ADDIS ABABA UNIVERSITY

Addis Ababa Institute of Technology

Department of Physics

COEFFICIENTS OF STATIC AND KINETIC FRICTION

Group Members ID Numbers

Kidus Markos UGR/9102/17
Nahom Zelalem UGR/2414/17
Mikyas Mulugeta UGR/5848/17
Nebil Tomas UGR/3570/17

Submitted to: Mr. Halid Abdu

Submission Date: Dec 05/2024
 Table of Content

Introduction............................................................................................ 1
Theory......................................................................................................1
Types of Friction 2
Nature of Coefficients of Friction 3
Experimental Determination of Friction 3
Apparatus Used.......................................................................................3
Procedure................................................................................................ 4
Coefficient of Static friction.................................................................4
Coefficient of Kinetic friction..............................................................4
Data.......................................................................................................... 5
Data for Calculating Coefficient of Static friction...............................5
Data for Calculating Coefficient of Kinetic friction............................ 5
Data Analysis...........................................................................................6
Data Analysis for Coefficient of Static Friction.................................. 6
Data Analysis for Coefficient of Kinetic Friction................................7
Result and Discussion.............................................................................8
Results.................................................................................................. 8
Discussion............................................................................................ 9
Conclusion............................................................................................. 10
Answering Questions............................................................................10
References……………………………………..………………………11
Introduction
Friction is a resistive force that plays a crucial role in everyday life, affecting
various systems and processes. It arises due to the interaction between surfaces in
contact and opposes their relative motion. This resistance is classified into two
categories: static friction, which prevents motion, and kinetic friction, which acts
when surfaces are sliding against each other. The coefficients of static (μs) and
kinetic (μk) friction are dimensionless constants that quantify these interactions,
depending on the material properties and surface conditions. In this experiment,
the objective is to investigate these coefficients for a wooden block interacting
with a wooden surface, focusing on understanding their dependence on the normal
force and establishing a quantitative relationship.

Theory
When a body is in contact with a surface, contact forces are the forces that arise
from the interaction between the object and the surface. These forces can be
resolved into two components based on their directions relative to the surface:

1. Normal Force (Ｎ): This is the component of the contact force that acts
perpendicular to the surface. It represents the force the surface exerts to support the
object, counteracting its weight or any other perpendicular force applied to it.

2. Frictional Force ( ): This is the component of the contact force that acts
parallel to the surface. Its primary role is to resist motion, or the tendency of the
object to move relative to the surface. The direction of the frictional force is always
such that it opposes the relative motion between the object and the surface.

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Types of Friction

There are two main types of frictional forces, depending on whether the object
is stationary or in motion:

1. Kinetic Friction ( k):

○ Kinetic friction comes into play when two surfaces move relative to
each other.
○ The magnitude of kinetic friction is proportional to the normal force
and is described by the equation:

k = μk Ｎ
Here, μk is the coefficient of kinetic friction, a dimensionless
quantity that depends on the nature of the two surfaces in contact. Ｎ is
the normal force.
○ For a certain range of relative speeds between the surfaces, μk
remains approximately constant.
2. Static Friction ( s):
○ Static friction resists the initiation of motion when an object is at rest
relative to the surface.
○ Its magnitude adjusts to a maximum value to oppose applied forces,
preventing motion.
○ The relationship for static friction is: 0 ≤ s ≤ ( s)max
○ The maximum value of static friction, ( s)max, is given by: ( s)max
= μsＮ where μsis the coefficient of static friction. This coefficient is
typically higher than μk, as it takes more force to initiate motion
than to sustain it.

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Nature of Coefficients of Friction

● The coefficients μsand μkare dimensionless quantities that depend on the

material properties and surface roughness of the contacting surfaces.
● While μsdetermines the threshold for the onset of motion, μkgoverns the
resistance once motion has begun.
Experimental Determination of Friction

In experiments, frictional forces ( ) are measured as a function of the normal force

(Ｎ). Plotting versus Ｎ results in a straight-line graph for both static and kinetic
friction. The slope of this line corresponds to the coefficient of friction:

μ = Slope = Ｎ

● For kinetic friction, the slope gives μk.

● For static friction, the slope up to ( s)maxgives μs.

This linear relationship provides a practical method to experimentally determine

the coefficients of friction by analyzing the slope of the versus Ｎ graph.

