Calculating Work: To find out the work done, use this formula:
   [ W = F \times d \times \cos(\theta) ]
   Here, ( F ) is the force of gravity minus the friction when there is any.

4. Comparison: You’ll notice that the block on the smooth ramp covers more distance with less effort. This means it does more work compared to the block on the rough surface.

By doing this hands-on experiment, you’ll learn how non-conservative forces like friction work against energy moving from one place to another. This can really affect how efficiently we do things!