Name:_________________________________ Date:_______________________

Penny and Book Friction Experiment

Pre-Lab Problem: An object is placed on an adjustable incline. The angle of the incline is now gradually
increased until the object just begins to slide down the incline when the angle of the incline is θ. Draw a free-
body diagram for the object, and find a relationship between µs and the angle of the incline.

Penny- Textbook Lab:

Utilizing the relationship above, the cover of your textbook, a protractor and any coin, find the coefficient of
static friction between your textbook cover and the coin. Repeat your experiment at least 3 times to get an
average value for µs. Show your measurements in a data table.
Name:_________________________________ Date:_______________________
Conclusion:

Post Lab Question:

1. Would your results for µs change if you used a much more massive coin made of the same material? Explain.

2. Would your results change if you used a different textbook or a coin made of a different material? Explain.