EXPERIMENT NO.

FRICTION AND THE INCLINED PLANE

OBJECTIVES
To measure the coefficient of static friction between surfaces using different methods.

To measure the force parallel to an inclined plane that will cause a block to be on the verge of moving
up the plane and to compare these measured values with values calculated from Newtons First Law
of Motion.

APPARATUS/SUPPLIES NEEDED
QUANTITY

DESCRIPTION
String
Meter Stick
Pan
Platform Balance
Wooden Black
Wooden Plane with Pulley
Weights

1 meter
1 piece
1 piece
1 piece
1 piece
1 piece
1 set

THE THEORY
Whenever an object slides over another, an opposing force exists in a direction opposite to the direction
of the motion. This opposing force is known as frictional force and it arises from the irregularities of the
surfaces that are in contact. A frictional force that opposes any impending relative motion of the surface is
known as static friction whereas a frictional force that opposes the relative motion of the surfaces is
known as kinetic friction.
The static friction force fs can have any value between zero and a maximum value, fs-max (0 < fs < fs-max).
It will only equal the maximum value, fs-max when a body is on the verge of slipping.
Frictional force is found to be directly proportional to the normal force. This is mathematically expressed
as
FN
f = kN

eq. 1

The proportionality constant k is usually denoted as and is known as the coefficient of friction. Thus,
f = N

eq. 2

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Before using the plane and the wooden block, clean the surfaces thoroughly. Wipe the surfaces
with a piece of cloth to remove the dust. Avoid touching them with your hands to prevent
contamination.

PROCEDURES
Part 1. Determination of the Coefficient of Fraction
A. Using Either the Larger Side or the Narrower Side of the Block
1. Determine the weight of the wooden block and the pan to be used by means of a platform
balance.
2. Attach one end of a string to the block
and the other end to the pan passing over the pulley
of the plane. The string must always be parallel to
the wooden plane. See figure A.
3. Add weighs to the pan until the weights will cause
the block to be on the verge of slipping or to move
slowly along the plane with constant velocity.
4. Repeat procedure 3 by adding weights on top of the
block and adjusting the weights of the pan.
5. Make five (5) trials and record your results.
6. For each set of readings, determine s. Determine the average value of s.
B. Determination of the Angle of Repose or Limiting Angle
1. With the larger side of the block in contact with the plane, gradually tilt the plane until the
body is on the verge of slipping. Refer to Figure B.
2. Measure the particular vertical height
of the plane and the corresponding
horizontal distance.
3. Repeat procedure 2 five times, each
time measuring the vertical height (h)
and the horizontal distance (b).
4. Record your data and compute the
coefficient of friction by getting the
tangent of the angle.

C. Slope of the Regression Line

Equation 2 expressed as
fs-max = N

eq. 3

Is just a linear dependence of fs-max vs N. The value of s is just a slope of the line in the graph.

1. Make a graph from experimental points of procedure I.A by plotting f s vs N and find the slope
of the line.

2. Calculate the percentage difference of the slope of the line and the calculated s average.
Part 2. Determination of the Frictional Force
1. Refer to Figure C. Use the mass of the wooden block and the coefficient of static friction s
from Part 1.A.

2. Using Newtons First Law of Motion, the theoretical value of W b that will cause the block to be
on the verge of moving up the plane can be determined. The forces acting on the block are
shown in figure C.

From the first condition of equilibrium, Wa cos + Wa sin

Fx = 0
T fs Wax = 0
T fs Wa sin = 0
T = fs + Wa sin

but f = s N

Fy = 0
N Way = 0
N Wa cos = 0
N = Wa cos

thus, f = s Wa cos

Substituting,
Also from figure C,

T = s Wa cos + Wa sin
Wb = s Wa cos + Wa sin