How does weight influence static and knetic friction?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between weight and friction, specifically static and kinetic friction, during an experiment using a spring balance. Participants confirm that the aim is to measure the force required to move objects of varying weights, establishing that the coefficient of friction is calculated by dividing the force by the weight. It is established that weight influences friction, as the friction force is determined by the coefficient of friction multiplied by the normal force. Additionally, it is noted that static and kinetic coefficients differ, with the kinetic coefficient being lower.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with the concepts of static and kinetic friction
  • Knowledge of how to use a spring balance for force measurement
  • Basic grasp of coefficients and their calculation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the differences between static and kinetic friction coefficients
  • Learn how to conduct experiments using a spring balance
  • Explore the effects of weight on friction in various materials
  • Investigate the application of Newton's laws in friction-related experiments
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of friction and force measurement in experiments.

musi
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we pulled an object using a spring balance {horizontally} what where we measuring with the spring balace? where does mass and weight come in? would my aim be to determine whether weight will have an effect
on static or kinetic friction? i am just confused with this whole thing! what is the point of this expiremnent?



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The Attempt at a Solution

 
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would my aim be to determine whether weight will have an effect on static or kinetic friction?
Welcome to PF.

The answer is yes.

The aim is to determine the force needed to move different weights.

The ratio of the force required divided by the weight is your coefficient of friction. That's what they want you to determine.
 
Weight will have an effect on friction as the friction force is the friction coefficient * the normal force. Remember static and kinetic coefficiants are different (kinetic coefficient is lower).

If you only pulled 1 block, then the aim is to get you to see that the coefficients are different. If you pulled multiple blocks then the aim was to determine the effect of weight.
 
Welcome to PF!

musi said:
we pulled an object using a spring balance {horizontally} what where we measuring with the spring balace? where does mass and weight come in? would my aim be to determine whether weight will have an effect
on static or kinetic friction? i am just confused with this whole thing! what is the point of this expiremnent?

Hi musi! Welcome to PF! :smile:

Was this mass pulled at a steady speed (when it was moving)?

If so, then, both when it was stationary and when it was moving, the only horizontal forces on it were the pulling force and the friction force.

By good ol' Newton's second law, they have to be equal, and by his third law the pulling force has to equal the force on the spring (as shown on the spring's scale)

Though I don't understand where the difference between mass and weight came into the experiment … unless you could alter the ratio of mass to weight (say, by going to a mountain-top, or by attaching helium balloons to the mass). :confused:​
 
Oh okay. thank you i get it now.
 

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