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PHYS 2211L LAB 5

Static & Kinetic Friction

Purpose
In this experiment we will determine the coefficients of kinetic and static friction for a
block of wood on a wood plank, and the static friction coefficients for glass and other
materials. We will also test the hypothesis that the force of friction does not depend on
the amount of surface area in contact.

Principles
Whenever two surfaces touch, they exert forces on each other. The ultimate source of
these surface or contact forces is the electrical attraction or repulsion between the
charged particles electrons and protons of which all matter is made. The vector sum
of all the sub-microscopic forces between the particles in the surfaces is a macroscopic
force that we can measure in the laboratory.

Diagram 1 illustrates two surfaces in contact. Each surface exerts an equal but oppositely
directed force on the other. The total force, F12, that surface 2 exerts on surface 1 is in
some arbitrary direction of space, as illustrated. For convenience, we break F12 up into
components parallel and perpendicular to the surface. We call the perpendicular
component the normal force (FN in the diagram) and the parallel component the frictional
force (f).

F12
FN
f

Surface 1
Surface 2

F21

Diagram 1

The normal force tends to keep the two surfaces apart: it resists surface 1 pressing into
surface 2. The frictional force resists any relative motion between the surfaces and is
always directed opposite to that motion, if the surfaces are moving, or opposite to any
potential motion, if the surfaces are at rest.

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PHYS 2211L LAB 5

Static & Kinetic Friction

Static and Kinetic Friction

Frictional forces are of two types, depending on whether or not the surfaces are moving
relative to each other.

Static friction acts when the two surfaces are at rest relative to each other and resists any
sliding. Static friction (fs) is a bonding force that tries to keep the surfaces together. The
direction of fs is opposite to that of any external force that tries to make the surfaces
move. Up to a certain limit, the magnitude of fs is equal to the external force, so that the
net force on the surface remains at zero and the surface does not move. Static friction is
thus a variable force, taking on any value necessary to keep the surface in equilibrium.

However, fs cannot exceed a certain maximum value. When the external force exceeds
this maximum value, the surface bonding between the materials breaks and sliding
begins. The maximum value of fs depends on the chemical makeup of the surfaces and
must be determined by experiment.

Once sliding begins, kinetic friction (fk) takes over. Kinetic friction is directed opposite
to the relative velocity between the two surfaces, resisting the motion and slowing its
speed. Kinetic friction is approximately constant under normal conditions. Like static
friction, its magnitude depends on the surfaces involved and must be determined by
experiment.

The Coefficient of Friction

Experimentally, we find that both static and kinetic frictional forces are, to a good
approximation, proportional to the normal force between the surfaces. The ratio of the
frictional force to the normal force is called the coefficient of friction, ():

f
(1)
FN

Mu is a unit-less number and is usually less than one in value.

For any given surfaces the coefficients of static and kinetic friction are different, so we
must distinguish between s (for static friction) and k (for kinetic friction). If we know
the coefficients and the normal force, then we can calculate the frictional forces:

(2) f s s FN

(where the inequality reflects the fact that fs is variable; the maximum value of fs is given
by the equal sign;)

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PHYS 2211L LAB 5

Static & Kinetic Friction

(3) f k k FN

Usually, s is greater than k, so the maximum strength of static friction is greater than
the strength of kinetic friction.

Determining the Frictional Force

In our experiment we will first determine the coefficients of static and kinetic friction
between two wood surfaces (a wood block and a wood plank). Diagram 2 illustrates the
set-up we will use. The block (M1) is placed on a horizontal plank and is connected by a
string to a weight (M2), which is hung vertically by means of a pulley. To find the
magnitude of kinetic friction, we hang just enough weight on the string so that if the
block is set in motion, it slides at constant speed. (We must first set it in motion by
giving it a little shove, since static friction will otherwise hold it in place.)

Since the blocks acceleration is zero in both the horizontal and vertical directions,
Newtons second law of motion tells us that the sum of the forces in each of these
directions must be zero. In the horizontal direction, the tension in the string (which
equals the weight of the hanging mass) pulls the block and kinetic friction resists the pull.
In the vertical direction, the blocks own weight pulls down and the normal force pushes
up. Each of these pairs of forces must be equal and opposite, so we must have:

(4) f k W2 and FN W1

where W2 is the weight of the hanging mass and W1 is the weight of the block (and any
mass on top of it). Since we know the masses, we can calculate the frictional and normal
forces.

We can determine the coefficient of kinetic friction by running several trials and
calculating the ratio of the masses for each trial:

f s W2 m2 g m2
(5) s
FN FW1 m1 g m1
N

f
M1

W1

M2
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W2
PHYS 2211L LAB 5

Static & Kinetic Friction

Diagram 2

The coefficient of static friction can be determined in much the same way. In this case
we leave the block at rest and look for that hanging mass which just starts the block
sliding. When the block just begins to slide we have

(6) f s W2 and FN W1

just as in the kinetic case. We will determine s by graphing fs as a function of FN. The
slope of the graph is s.

