Lab 4 Friction

Introduction: The textbook states that “the magnitude of the frictional force does not
depend on the contact area of the surfaces.” We will explore this assertion
experimentally, and also derive the static friction coefficient μ for two different surfaces.

Pre-lab question:

Two blocks are identical in shape, but one is heavier than the other.
Which will experience more friction?
Background Material:

If a block resting on a ramp doesn’t slide it’s because the forces acting on the block are
balanced. In particular, the force on the block directed parallel to the ramp that would
ordinarily cause the block to slide down the slope is exactly opposed by the force of static
friction. As the slope of the ramp increases, eventually the component of the force of
gravity parallel to the ramp that tries to pull the block downwards overcomes the friction
force holding the block in place, and the block begins to move under the influence of
sliding friction, which is generally less than static friction. We will be looking for the
tipping point, the angle of the ramp where sliding begins. (Here the term “tipping point”
has nothing to do with actually tipping the block.)

Procedure: Follow the steps listed below and record the data from
the experiment.

Step 1: Measure the height, width, length and weight of the plain
block and the weight of the second block.

Step 2: Build a data table. The “heavy” block is the composite of

the second block resting on the first one. The pressure ( N/m2 )
column is calculated for the tilted surface. It is the normal force

Lab 4 Friction 1
per square meter.
Mass Orientation Material Surface area Angle N/m2 Calculated
μ
light flat smooth
light edge smooth
light flat rough
light edge rough
heavy flat smooth
heavy edge smooth
heavy flat rough
heavy edge rough

Step 3: Place the single block on the ramp with the broad face
down.

Step 4: Slowly raise the ramp until you reach the point at which the
block begins to slide. That's the tipping point. Find the angle with
the protractor.

Step 5: Repeat this measurement two more times. You may place
the block at alternate locations. Record the average angle.

Step 6: Flip the block sideways so it's using the same type of
surface but is resting on the narrower side. Repeat steps 4 and 5.

Step 7: Now repeat steps 4-6 using the other surface of the block.

Step 8: Do it all again with the “heavy” block.

Step 9: Fill in the data table using the average values. Calculate the
pressure ( N/m2 ) each face exerts on the ramp at the tipping point
angle. Follow the analysis in your textbook to calculate the
coefficient of static friction for each case. Note that the force the
block exerts on the ramp depends on the angle.

Lab 4 Friction 2
Analysis:

Whenever two objects interact, there are two forces involved: the force of Object 1 on
Object 2, and the force of Object 2 on Object 1. These are different forces, each one
acting on a different object. Newton’s 3rd Law describes how the magnitudes and
directions of these two forces are related. The law states that the force of Object 1
on Object 2 is of equal magnitude and opposite direction to the force of Object 2 on
Object 1.

Draw a picture of the experiment. Let the block be Object 1 and the ramp Object 2.
Identify the forces affecting this system before the tipping point. Identify specifically the
equal and opposite pairs. If the block starts to move, that means at least one of those pairs
of forces is unbalanced. Which?

Describe how the surface area (and therefore the pressure) affected the friction. Describe
how the blocks’ masses affected the friction.

Have you demonstrated that “the magnitude of the frictional force does not depend on the
contact area of the surfaces?” We are guessing that the answer to this last question has not
been made clear in this simple experiment. How would you improve the situation?

Error Analysis:

1.What were the possible sources of error in this experiment? Discuss your estimation of
the magnitude of their effects on your calculations and conclusions.

2. Did the use of multiple runs and averaging improve the accuracy of your results? Well,
of course it did. The real question is: if you used just the largest or smallest angle in your
friction calculation, how extreme would be the variation in that calculation? (We realize
we have just tripled your calculational burden. Error analysis can be laborious.)

Lab 4 Friction 3