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Rolling Friction Investigation Report
AIM:
The aim of the experiment is to explore the impact of weight on rolling
friction on a carpeted surface.
Hypothesis:
The hypothesis is predicted as the trolley’s mass increases, the friction
force acting on the trolley by the carpet will increase. Furthermore, the
hypothesis anticipates that different ramp angles will affect the
deceleration on the carpet.
Equipment:
o dynamic trolley with mass
o ramp
o tape measure
o brass masses
o Stopwatch
Background and theory:

Rolling Friction:
Rolling friction occurs when an object, like our trolley, moves on a surface
with its wheels rolling. Unlike sliding friction, where two surfaces slide past
each other, rolling friction involves the rotational motion of wheels. It's
influenced by factors such as the weight of the object, the nature of the
surfaces in contact, and the smoothness of the rolling motion.
In our experiment, the trolley's wheels rolling on the carpet will encounter
this rolling friction, and we aim to explore how the weight of the trolley
affects the resistance it faces.
Inclined Plane Physics:

The use of an inclined plane introduces the element of gravity, which plays
a significant role in the acceleration of the trolley. As the trolley moves
down the incline, gravity pulls it along the slope, causing an increase in
velocity. The angle of the incline affects the steepness and, consequently,
the acceleration experienced by the trolley.
Upon reaching the horizontal carpet, the trolley encounters resistance in
the form of rolling friction, leading to deceleration. The combination of
gravitational acceleration on the incline and the subsequent deceleration
on the carpet provides a dynamic scenario for investigating the interplay
between weight, rolling friction, and inclined motion.
Part1: Testing the ramp

Method:
1. Adjust the height of the ramp to 14.5cm and ensure it is securely
positioned.
2. Attach a dynamic trolley to the ramp at the top.
3. Record the time it takes for the trolley to reach the bottom of the
ramp using a stopwatch.
4. Measure the distance traveled by the trolley after leaving the ramp.
5. Repeat the process for ramp heights of 19cm and 23cm.
6. Record all measurements accurately.
Discussion:
The main investigation aimed to explore the effect of varying ramp angles
on the deceleration of the trolley on the carpet and its subsequent rolling
friction. By increasing the ramp height, the incline angle was adjusted,
potentially influencing the speed and distance traveled by the trolley.
Results:
For the trial with a ramp height of 14.5cm:
- Time taken: 2.17 seconds
- Distance traveled: 227.5cm
- θ =7.6degree
For the trial with a ramp height of 19cm:

- θ =10 degree
For the trial with a ramp height of 23cm:
- θ =12.18 degree
The results indicate that as the ramp height increases, the time taken for
the trolley to travel down the ramp decreases, while the distance traveled
by the trolley after leaving the ramp increases.
Part2: Main Investigation

Method:
1. Place the ramp on a level surface and ensure it is secure.
2. Attach a dynamic trolley to the ramp at the top.
3. Add a mass of 100g to the trolley.
4. Use a stopwatch to measure the time it takes for the trolley to reach
the bottom of the ramp.
5. Measure the distance traveled by the trolley on the ramp.
6. Repeat the process with a mass of 200g added to the trolley.
7. Record all measurements accurately.
Discussion:
The purpose of this pre-experiment was to assess the friction on the ramp
and determine if it can be considered negligible. Theoretical calculations
predict that a frictionless ramp should result in a specific acceleration
based on the incline angle. By measuring the time and distance traveled by
the trolley on the ramp, we aimed to compare the observed acceleration
with the theoretical value.
Results:
For the trial with 100g added to the trolley:
• Time taken: 1.8 seconds
• Distance traveled: 156.4 cm
• Time taken:1.39 seconds
Conclusion:
In summary, our main investigation showed interesting findings. When we
made the ramp steeper, the trolley went faster down it and traveled further
on the carpet. This tells us that steeper ramps cause more resistance, or
rolling friction, on the carpet. These discoveries help us understand better
how the angle of the ramp affects the trolley's movement on carpets,
On the other hand, the part 2 investigation experiment got an error data
result due to the ramp and the carpet is not perfectly connected and the
trolley has three wheels so it can’t move stably.

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Rolling Friction Investigation Report

Background and theory:

Inclined Plane Physics:

Part1: Testing the ramp

For the trial with a ramp height of 19cm:

Part2: Main Investigation

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