Calculating Kinetic Friction Coefficient with Object, Ruler and Book

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the coefficient of kinetic friction using basic materials: an object, a ruler, and a book. The method involves increasing the angle between the book and the table until the object begins to slide, allowing the calculation of the coefficient using the formula μ = tan(α). Participants clarify that the specific mass of the object is not necessary for this experiment, as the goal is to determine the frictional force without measuring acceleration directly. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding static versus kinetic friction and suggests considering energy loss during the experiment.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly friction and forces.
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, specifically tangent.
  • Knowledge of potential energy and work-energy principles.
  • Ability to measure angles accurately using a ruler or protractor.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research methods for measuring kinetic friction without direct acceleration measurements.
  • Explore the relationship between static and kinetic friction coefficients.
  • Learn about energy conservation principles in friction experiments.
  • Investigate alternative setups for friction experiments using different surfaces and objects.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in experimental methods for measuring friction coefficients.

Jackpontikka
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
My teacher gave us a homework. We must count the coefficient of kinetic friction between the object and the surface. We can only use the object, ruler and book or table etc. as the surface of motion. We are not allowed to count the acceleration with clock.

I decided to make the object slide by increasing the angle between book(the surface) and table. Finally object started sliding and I measured the angle([tex]\alpha[/tex]). And finally I got: [tex]\mu[/tex]= tan[tex]\alpha[/tex].

Gx = sin[tex]\alpha[/tex]*G

Then I realized that the angle [tex]\alpha[/tex] is the angle when Gx>Ff0(read:the maximum of static friction)
But isn't Ff< Ff0.

So is this task even possible(without measuring the mass of the object or/and the acceleration) or what am I doing wrong?

P.S English isn't my first language! :)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Jackpontikka said:
My teacher gave us a homework. We must count the coefficient of kinetic friction between the object and the surface. We can only use the object, ruler and book or table etc. as the surface of motion. We are not allowed to count the acceleration with clock.

I decided to make the object slide by increasing the angle between book(the surface) and table. Finally object started sliding and I measured the angle([tex]\alpha[/tex]). And finally I got: [tex]\mu[/tex]= tan[tex]\alpha[/tex].

Gx = sin[tex]\alpha[/tex]*G

Then I realized that the angle [tex]\alpha[/tex] is the angle when Gx>Ff0(read:the maximum of static friction)
But isn't Ff< Ff0.

So is this task even possible(without measuring the mass of the object or/and the acceleration) or what am I doing wrong?

P.S English isn't my first language! :)

The task is possible with the items you have. You will not need the specific mass of the object as you are not looking for the specific frictional force.

Good job on finding the coefficient of static friction - you found the point by figuring out how to start motion. For kinetic friction, it may work better if you find out how to stop motion.

Depending on how you set things up, it may also help to consider the energy lost (or work done) in your experiment. Remember that potential energy = mass * acceleration (gravity) * height and that work = force * distance.

Keep working on it, you'll find a way to get the answer.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
6K
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
48
Views
8K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K