COLLEGE OF NATURAL AND COMPUTATIONAL

SCIENCE
Department of physics

Physics Lab Report

Experiment 5 Coefficients of Friction

BY

1. Yonas Ayele UGR/ 9712/16

2. Walelign Habte UGR/ 5173/16
3. Ezana mulatu UGR/ 5768/16
4. Heruye UGR/ /16

Date of experiment 20/05/2016

Date of submission 27/05/2016

Addis Ababa,
 Table of Contents

Abstract ........................................................................................................................................................................ 1
Objective ...................................................................................................................................................................... 2
General Objective .................................................................................................................................................... 2
Specific Objective .................................................................................................................................................... 2
Theory .......................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Apparatus ..................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Procedure ..................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Data and error analysis ................................................................................................................................................ 6
Data analysis and error for the coefficient of static friction .................................................................................... 6
Data analysis and error for coefficient of kinetic friction ........................................................................................ 7
Conclusion ................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Answer to post lab Question ........................................................................................................................................ 9
References ................................................................................................................................................................. 12
 Abstract

The purpose of this experiment was to determine the coefficients of static and kinetic friction between two
surfaces. Friction is a force that opposes the relative motion between two objects in contact, and its
understanding is crucial in various engineering and everyday applications.

To measure the coefficients of friction, a setup consisting of a horizontal surface and a block of known
mass was used. The block was placed on the surface, and gradually increasing forces were applied until
the block started moving (static friction) and then continued to move with a constant velocity (kinetic
friction). The force required to initiate motion and the force required to maintain constant motion were
recorded.

By analyzing the recorded data and applying the laws of motion, the coefficients of static and kinetic
friction were determined. The coefficient of static friction was found by dividing the maximum static
frictional force by the normal force acting on the block. The coefficient of kinetic friction was obtained by
dividing the average kinetic frictional force by the normal force.

The experimental results yielded a coefficient of static friction of ‘0.678’ and a coefficient of kinetic friction
of ‘0.39’ These values indicate the relative strength of the frictional forces between the surfaces in contact.
The coefficient of static friction represents the force required to overcome the initial resistance to motion,
while the coefficient of kinetic friction represents the force required to maintain constant motion.

Overall, this experiment provided valuable insights into the coefficients of static and kinetic friction and
their significance in understanding the behavior of objects in contact. The obtained results contribute to the
existing body of knowledge in the field of friction and can be used to enhance the design and efficiency of
various mechanical systems and everyday objects

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 Objective

General Objective

The objective of this experiment is to determine the coefficients of static and kinetic friction between two
surfaces. The coefficients of friction are important parameters that describe the resistance to motion
between two objects in contact. By measuring the forces required to initiate and maintain motion, we can
calculate the coefficients of friction and gain a better understanding of the behavior of objects in contact.
This information is valuable in various engineering applications, such as designing brakes, tires, and
conveyor systems, as well as in everyday scenarios where frictional forces play a role.

Specific Objective

The specific objective of this experiment is to measure and calculate the coefficients of static and kinetic
friction between two surfaces. Specifically, the experiment aims to:

Determine the force required to overcome the initial resistance to motion (static friction) and the
force required to maintain constant motion (kinetic friction).
Calculate the coefficient of static friction by dividing the maximum static frictional force by the
normal force.
Calculate the coefficient of kinetic friction by dividing the average kinetic frictional force by the
normal force.
Obtain reliable and repeatable measurements by conducting multiple trials.
Gain insights into the relative strength of the frictional forces and their significance in
understanding the behavior of objects in contact.
Apply the obtained coefficients of friction to practical applications, such as improving the design
and efficiency of mechanical systems and everyday objects

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 Theory

When an object makes contact with a surface, there are forces between them known as contact forces.
These forces can be divided into two components: the normal force (N), acting perpendicular to the surface,
and the frictional force (f), acting parallel to the surface. The frictional force always opposes the object's
motion relative to the surface.

If two surfaces are in motion relative to each other, the frictional force is called kinetic friction. The
magnitude of kinetic frictional force (fk) is directly proportional to the normal force and is expressed as fk
= µkN, where µk is the coefficient of kinetic friction.

Friction is also present when there is no relative motion, termed static friction. The static friction force (fs)
is proportional to the normal force when the object is at rest and reaches its maximum value when the
object is on the verge of moving. Generally,

0 ≤ fs ≤ (fs)max,

where (fs)max is the maximum static friction given by,

(fs)max = µsN.

The coefficient of static friction (µs) represents the ratio of maximum static friction to the normal force.
Coefficients of friction depend on the surfaces in contact. The coefficient of kinetic friction may vary with
relative speed, but within a certain speed range, it remains relatively constant.

