Coefficient of Static Friction

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the experiment measuring static friction by dragging a block across a flat surface. The user questioned whether plotting mass (or normal force, Fn) against applied force (Fs) should yield a straight line through the origin, representing the coefficient of static friction. A key clarification was made that once the block is in motion, static friction is no longer applicable; instead, kinetic friction comes into play. This distinction is crucial for accurately interpreting experimental results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of static and kinetic friction concepts
  • Familiarity with Newton's laws of motion
  • Basic knowledge of graphing data in physics experiments
  • Experience with experimental design and data collection
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the differences between static and kinetic friction in detail
  • Learn how to conduct experiments measuring kinetic friction
  • Explore graphing techniques for physics data analysis
  • Investigate the mathematical relationship between force, mass, and friction coefficients
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone conducting experiments related to friction and motion will benefit from this discussion.

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Hey quick question, I did this experiment where I dragged a block across a flat surface with a scale and found the static friction, ehn weight was added to the block and repeated the process. MY question is when graphed with the mass or Fn on the x-axis, and applied force or Fs on the x axis, should it not give a straight line through 0,0 which would be the coeffecient of the static friction?? I am just wondering to know if I am just doing the graph wrong or got messed up results during the experiment.
thanx again
 
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If a block is being dragged, static friction is not involved. This involves kinetic friction.
 

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