Determine the value of the coefficient of friction

In summary, a physics lab on friction was conducted to determine the coefficient of friction by measuring sliding friction and the normal force. The frictional force is increased when the mass is increased due to the greater gravity and resulting increase in normal force. To find the coefficient of friction, the average pull force was measured while pulling the object with constant velocity. The solution involves finding the average value of u, where F(sliding force)= F(pull force)= uN. It is important for the experiment to be conducted on a horizontal surface with the pulling force parallel to the surface.
  • #1
Janaat
3
0
I have this physics lab due on friction.

Aim: To determine the value of the coefficient of friction by measuring sliding friction of a block on the table and carrying the normal force.

I need a detailed explanation on why the frictional force is increased when the mass is increased. Does gravity play a role in this? Thanx in advance.
 
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  • #2
I'll help you if you show some work to see where your problem is...
 
  • #3
because sliding frictional force equals coefficent times normal force,
when the mass of an object increases , then it will brings a greater graivity to the object which in turn may increas the normal force. so the frictional force will become greater when mass is increased
 
  • #4
I need to find the coefficient of friction. Ff= µFn from the following data:

Normal Weight(N)
Force(N)
2.5N
4.5N
6.5N
8.5N
10.5N
12.5N
14.5N

Average Pull force

0.2
0.4
0.7
1.1
1.5
1.9
2.1

The normal force is the weight. Does to the Anyone knows how to do it...! reply ASAP
 
  • #5
actually the pull force has no relationship to coeffficience but we can find out the sliding force when i pull the object along with a constant velocity by reading the pull force applied. so if the data of average pull force comes from the experiments in which you pull the objects with constant velocity, then you can get the coefficience by the equation
F(sliding force)= F(pull force)=u N
such as 0.2= u2.5 u=0.08
0.4=u4.5 u= 0.89 。。。。。。。
then you can try to find out the average value of u
that is the solution


Notice: did you do the experiment on a horizental surface ? it has to be on the horizental surface otherwise the weight doesn't equal to normal force
 
  • #6
Notice that it is also important to ensure that the 'pulling' force is parallel to your surface; otherwise, a component of the 'pulling' force would act to reduce the normal reaction force.
 
  • #7
Thanx for the help everyone. Yup the experiment was done on a horizontal surface!
 

1. What is the coefficient of friction?

The coefficient of friction is a dimensionless quantity that represents the amount of resistance between two surfaces in contact with each other. It is a measure of how easily one surface can slide or move over another surface.

2. How is the coefficient of friction determined?

The coefficient of friction is determined through experiments where two surfaces are placed in contact with each other and a force is applied to one surface to make it slide or move over the other. The resulting force required to overcome the resistance between the surfaces is then divided by the normal force (force perpendicular to the surfaces) to obtain the coefficient of friction.

3. What factors affect the coefficient of friction?

The coefficient of friction is influenced by several factors, including the nature and roughness of the surfaces in contact, the weight or mass of the objects, and the presence of any lubricants or other substances between the surfaces.

4. Why is the coefficient of friction important?

The coefficient of friction is an important physical property that is used in various engineering and scientific applications. It helps in understanding the interaction between two surfaces and is crucial in designing and optimizing systems that involve friction, such as brakes, tires, and bearings.

5. Can the coefficient of friction be negative?

Yes, the coefficient of friction can be negative in certain situations where the applied force is greater than the resistance between the surfaces. This can occur, for example, when two surfaces have a strong adhesive force between them or when one surface is moving at a high speed over the other.

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