µs=slope=f/N

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 Apparatus

Equipment Needed Quantity

 Wooden block with a hook attached to 1
it
 A plane piece of wood with a grooved 1
wheel at one end
 Scale pan 1
 Light string 1
 Set of standard weights 1 set
 Double beam balance 1

Procedure

 We Arranged the apparatus as indicated on the following figure

 We weighed the wooden block A and the scale pan D on the double beam balance, and Recorded the
readings
 We attached the scale pan D to the hook of A by a light string passing round the wheel C.
 We marked the initial position of the block A with a pencil.
For coefficient of static friction
 We marked the initial position of the block A with a pencil. Then gently add weights to the
scale pan D until block A just begins to slide. Record the weight in the scale pan D

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  Subsequently we returned A to its initial position and increase the reaction force of the
wooden block B by placing a known weight on A. Then add weights to D until A begins to
slide again and then Recorded the weight in D.
 We repeated the above step for more increasing weights on A, and we Recorded the weights
both on the block A and the scale pan D.

Here is what we recorded

trial Mass added on A Mass on D when A just

begins to slide
Type your text
0g 90g
1 Type your text
100g
2
40g 125g
3
60g 150g
4

For coefficient of kinetic friction

 We Placed a weight on D and give a slight push toward C, and added increasing weights to
D, giving a slight push each time. At some stage, the block A found to continue moving with a
steady, small velocity and then we Recorded the corresponding weight in the scale pan.
 Subsequently we increased the reaction force of B by adding weights to A. Then, we
repeated Step 1 for two more weights on A, returning the block to its original position on B each
time.
Here is what we recorded
trial Mass added on A (mi) Mass on D when A moves with
small constant velocity (m’i)

0g 40g
1
28998 50g
2
40g 60g
3
60g 70g
4

Type your text

 Data and error analysis

Data analysis and error for the coefficient of static friction

Normal force, N=(mA Frictional force, f Coefficient of static Variation (error) of

+mi)g =(mD+m’i)g friction, (µs) µ from the slope of ‘
f’ versus N graph

1764 1151.5 0.65 0.0275

1960 1249.5 0.64 0.0375

2156 1494.5 0.69 0.0125

2352 1739.5 0.73 0.0525

Here is best straight line that is nearest to all points and its slope is 0.678.

Friction versus normal force

1900
1800
1700
1600
1500
1400
1300
1200
1100
1000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
1764 1960 2156 2352

Friction versus normal force

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Data analysis and error for coefficient of kinetic friction

Normal force, N=(mA + Frictional force, f=(mD + Coefficient of kinetic Variation(error) of µ

mi)g m’i) friction, (µk) from the slope of f
versus N graph

1764 661.5 0.3750 0.016

1960 759.5 0.3875 0.004

2156 857.5 0.3977 0.006

2352 955.5 0.4063 0.015

Here is best straight line that is nearest to all points and its slope is 0.39

friction versus normal force

1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
1764 1960 2156 2352

friction versus normal force

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 Conclusion

In conclusion, this experiment aimed to determine the coefficients of static and kinetic friction between
two surfaces. Through the sliding block setup and analysis of forces, we were able to investigate the
relationship between applied force and frictional force.

Based on our measurements and calculations, we determined the coefficient of static friction to be [0.678]
and the coefficient of kinetic friction to be [0.391]. These values indicate the amount of resistance
encountered when attempting to initiate motion and when maintaining motion between the surfaces under
consideration.

Our results align with the expected behavior of friction, as the coefficient of static friction was larger than
the coefficient of kinetic friction ( 0.678>0.39). This observation is consistent with the notion that it
generally requires a greater force to overcome the initial static friction and set an object in motion compared
to maintaining motion.

It is important to note that there were potential sources of error in our experiment, such as slight variations
in surface conditions and measurement inaccuracies. These factors could have affected the precision of our
results. Additionally, the coefficients of friction can vary depending on the specific surfaces involved.

Understanding the coefficients of static and kinetic friction is crucial in various applications, such as
designing braking systems, ensuring stability in structures, and predicting the behavior of moving objects.
The findings of this experiment contribute to our knowledge of frictional forces and their practical
implications.

Overall, this experiment provided valuable insights into the coefficients of static and kinetic friction. The
data collected and analyzed contribute to our understanding of friction and its importance in various fields."

