lOMoARcPSD|51262765

3. Static and Kinetic Friction

Physics (Haramaya University)

Scan to open on Studocu

Studocu is not sponsored or endorsed by any college or university

Downloaded by Kuyna Kulucho ([email protected])
 lOMoARcPSD|51262765

ADDIS ABABA SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY

College of Natural and Social Sciences

Department of Physics and Statistics

General Physics Lab Report

Experiment № 3

Group 5
Members ID №
1. Abdilselam Abas ---------------------------------------- ETS0006/14
2. Abdurazak Muhedin ------------------------------------ ETS0020/14
3. Abdurahman Mohamed -------------------------------- ETS0021/14
4. Abdurezak Kemal --------------------------------------- ETS0022/14
5. Abdurhman Zakir --------------------------------------- ETS0023/14
6. Abduselam Sultan -------------------------------------- ETS0024/14
7. Abel Tessema ------------------------------------------- ETS0027/14
8. Abel Tadele ---------------------------------------------- ETS0042/14
9. Bisrat Berhanu ------------------------------------------ ETS0181/14
Submitted to: Instructor Mengesha
Submitted on: Monday July 18, 2022

Downloaded by Kuyna Kulucho ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|51262765

Table of Contents
Content Page №
Title ..........................................................................................................................................1

Objective .................................................................................................................................1

Apparatus ................................................................................................................................1

Theory .....................................................................................................................................1

Procedure ................................................................................................................................3

Data Recording.......................................................................................................................4

Data Analysis .........................................................................................................................5

Questions and Discussions ...................................................................................................6

Conclusion ..............................................................................................................................8

References ...............................................................................................................................8

Downloaded by Kuyna Kulucho ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|51262765

Title: Measuring Static and Kinetic Coefficient of Friction with a Ramp

Objective

• To determine the coefficient of static friction and the coefficient of kinetic friction between
a block of wood and a wooden plank

Apparatus

• Wooden block with hook

• Wooden plank
• Newton spring scale
• Masses

Theory
Friction is a term used to describe the resisting force that arises when a solid object slides, or
attempt to slide, on a solid surface. In machinery, the adjoining surfaces may slide back and forth
in a straight line or may rotate like an axle in a bearing. We use a different word – drag – to describe
the resisting force that arises when a solid object moves through a fluid (a liquid or a gas). This is
what causes a boat, a raindrop, or a parachutist to have maximum speed (when the applied force
equals the drag force), called terminal speed, or what causes a spacecraft re-entering the
atmosphere to heat up. In this experiment, there is going to be an investigation of the friction
between a solid object and a solid surface. The frictional force is always directed parallel to the
surface between the objects. Experiments have shown that the magnitude of the frictional force
depends on the materials the objects are made of, on how smooth the surfaces in contact are, and
on the magnitude of the force pressing the objects together. This force is called the normal force
because it is normal (perpendicular) to the surface.

1
Downloaded by Kuyna Kulucho ([email protected])
 lOMoARcPSD|51262765

Contrary to intuitive assumptions, the frictional force does not depend on either the area of contact
between the objects or the relative speed between them, as long as the speed isn’t too great. The
relationship between the frictional force and the normal force is expressed by the linear equation:
𝑓 = 𝜇 · 𝐹𝑁 , where the Greek letter 𝜇 (read as mu) is a dimensionless constant of proportionality
called the coefficient of friction, 𝑓 is the frictional force, and 𝐹𝑁 is the normal force.

There are two kinds of friction. Static frictional force occurs when two objects are at rest relative
to each other and one of them attempts to slide over the other one. This force arises to oppose any
applied force trying to cause motion along the surface of contact.

For an initially non-moving object, the frictional force increases as the applied force increases
from zero up to a maximum value given by: 𝑓𝑠 = 𝜇𝑠 · 𝐹𝑁 , which is called the limiting friction. If
the applied force exceeds this value, then the surfaces begin to move relative to each other.

Another kind of friction occurs when the two surfaces in contact are moving relative to each other,
called the kinetic frictional force. This one is also characterized by a proportionality constant, this
time called the coefficient of kinetic friction. Thus, it is given by: 𝑓𝑘 = 𝜇𝑘 · 𝐹𝑁 .

Note that, in general, 𝜇𝑘 < 𝜇𝑠 for any two materials. The coefficient of friction between two
surfaces is primarily related to their roughness.

If the track is horizontal, then the normal force is simply equal to the block’s weight. However, if
the track is inclined at an angle as shown in the figure below, only the component of the block’s
weight that is perpendicular to the track – 𝑚𝑔 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 – contributes to the force pressing them
together. From Newton’s Third Law, you can see that this normal component of its weight is equal
to the normal force.

