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Experiment #: 3
Title: Friction on an Inclined Plane.
Nomenclature:
Symbol

Definition

Normal Force

Pi

Ideal effort needed to cause load to slide

Gr

Gradient of line

Coefficient of Friction

Actual load of slider and weights

Actual effort / measured effort needed to cause load to move

Aims and Objectives:

To determine the value of the coefficient of friction between a wooden slider and a
wooden plane also to compare the forces necessary to move a body up an inclined plane with the
theoretical value calculated using the value of the coefficient of friction found in the first aspect
of the objective.
Apparatus:
Friction plane with pulley
Digital Protractor-Triplett Pro 3600
Wooden slider (Weight-1.295N)
Triple beam balance OHAUS 700/800 series (least count-0.1g)
Weights
Cord

Diagram of Apparatus:

Introduction:
We usually assume that forces of action and reaction between contacting surfaces act
normal to the surface. This assumption characterizes the interaction between smooth surfaces.
Although this Ideal assumption often involves a relatively small error for practical purposes we
must consider the ability of the contacting surface to support normal as well as tangential forces.
The tangential force is generated between all contacting surfaces are called frictional forces and
occur to some degree in the interaction of all real surfaces.
Friction is a force that resists the movement of two contacting surfaces that slide relative to one
another. The force always acts tangent to the surface at point of contact and is directed so as to
oppose the possible or existing motion.
There are two types of friction:
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Dry Friction- Occurs when the unlubricated surfaces of two solids are in contact under a

condition of sliding or a tendency to slide.

Fluid Friction-Occurs when adjacent layers in a fluid are moving at different velocities

The maximum of limiting friction between two surfaces is given by the equation:
F= N
Where N= normal reactions between the surfaces and =coefficient of friction

The coefficient of friction is a dimensionless scalar value which describes the ratio of the force
of friction between two bodies and the force pressing them together.
For a horizontal surface: =P/W
Where P is Effort needed to overcome friction and W is the Load
For an inclined plane
Deriving the expression for force needed to move a body up an inclined planet
Diagram 1.1
`
N
Pi
Pi
N

mg

Fx = 0; Pi - N - WSin = 0 ..(1)
Fy = 0; N - WCos = 0 (2)
N = WCos
Substitute for N in (1)
Pi - (WCos) - WSin = 0
Pi = WSin + (WCos)
therefore, Pi = W(Sin + Cos)
Procedure:

The weight of the slider was obtained using a triple beam balance. The slider was then placed on
the horizontal plane (0) and its position marked. A weight was placed on the slider and weights
were added to the load hanger until the slider just began to move. The result of Load (slider plus
weights) and effort (weight added to hanger) which caused the load to slide was recorded in a
table. The procedure was repeated for 3 other sets of readings. The procedure was repeated to
obtain readings of load, W and effort P with the plane inclined at 10,15,20. The results were
recorded in a table. A graph of effort (P) against load (W) was plotted for all four different angles
and there gradients were obtained.
Results:
Table 1.1 Measurements recorded for friction on an inclined plane.
Angle of
Inclination
0

10

15

20

Actual Load,
W,(N)
2.295
3.295
4.295
5.295
2.295
3.295
4.295
5.295
2.295
3.295
4.295
5.295
2.295
3.295
4.295
5.295

Actual
Effort P (N)
1.345
1.845
2.245
2.545
1.545
2.145
3.345
4.145
1.645
2.145
3.345
4.145
2.045
3.345
3.945
4.845

Ideal Effort,
Pi (N)
0.918
1.318
1.718
2.118
2.433
3.493
4.552
5.613
2.523
3.621
4.720
5.819
2.726
3.913
5.101
6.289

Normal
(N)
2.295
3.295
4.395
5.295
2.260
3.245
4.230
5.215
2.217
3.295
4.149
5.115
2.157
3.096
4.036
4.976

Coefficient of Static
Friction
0.400
0.400
0.400
0.400
0.900
0.900
0.900
0.900
0.870
0.870
0.870
0.870
0.900
0.900
0.900
0.900

Graph 1.1 Effort against Load for Friction on an Inclined Plane 0

3
2.5

f(x) = 0.4x + 0.48

R = 0.99

2
Effort(N)

1.5
1
0.5
0
2

2.5

3.5

4.5

5.5

Load(N)

Graph 1.2 Effort against Load for Friction on an Inclined Plane 10

4.5
4

f(x) = 0.9x - 0.62

R = 0.99

3.5
3
2.5
Effort(N)

2
1.5
1
0.5
0
2

2.5

3.5

4.5

5.5

Load(N)