Apparatus Used
The apparatus used in this experiment includes the following:

● Wooden block (A) with an attached hook for weights.

● Wooden plane (B) equipped with a grooved wheel.

● Scale pan (D) for adding weights.

● Lightweight, inextensible string.

● Standard weights (calibrated).

● Spring balance for force measurements.

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Procedure

Coefficient of Static friction

1. The wooden block (A) and the scale pan (D) were weighed using a spring
balance to determine their masses.
2. The wooden block (A) was placed on the horizontal plane (B), and the scale
pan (D) was attached to the block using a string that passed over the grooved
wheel.
3. Weights were incrementally added to the scale pan until the block began to
slide, and the weight of the scale pan along with the added masses was recorded.
4. The procedure was repeated with additional weights placed on the block to
vary the normal force.

Coefficient of Kinetic friction

1. With block (A) at rest, weights were added to the scale pan, and the block
was given a slight push.
2. The weights were adjusted until the block moved at a constant velocity,
ensuring the kinetic friction force was balanced by the applied force, and the
required weights were recorded.
3. The procedure was repeated for various normal forces by adding weights to
the block.

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Data
The following data was recorded on the experiment based on the
indicated procedures.
● The mass of wooden block A (mA) was measured to be 242 g and the mass
of scale pan D (mD) was measured to be 50 g. Note that a spring balance was
utilized to measure the masses of the two objects.

Data for Calculating Coefficient of Static friction

Mass added on A (mi) Mass added on D when A just

begins to slide (m’i)
m1 = 0 g m’1 = 10 g
m2 = 10g m’2 = 13 g
m3 = 20 g m’3 = 18 g
m4 = 30 g m’4 = 19 g

Data for Calculating Coefficient of Kinetic friction

Mass added on A (mi) Mass added on D when A moves

with small constant velocity (m’i)
m1 = 0 g m’1 = 9 g
m2 = 10 g m’2 = 11 g
m3 = 20 g m’3 = 16 g
m4 = 30 g m’4 = 17 g

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Data Analysis
Extrapolating on the data obtained from the experiment, an analysis can be made.
It can be done in such a way that the normal reaction force (Ｎ= (mA + mi)g) and
frictional force ( = (mD + mi)g) be calculated and tabulated from the masses of the
block and scale pan as well as the weights added on them in order to perceive their
relationship, find the coefficients of friction, and plot the graph of versus Ｎ.

Data Analysis for Coefficient of Static Friction

Ｎ= (mA + mi)g = (mD + mi)g Ｎ

Ratio of to (Slope = μs)

(242 g + 0 g)(9.81 m/s2) (50 g + 10 g)(9.81 m/s2) 0.2479

(242 g + 10 g)(9.81 m/s2) (50 g + 13 g)(9.81 m/s2) 0.2500
(242 g + 20 g)(9.81 m/s2) (50 g + 18 g)(9.81 m/s2) 0.2595
(242 g + 30 g)(9.81 m/s2) (50 g + 19 g)(9.81 m/s2) 0.2537

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 Data Analysis for Coefficient of Kinetic Friction

Ｎ= (mA + mi)g = (mD + mi)g Ｎ

Ratio of to (Slope = μk)

(242 g + 0 g)(9.81 m/s2) (50 g + 9 g)(9.81 m/s2) 0.2438

(242 g + 10 g)(9.81 m/s2) (50 g + 11 g)(9.81 m/s2) 0.2421
(242 g + 20 g)(9.81 m/s2) (50 g + 16 g)(9.81 m/s2) 0.2519
(242 g + 30 g)(9.81 m/s2) (50 g + 17 g)(9.81 m/s2) 0.2463

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Result and Discussion

Results

The experiment aimed to determine the coefficients of static (μs) and kinetic

friction (μk) between a wooden block and a wooden plane. The results, based
on the data and analysis, are summarized below:

1. Static Friction Coefficient (μs):

○ The calculated μs values for various normal forces (N) ranged from
0.2479 to 0.2595.
○ The average value of μs was approximately 0.2528.
2. Kinetic Friction Coefficient (μk):
○ The calculated μk values for various normal forces (N) ranged from
0.2421 to 0.2519.
○ The average value of μk was approximately 0.2460.
3. Relationship Between Frictional Force and Normal Force:
○ Both static and kinetic frictional forces were directly proportional to
the normal force, confirming the linear relationship predicted by theory.

