What is the coefficient of friction for different surfaces and ramp heights?

[PeterO]

Thanks a lot for your help, would you have any idea how to find the coefficient of the surface which it is rolling onto?

Perhaps you should be trying to investigate something else - using the same apparatus.

Option 1: The relationship between ramp angle and stopping distance

Set the ramp at different angles, but release the toy from the same height [so a shorter distance on the ramp]

If the toy was to go further with a steeper ramp, this may show that Potential Energy is transformed to Kinetic energy more efficiently of a steeper / shallower ramp.


Option 2: Release height vs Stopping distance
Release the toy from greater and greater distances up the ramp [keep angle fixed, but do it for separate angles to confirm that the angle does/doesn't make any difference.

I would suspect one of the following.

Ramp length x two ---> stopping distance x two

Ramp length x two ---> stopping distance x four

Ramp length x two ---> stopping distance x 1.4 [root two]

But it might be something else?

Careful measurement and graphical analysis should lead you to an answer.

You could still vary the level surface to see if the relationship between release height and stopping distance is independant of surface.
[ it might stop quicker on one surface, but the direct/direct square/ direct square-root relationship might still apply?]

Extended Investigations are often about carefully collecting data, and logically and meaningfully analysing it - being sure to consider uncertainties - than actually finding an answer.

 

[COBRA1185]

I found the coefficient of friction for one surface, and it didnt change, i had put in the wrong starting velocity.