Objectives

• Use a Force Sensor to measure the force of static and kinetic friction.
• Determine the relationship between force of static friction and the weight of an object.
• Measure the coefficients of static and kinetic friction for a particular block and track.
• Graphs & Tables: Manually recording graphs, tabulating data values, graphing results

Introduction

If you try to slide a heavy box resting on the floor, you may find it difficult to get the box moving. Static friction is the force that is acting against the box. If you apply a light horizontal push that does not move the box, the static friction force is also small and directly opposite to your push. If you push harder, the friction force increases to match the magnitude of your push. There is a limit to the magnitude of static friction, so eventually you may be able to apply a force larger than the maximum static force, and the box will move. The maximum static friction force is sometimes referred to as starting friction. We model static friction, F_static, with the inequality   F_static ≤ µ_sN   where µ_s is the coefficient of static friction and N  the normal force exerted by a surface on the object. The normal force is defined as the perpendicular component of the force exerted by the surface. In this case, the normal force is equal to the weight of the object.

Once the box starts to slide, you must continue to exert a force to keep the object moving, or friction will slow it to a stop. The friction acting on the box while it is moving is called kinetic friction. In order to slide the box with a constant velocity, a force equivalent to the force of kinetic friction must be applied. Kinetic friction is sometimes referred to as sliding friction. Both static and kinetic friction depend on the surfaces of the box and the floor, and on how hard the box and floor are pressed together. We model kinetic friction with F_kinetic = µ_kN  where µ_k  is the coefficient of kinetic friction.

In this experiment, you will use a Force Sensor to study static friction and kinetic friction on a wooden block.

This experiment will be done without the resource of a computer printer. Students will be expected to sketch graphs obtained into their notes along with recording relevant values. Tables for data and analysis are also to be setup manually in students notes.

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