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Discussion
1. Comparison of Static and Kinetic Friction:
○ The results showed that the coefficient of static friction (μs) was

consistently higher than the coefficient of kinetic friction (μk). This aligns with
theoretical expectations since it requires more force to initiate motion than to
sustain it.
2. Accuracy and Reliability:
○ The linear relationship observed in the frictional force versus normal
force graphs validated the experimental setup and data analysis. The slopes of
these graphs directly corresponded to the coefficients of friction, supporting the
experiment's accuracy.
○ Minor fluctuations in μs and μk values across trials could be
attributed to surface irregularities, inconsistencies in the application of force, or
small errors in mass measurements.
3. Factors Influencing Friction Coefficients:
○ The slight variability in results indicates that surface conditions, such as
wear or contaminants, might have affected the measurements.
○ The assumption that the wooden surfaces remained constant throughout
the experiment might not have been entirely valid.
4. Implications of Results:
○ These findings are significant in understanding real-world
applications, such as the design of materials where controlled friction is necessary
(e.g., braking systems, conveyor belts).
5. Suggestions for Improvement:
○ Use a more precise apparatus to measure forces, such as a digital
spring balance.
○ Ensure uniform surface conditions by cleaning and inspecting the
wooden plane and block before each trial.
○ Conduct more trials to reduce random errors and obtain more reliable
averages.

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Conclusion
The experiment successfully measured the coefficients of static and kinetic
friction for a wooden block and wooden plane. The results confirmed that:

● The coefficient of static friction (μs) was greater than the coefficient of

kinetic friction (μk).

● Both frictional forces were proportional to the normal force, supporting the
theoretical model.

The average values, μs = 0.2528 and μk= 0.2460, provide a quantitative

understanding of the frictional behavior between the wooden surfaces. While
minor errors were present, the experiment effectively demonstrated the
principles of friction.

Answering Questions
1. What are the factors that greatly affect the coefficients of static
and kinetic friction?

The coefficients of static and kinetic friction (μsand μk) are influenced by:

● Surface Material and Texture:

○ Smooth materials (e.g., glass) have lower coefficients, while rougher
ones (e.g., sandpaper) have higher coefficients. For the experiment, the wooden
surfaces determine the friction values.
● Surface Conditions:
○ Dirt, dust, oil, or moisture can alter surface interaction. Clean surfaces
give consistent results, but contaminants may increase or decrease μ.
● Normal Force (Ｎ):
○ Though frictional force increases with Ｎ, the coefficients themselves
remain constant unless extreme forces cause surface deformation.
● Motion Type: μsis always higher than μk, as starting motion requires more
force to overcome microscopic interlocking.

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In the experiment, variability in μs and μkcould stem from uneven wood surfaces
or measurement errors.
2. How will μs and μk vary if we place standard mass on top of the
wooden block?
Adding mass increases the normal force (Ｎ): Ｎ = (Mblock + Madded)g, but it
also increases the frictional force( ): = (Mscale pan + Madded)g. At the end of
the day, the coefficients remain constant as they depend on material interaction
and surface conditions rather than the amount of mass.
=( + )

- =μ=

Ｎ= ( + )

3. Is friction beneficial? Cite real-life situations to assert your

point.
Yes, friction is critical in many real-life applications:

● Walking and Running:

○ Friction between the feet and the ground prevents slipping. Without it,
a person would slide uncontrollably.
● Vehicles:
○ Tires use friction with roads for traction, enabling acceleration,
turning, and braking. Braking systems rely on friction to stop cars safely.
● Holding Objects:
○ Friction between the hand and objects allows a person to grip and hold
items securely.
● Industrial Applications:
○ Machinery and conveyor belts depend on controlled friction for
smooth operation.

While beneficial, friction can sometimes cause problems, like wear and tear on
machinery or energy loss as heat. Balancing frictional forces is key to
efficiency and safety.

This experiment highlights how friction can be measured and understood, which
is fundamental for designing systems in engineering and daily life.

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References
● - Lab Manual: Experiment 5 – Coefficients of Static and
Kinetic Friction
● - Serway, R. A., & Jewett, J. W. (2018). Physics for
Scientists and Engineers. Cengage Learning.
● -Halliday, D., Resnick, R., & Walker, J. (2013).
Fundamentals of Physics. Wiley.
● - Ethiopian 11th grade Physics textbook
● Google Gemini search engine

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