2
Downloaded by Kuyna Kulucho ([email protected])
 lOMoARcPSD|51262765

The figure on the previous page includes a free-body diagram of the forces acting on the block.
The block’s weight, 𝑚𝑔, has been replaced by its two components: 𝑚𝑔 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 parallel to the ramp
and 𝑚𝑔 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 normal to the ramp. If the block is in equilibrium, either at rest or sliding with
constant velocity (Newton’s First Law), the net force on the block must equal zero. For the block
at rest, the friction is static. And if the block is sliding with constant velocity, the friction becomes
kinetic.

The coefficient of static friction can be determined. As long as the block is stationary, 𝑓𝑠 increases
with 𝑚𝑔 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 as the ramp is elevated. Maximum static friction occurs when the elevation angle is
just great enough to break the static friction and cause the block to slide.

𝑓𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝑚𝑔 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝑦
𝜇𝑠 = = = 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃𝑚𝑎𝑥 =
𝐹𝑁 𝑚𝑔 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝑥

Similarly, the coefficient of kinetic friction can be calculated. If the block is sliding at constant
velocity, then it is also in equilibrium, and:

𝑓 𝑚𝑔 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝑦
𝜇𝑘 = = = 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 =
𝐹𝑁 𝑚𝑔 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝑥

Procedure
1. The same surfaces of the block and the board were used throughout the experiment for all
the measurements made.
2. The block was placed with its large surface down on the board, and the board was inclined
until the block just began to slide on its own. The board was inclined by placing the block
of known height (approximately 11.5 cm) under one end of the board. The value of the
height of the block was recorded as 𝑦 (to the nearest 1 mm) in both data tables. The block
of known height 𝑦 was moved towards the line along which the board is resting on the
table. That increased the angle 𝜃, as shown in the figure above.
3. When the block on top slid down the board because static friction could no longer hold it
in place, the value of 𝑥 – the distance from the pivot line of the board to the block – was
recorded in Data Table 1.

3
Downloaded by Kuyna Kulucho ([email protected])
 lOMoARcPSD|51262765

4. Step 3 was repeated twice more, for a total of three trials with only the block itself on top
of the board. The values of 𝑥 associated with each of the trials were recorded in Data Table
1 in the column labelled 400 g.
5. Using a light tape, a 400 g mass was attached to the top of the block, and the steps above
were repeated, recording in Data Table 1 the values of 𝑥 for the three trials in the column
labelled 800 g.
6. Once more, another 400 g mass was attached to the top of the 800 g block, and the values
of 𝑥 were recorded in the column named 1,200 g in Data Table 1.
The data taken in the above six steps determined the value of 𝜇𝑠 , from the fact that 𝜇𝑠 =
𝑦
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃𝑠 = .
𝑥

7. The aforementioned steps were all repeated, but instead of finding the point at which the
block began to move on its own, it was a point at which the block moves at an
approximately constant speed after it was given a slight push to begin its motion. There
was a greater variation in the values of 𝑥 obtained in this case as it was difficult to determine
when the speed was constant. Again, the block was initially by itself, then the same values
of mass were added as above. In each case, three trials were done, and the values of 𝑥 were
recorded in the appropriate columns in Data Table 2. The data taken in these steps was
used to determine the coefficient of kinetic friction, 𝜇𝑘 .

Data Recording
Data Table 1, Inclined Plane – Static Friction

𝑦 = 11.5 𝑐𝑚

Total Mass of Actual Horizontal Distance 𝑥 (cm) Actual Average Horizontal

the Block(s) Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Distance 𝑥 (cm)
400 g 21.7 22.1 22.0 21.9
800 g 23.1 23.7 24.5 23.8
1,200 g 26.8 24.5 20.0 23.8

4
Downloaded by Kuyna Kulucho ([email protected])
 lOMoARcPSD|51262765

Data Table 2, Inclined Plane – Kinetic Friction

𝑦 = 11.5 𝑐𝑚

Total Mass of Actual Horizontal Distance 𝑥 (cm) Actual Average Horizontal

the Block(s) Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Distance 𝑥 (cm)
400 g 18.0 18.0 20.7 18.9
800 g 20.1 19.8 18.8 19.6
1,200 g 22.3 21.0 21.0 21.4

Data Analysis
1. For the static friction data, the actual mean horizontal distance 𝑥̅ for each mass was
calculated, and recorded in the Calculations Table under the Static section. For each value
𝑦
of 𝑥̅ in the table, the value of 𝜇𝑠 was calculated as 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃𝑠 = and was recorded. The mean
𝑥̅

coefficient of static friction 𝜇̅𝑠 and the standard error 𝛼𝜇𝑠 were calculated for the three
measurements.
2. For the kinetic friction data, the actual mean horizontal distance 𝑥̅ for each mass was
calculated, and recorded in the Calculations Table under the Kinetic section. For each value
𝑦
of 𝑥̅ in the table, the value of 𝜇𝑘 was calculated as 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃𝑘 = and was recorded. The mean
𝑥̅

coefficient of kinetic friction 𝜇̅𝑘 and the standard error 𝛼𝜇𝑘 were calculated for the three
measurements.
𝜎
The formula for standard error is: 𝛼 = , where 𝛼 is the standard error, 𝜎 is the sample standard
√𝑛

deviation, and 𝑛 is the number of samples.