Friction and Surface Area

Since frictional forces arise when two surfaces are in contact with each other, it might
seem reasonable to expect that the magnitude of the frictional force would decrease as the
amount of surface area in contact decreases. However, we find that frictional forces are
roughly independent of the size of the area in contact.

As an explanation for this, consider that the weight of the block is the same, regardless of
whether the wide or the narrow face rests on the plank. For the narrow face, we have the
same force (the weight of the block) pressing into a smaller area of the plank. This
means the pressure is greater (pressure is force divided by area) and the surfaces are
squeezed together more tightly. This increases the frictional force in the same proportion
as the surface area has decreased. The result is that the magnitude of the frictional force
is the same as it was with the wide face down. We will test this idea by re-performing our

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PHYS 2211L LAB 5

Static & Kinetic Friction

experiment for kinetic friction using the narrow face of the block and comparing results
in the two cases.

Limiting angle of repose

There is a second way of determining the coefficient of static friction. Refer to diagram
3. We put the block on the plank and raise one end of the plank so that it makes an angle
with the horizontal. When the angle is large enough, the block will slide down the
incline.

FN
fs

Wsin

Wcos

Diagram 3

At an angle just before the block begins to slide (called the limiting angle of repose), the
forces are still balanced and we have:

f s W sin and FN W cos

Taking the ratio of these two equations gives us s:

f s W sin
(7) s tan
FN W cos

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PHYS 2211L LAB 5

Experiments

The procedures below consist of four related experiments:

1. Determine the coefficient of kinetic friction between a wooden block and a


wooden plank by finding the force (weight of hanging mass) necessary to keep
the block moving at constant speed. We will simply eyeball the motion of the
block to estimate when it is moving at constant speed.

2. Perform the same experiment with a smaller area of contact between the block
and plank to determine what effect surface area has on the force of kinetic
friction.

3. Determine the coefficient of static friction between the block and the plank.
This uses the same setup as in part 1; here one simply determines what weight of
hanging mass is necessary to start the block moving from rest.

4. Determine the coefficient of static friction from the limiting angle of repose.
Here, we use an inclined plank and find the maximum angle to which the plank
can be raised before the block begins sliding.

Equipment

Wood block Mass set, including 5 100-


Glass block gram masses as weights
Block with other material String
(optional) Table stand
Wood plank Right angle clamp
Pulley Metal rod
Mass hanger Inclinometer

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Kinetic Friction Wide Face of Block

1. Weigh the block and record its mass.


2. Wipe the surfaces of the plank and block with a moist paper towel. Make sure both
are free of dirt and grit.
3. Clamp the pulley at the end of the plank and place the plank at the edge of a lab table.
Place the block on the far end of the plank and attach a length of string to it. Drape
the string over the pulley and hang the mass hanger from its end. The string should
be short enough so that the block can slide the length of the plank before the mass
hanger hits the floor.
4. Determine what weight must be added to the hanger so that the system (block, string
and hanger with mass) moves at constant speed:

Add a little mass to the hanger. Give the block a slight push to start it moving.
If the block accelerates (speeds up), take a little mass off and try again. If the
block decelerates (slows down), add a little more mass and try again. (Note:
If the block accelerates from the weight of the mass hanger alone, put 20 or so
grams on top of the block and treat that mass as part of the block.)
If the block moves the length of the plank at roughly the same speed, you have
found the necessary mass.
Record the total hanging mass and its weight. The weight of the hanging mass
is equivalent to the force of friction on the block (see equation 4 above).
Record the total mass of and on the block and its weight. The weight on the
block is equivalent to the normal force, FN.

6. Repeat the above process, adding 100 grams on top of the block for each new trial,
for a total of six trials.

Kinetic Friction - Narrow Face of Block

7. To test the hypothesis that the force of friction is independent of the surface area in
contact, repeat the above experiment using the narrow face of the block:

Set the block at the end of the plank on its narrow face and reconnect the string to
the lower hook so that the string is horizontal.
Determine the amount of hanging mass necessary to keep the block moving at
constant speed after an initial push. Do this for 0 500 grams placed on the
block, in 100-gram increments, for a total of six trials.

Analysis

1. Calculate the normal force, Fn, and the frictional force, fk, for each trial. Note that the
normal forces are the same for the wide & narrow faces.
2. Calculate the coefficient of friction k for each trial.
3. Find the average values, the deviations, and the standard deviation for both data sets.
4. Calculate the percent difference between the average values for the wide & narrow
faces.
5. Questions:
a) In determining the kinetic friction force, f, why was it necessary that the block
move at constant speed?
b) Using Newtons Laws, show how you would measure k for an accelerating block.

