Experiment 102: Friction

Graph

Figure 1. Graph of Table 1a

By adding a trendline in excel, the slope of the best fit line for the curve is equal to
0.4195. The slope has an absolute error difference of 0.0348 and 0.0149 between the
average coefficient of kinetic friction calculated in part A table 1A and table 1B, respectively.
The slope of the graph above is the ratio of the change in mass of the pan over the change
in mass of the block. Essentially, this slope approximates the coefficient of kinetic friction.

Analysis

In determining both the coefficient of kinetic friction (µ𝐤 ) and the angle of repose (𝜃),
it is necessary to observe uniform motion of the block so that there is no acceleration. This
way, the summation of forces along any component of the block is zero. Hence, our working
equations for this experiment may be used.

Determination of the Coefficient of Kinetic Friction

The µ𝐤 between that of a wooden block and a track was determined. A horizontal
surface method was implemented which gives a µ𝐤 value equal to the ratio of the mass of
the pan (Wp) that starts the block from moving and the mass of the block (Wb) itself. The
large side of the block resulted to an average µ𝐤 equal to 0.3847 while that of the block’s
narrower side had 0.4046. The absolute error between the two results is very small, which
is equal to 0.0199. This shows that the area of contact does not affect the coefficient of
friction between two surfaces. The small error may still be attributed by the fact that the
mass of the added pan is at 5g increment. Better results would be observed if we reduce
the value to 1g thereby approaching infinitesimal increment, hence, making it easier to
monitor if the block starts moving.
Determination of the Angle of Repose

The track was gradually inclined until the block started sliding down at a uniform
motion. The angle of repose was measured to be equal to 17o. From tan 𝜃 = ℎ/𝑏, however,
the calculated repose angle was at 18.0653o - where ℎ is the measurement of the vertical
height and 𝑏 is that of the horizonal base. The coefficient of kinetic friction µ𝐤 is related to
the angle of repose by the equation tan 𝜃 = µ𝐤 . Hence, µ𝐤 is equal to 0.3262. This leads to an
absolute error difference of 0.0585 and 0.0784 from our results in part A table 1A and table
1B, respectively. The relatively larger error may be attributed from the lack of data points.
Only one data point was determined instead of at least 3 data points. Nevertheless, µ𝐤
between two surfaces is independent on the method performed -whether inclined or
horizontal. The coefficient of friction should only depend on the nature of the surfaces in
contact. It is independent on the normal force.

Conclusion

The coefficient of kinetic friction µ𝐤 between two surfaces was successfully

determined using two methods: (1) horizontal surface and (2) angle of repose. Results
showed that µ𝐤 is independent on the surface area of contact and the normal force on the
block. In fact, µ𝐤 is only dependent on the nature of the surfaces in contact.

Application

The concept of kinetic friction is widely studied in Chemical Engineering. Instead of

solid blocks, however, our field is mainly concern on friction caused by fluid running in pipe
lines. Oftentimes, the concept of friction is associated with energy loss. Hence, a good
background on friction will hopefully help us improve on how to effectively minimize energy
loss and maximize production output.

References

Department of Physics. (2019). Physics 101 Lab Manual. Intramuros, Manila City: Mapua
University.

Pellissippi State Community College. (2019). Experiment 5 The Coefficient of Kinetic

Friction. [online] Available at: http://www.pstcc.edu [Accessed 30 Aug. 2019].

Phy.olemiss.edu. (2019). Experiment 6 The Coefficient of Friction. [online] Available at:

http://www.phy.olemiss.edu [Accessed 30 Aug. 2019].