5
Downloaded by Kuyna Kulucho ([email protected])
 lOMoARcPSD|51262765

Calculations Table

Static Kinetic
𝑦 𝑦
𝑥̅ 𝜇𝑠 = 𝜇̅𝑠 𝛼𝜇𝑠 𝑥̅ 𝜇𝑘 = 𝜇̅𝑘 𝛼𝜇𝑘
𝑥̅ 𝑥̅
21.9 0.53 18.9 0.61
23.8 0.48 0.50 0.014 19.6 0.59 0.58 0.017
23.8 0.48 21.4 0.54

Questions and Discussions

1. How did your experiment teach you about the coefficient of friction?
We used to think the coefficient of friction is one of those quantities in physics that is
always given by scientists or some other academic authority, that is seemingly an abstract
value that we should take for granted. But we got to measure it in such a simplistic way
that we can’t help but be amazed about us being able to assign values to real-life
phenomena.
Moreover, it says that by definition, the coefficient of friction denotes the roughness or
smoothness of the surfaces in contact, that the higher the value of 𝜇, the rougher the
surfaces. At first glance, seeing the formula for calculating the coefficient as 𝜇 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 =
𝑦
, we weren’t able to see any correlation between the value and the roughness of the
𝑥

surfaces. But when we thought a bit deeper than that, we realized that the rougher the
surfaces, the more we needed to move the board of height 𝑦 towards the pivot of the
inclined plane, so that the object could start to move. That is, the smaller the value of 𝑥
became, and as a result, the higher the value of 𝜇. Thus, we saw a direct relation between
the value of the coefficient of friction and the roughness of the surfaces. This greatly
demystified the definition and implications of the coefficient of friction.

6
Downloaded by Kuyna Kulucho ([email protected])
 lOMoARcPSD|51262765

2. Use any of your coefficient of friction numbers and interpret what it means.
For instance, the mean coefficient of kinetic friction 𝜇̅𝑘 with a value of 0.58 implies that a
force equal to 58% of the component of the weight of the block – 𝑚𝑔𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 – is required
just to overcome friction in keeping the block moving along a constant speed.

3. Google static coefficient of friction and find three other coefficients for various surfaces
(Be sure to record both of the surfaces and the static coefficient of friction).
Granite = 0.41
Nickel = 0.28
Tape = 0.49

4. If you were to give advice to students doing this lab experiment next year, what would be
the most important statement you would say to them?
We would tell them to be mindful about the surfaces that are in contact with each other,
both of the ramp and the block; to make sure they use the relatively clear and clean sides,
and to stay consistent on those sides, and to use the same side of the block even when
adding the mass(es).

5. How could this lab be improved for a better learning experience?

We were a bit short on meter tapes and adhesive tapes. Thus, it would be better if each
group had those.

6. Give your personal evaluation of this lab.

As discussed before, it was a good eye-opener. It gave us a good grasp of what a coefficient
of friction actually is. There were enough materials, at least to go around among the groups.
The procedures were clear. Enough time was given to do the experiment. All in all, it was
great, and for that, we are grateful.

7
Downloaded by Kuyna Kulucho ([email protected])
 lOMoARcPSD|51262765

Conclusion
This experiment was conducted to measure the coefficients of static and kinetic friction between
a block of wood and a wooden inclined plane. Air resistance was assumed to be negligible.

Two similar formulae were derived in order to measure the coefficients of static and kinetic friction
separately. There’s only a difference of angles.

The results of the experiment were recorded. But since we couldn’t compare them to the theoretical
value and thus calculate the percentage error, we instead found out the standard error, which is a
statistical term that measures the accuracy with which a sample distribution represents a population
by using standard deviation. It is the deviation of a sample mean from the actual mean of data or
population.

At the end of this experiment, it can be safely concluded that the coefficient of friction measures
the roughness of the surfaces in contact.

References
Question about normal force acting on a mass on an inclined plane. (2020). Physics stack

exchange. Retrieved from https://physics.stackexchange.com/

Standard Error. (2021). Investopedia. Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/

Standard Error. (2022). SimplyPsychology. Retrieved from https://www.simplypsychology.com/

8
Downloaded by Kuyna Kulucho ([email protected])