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 Answer to post lab Question

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

The coefficients of static and kinetic friction can be influenced by several factors. Here are some of the key
factors that can greatly affect these coefficients:

I. Nature of the Surfaces: The type of materials in contact plays a significant role in determining
friction. Surfaces with rough textures tend to have higher coefficients of friction compared to
smooth surfaces.
II. Surface Area: The contact area between the two surfaces affects friction. Generally, larger contact
areas result in higher frictional forces, leading to higher coefficients of friction.
III. Normal Force: The normal force, which is the force exerted perpendicular to the surfaces in contact,
can impact friction. As the normal force increases, the frictional forces also tend to increase,
affecting the coefficients of friction.
IV. Surface Roughness: The roughness or irregularities present on the surfaces can affect friction.
Rough surfaces tend to have higher coefficients of friction since they provide more opportunities
for interlocking and resistance to sliding.
V. Surface Lubrication: The presence of lubricants or substances that reduce friction between surfaces
can significantly alter the coefficients of friction. Lubricants can lower both static and kinetic
friction coefficients, facilitating smoother motion.
VI. Temperature: Friction can be influenced by temperature changes. In some cases, an increase in
temperature can reduce the coefficients of friction due to changes in surface properties or the
behavior of lubricants.
VII. Relative Velocity: In the case of kinetic friction, the speed or relative velocity between the surfaces
can affect the frictional forces. The coefficients of kinetic friction can vary at different velocities.

It is important to note that the coefficients of static and kinetic friction can be specific to the materials
involved and the surface conditions and Experimental measurements are often required to determine
the precise coefficients of friction for a given system or situation.

2. How will µs and µk vary if we place standard mass on top of the wooden block?

When a standard mass is placed on top of a wooden block, the coefficients of static and kinetic friction (µs
and µk, respectively) can be affected. Here's how they may vary:
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 I. Coefficient of Static Friction (µs):
 Initially, without the additional mass, the wooden block may have a certain coefficient of static
friction with the surface it rests on.
 When the standard mass is added, the normal force acting on the wooden block increases. This
increased normal force can lead to an increase in the coefficient of static friction.
 The additional mass can enhance the interlocking of irregularities between the wooden block
and the surface, resulting in a higher coefficient of static friction compared to the situation
without the mass.
II. 2. Coefficient of Kinetic Friction (µk):
 Once the static friction is overcome and the wooden block starts moving due to the applied
force, the coefficient of kinetic friction becomes relevant.
 The presence of the standard mass may not have a significant impact on the coefficient of kinetic
friction.
 The coefficient of kinetic friction generally remains relatively constant, regardless of the
additional mass, as long as the surface conditions and other factors remain unchanged.

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

Friction is beneficial in many real-life situations. Here are some examples that highlight the advantages of
friction:
I. Walking or Running: Friction between our feet and the ground allows us to walk or run. Without
sufficient friction, our feet would slip, leading to difficulties in locomotion and increased risk of
injury.
II. Vehicle Traction: Friction between the tires of vehicles and the road surface provides the
necessary traction for safe driving. Adequate friction allows vehicles to accelerate, decelerate,
and maneuver effectively, ensuring control and stability on the road.
III. Braking Systems: Friction plays a crucial role in braking systems. When we apply the brakes in
a car or a bicycle, the friction between the brake pads and the rotating wheels generates resistance,
which slows down or stops the vehicle. This is essential for maintaining safety on the roads.
IV. Writing and Gripping: Friction helps us write with pens and pencils. The friction between the
writing instrument's tip and the paper allows us to exert control and create legible marks.
Similarly, the friction between our hands and objects allows us to grip and manipulate them
effectively.

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 V. Climbing: Friction is vital for climbing activities. When we climb a ladder, a rock face, or a rope,
the friction between our hands or feet and the surfaces provides the necessary grip and support to
ascend or descend safely.
VI. Sports: Friction is integral to various sports. In sports like soccer, basketball, and tennis, friction
between the athletes' footwear and the playing surface allows them to change direction, make
quick movements, and maintain balance.
VII. Safety Measures: Friction is employed in numerous safety measures. For instance, anti-slip mats
or tread patterns on stairs and floors increase friction, reducing the risk of slips and falls.
Similarly, the textured surfaces of road signs or pedestrian crossings enhance friction to improve
visibility during wet or icy conditions.

While friction can sometimes be perceived as a hindrance, it is crucial to recognize the numerous benefits it
provides in our daily lives. By understanding and harnessing friction, we can design systems, devices, and
infrastructure that ensure safety, efficiency, and effective performance in various fields.

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 References

Freshman AAU General physics module

Physics for scientists and engineers
Classical mechanics
Wikipedia.Org
www.khanacademy.org
www.physicsclassroom.com

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