Static Friction Flat Plank

1. Use the same set-up as in the kinetic friction experiments, with the wide face down.
This time, however, determine what hanging mass is necessary to just start the block
moving without a push.
2. Test five different masses on the block, starting with no mass on the block and adding
100 grams for each new trial. Determine the average hanging mass necessary to start
the system moving from rest for each mass set. Make at least 3 trials for each mass
set, by the following procedure:

First, wipe the plank again with a dry cloth or paper towel.
For each new trial, take all mass off the mass hanger. Lift the block off the
plank and replace it firmly on the board at the same starting position.
Build up the mass on the hanger using mass increments so that the block
slides after you have put at most a 5-gram piece on the hanger. This means
you will need to first find the general mass range in which the block will slide.
Then work up to the sliding mass using small mass increments. If the block
slides after you have placed, for instance, 10 grams on the hanger, do not use
that trial: you have overshot the mark. Ideally, you want the last mass placed
on the hanger to be a 1- or 2-gram piece.

This procedure is necessary because the block tends to become cold-welded


to the plank while you are slowly adding mass to the hanger. You will no
doubt notice this effect as you perform the experiment. Doing it this way
keeps each trial consistent with the others.

1. Record the total mass on the block (m1) and the hanging mass, including the hanger
(m2), for each trial.

Analysis

1. Calculate the average hanging mass for each normal force and from this the average
maximum static friction force for each mass set.
2. Graph the frictional force as a function of the normal force. Assume that if the normal
force is zero (a massless block), the frictional force will also be zero, so use the origin
(0,0) as the first point of the graph. Using a straight edge, draw the best line you can
determine from the origin and through the data points.
3. Take the slope of the graph and write down the equation of the graph. The slope is
your experimental value for the coefficient of static friction.
4. Question: In determining the static friction force for the block on the plank, if too
much mass were placed on the hanger, the block would jerk off suddenly. Use your
results for k and s to explain why.

Static Friction: Limiting Angle of Repose

1. Clamp the right-angle clamp to the table stand. Insert the metal rod into the hole in
the side of the plank and clamp the end of the rod with the right angle clamp. By
raising and lowering the clamp, you can increase or decrease the angle the plank
makes with the horizontal. Start with the plank all the way down (nearly horizontal.)
2. Remove the string from the block and place the block on the plank near the clamp.
3. Slowly raise the clamp (and the plank) until the block begins to slide. Tighten the
clamp as soon as sliding begins.
4. With the inclinometer, measure the angle the plank makes with the horizontal. This is
the limiting angle of repose for the block. Record the angle in Table 4.
5. Repeat the above two more times so that you have three separate measurements of the
limiting angle. Start with the plank horizontal each time.
6. Perform the above procedures three times using the slab of glass or other materials
provided. Record the limiting angles in Table 4.

Analysis

1. Find the average of the three recorded angles. This is L, the limiting angle of repose.
2. Find the deviations from the average for each trial.
3. Calculate coefficient of static friction for each material using L equation (7).
4. Find the uncertainty in the coefficient, s, using the average deviation in the limiting
angle as L. (Refer to the section in the introduction, Calculating with Errors, if
necessary.)
5. Take the percent difference between s for the block found here and that found by the
flat-plank method.
6. Question: Calculate the acceleration of the block on the incline once it started
moving. Use your value of k from Part 1 and the average angle of repose.
PHYS 2211L LAB 5

Data: Kinetic Friction

Note: Your data should be recorded in your lab notebook. The following is a guide only

Mass of block (g): ___________________

Kinetic Friction Wide Face


Tri Mass on Total Normal Hanging Friction
al block Mass (m1) Force (FN) mass (m2) Force (fk) k Dev.

6
PHYS 2211L LAB 5

Data: Kinetic Friction


PHYS 2211L LAB 5

Data: Kinetic Friction


PHYS 2211L LAB 5

Data: Kinetic Friction


PHYS 2211L LAB 5

Data: Kinetic Friction


PHYS 2211L LAB 5

Data: Kinetic Friction

Kinetic Friction Narrow Face


Tri Mass on Total Normal Hanging Friction
al block Mass (m1) Force (FN) mass (m2) Force (fk) k Dev.

Average: _______ _______

Standard Deviation: _______


PHYS 2211L LAB 5

Data: Static Friction


PHYS 2211L LAB 5

Data: Static Friction

Trial Mass on Total Normal Hanging Friction


block Mass Force mass (m2) Force (fs)
(m1) (FN)
1.
1 2.
3.
Av:
1.
2 2.
3.
Av:
1.
3 2.
3.
Av:
1.
4 2.
3.
Av:
1.
5 2.
3.
Av:

Equation of Graph: s : __________


PHYS 2211L LAB 5

Data: Static Friction

Limiting Angle of Repose

Limiting angle ()
Trial Wood Glass Other

Average

Percent Difference: ___________


( s wide & narrow faces)

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