Graph 1.3 Effort against Load for Friction on an Inclined Plane 15

4.5
4

f(x) = 0.87x - 0.48

R = 0.98

3.5
3
2.5
Effort(N)

2
1.5
1
0.5
0
2

2.5

3.5

4.5

5.5

Load(N)

Graph 1.4 Effort against Load for Friction on an Inclined Plane 20

6
5
f(x) = 0.9x + 0.13
R = 0.98

4
Effort(N)

3
2
1
0
2

2.5

3.5

Load(N)

Discussion:

4.5

5.5

In the experiment to calculate the coefficient of static friction a graph of Effort (P) against
Load (W) was plotted. It was seen that the plotted points did not yield a direct straight line path
and as such a line of best fit was drawn. According to the equation ( = P / W), a plotted graph of
(P) against (W) would yield a straight line graph through the origin. From this straight line graph
the gradient would yield the coefficients of static friction where is the proportional constant.
At 0 there was no significant pattern in the effort needed to cause the load to move. In
that four readings were taken and the theoretical effort was less than that of experimental effort.
At 0 the effort is only dependent on N. It is also seen that as the weight increase both the
experimental and theoretical value increases.
At 10, it is seen that there is an increase in the effort needed to move the load up the
incline. The theoretical values were not consistent with the experimental values seeing they were
slightly higher. This may have been due to experimental errors, which are going to be discussed
later.
At 15, it is seen that the effort needed to move the block up the plane was than the block
was inclined at 10. This may have been due to errors in the experiment. But cnsidering the
theoretical and experimental values, they were consistent, in that, they both increased with an
increase in load, the values were different however.
At 20, it is seen that a greater effort is needed to move the block up the plane than when
the block was inclined at 10 and 15. The theoretical valve was found to be higher in all causes
than that of the experimental values, in spite of this they both were also consistent, in that, they
both increased with an increase in load.
According to the above tendency it is safe to say that as the angle increases a greater
effort is needed to cause a load to slide. This is true as at an inclined plane, there is not only
frictional force acting along the plane but a component of the weight as well.10 you have the
frictional force N acting and a component of the weight Wsin10 acting downwards along the
plane.
Sources of Errors:

There might be friction between the pulley and the cord preventing all the effort from

being transferred to the load.

The slider with the load might not have been returned to its original position after it has
been made to slide, since the friction between the two surfaces will vary over the

3
4

surfaces.
The load might not have been inclined properly and so resulted in errors.
The loads might not have been added with care and as such caused the degree of contact

between the two surfaces to be altered.

A built up of static friction before the block is allowed to slide.

Precautions:
1
2

It is best to gently tap the plane to overcome the tendency of the surfaces to stick.
Before starting the experiment check to see if there is friction between the pulley and

cord. If there is friction, apply a bit of lubricant to between the two contacts.
Ensure that the slider is returned to the same position each time it has been made to slide.

This can be done by marking its position with a chalk etc.

Ensure the loads are added with care so as to prevent a sudden jar which might alter the

degree of contact between the two surfaces.

Ensure that the angle of inclination is correct at all times.

Conclusion:
According to the experiment the coefficient of static friction between the wooden slider
and the wooden plane was found to be 0.400. It is also seen that the greater the angle of
Inclination the greater the effort needed to cause the load to slide.

References:

Douglas, C. Giancoli(2005) , Physics Principles with Applications(6thEdition). Pearson Prentice

Hall: New Jersey

Hibbeler, R.C.(2001), Engineering Mechanics Statics(12th Edition)

Wheeler, A. J. & Ganji, A. R.. Introduction to Enigneering Experimentatioin, Prentice Hall, New
Jersey, 1996.
Glenn Elert (1998). Density of Steel, University of Wisconsin-Stout Physics Department.
Retrieved September 13, 2012 from http://hypertextbook.com/facts/2004/KarenSutherland.shtml.
Meriam J.L.,Kraige L.G,Engineering Statics Mechanic 5th Edition, Copyright 2002, John Wiley
& Sons Inc.655 Third Avenue New York.

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Appendix C
Sample Calculations:
From the graph
Gr = 0.400
At 0 the normal force is equal to the weight of the block.
Therefore W = N for all the values obtained at 0.
Using W = 2.295 N and = 0.400
Pi = N
Since N = W
Pi = 0.400 x 2.295
Pi = 0.918 N

At an inclined angle ,
For 10
From Graph Gr = 0.900
Pi = W ( Sin + Cos )
Using W = 2.295 N and = 10
Pi = 2.295 (Sin10 + (0.9)Cos10)
= 2.295 (0.174 + 0.886)
= 2.295 (1.06)
= 2.433 N
N = W Cos
Using W = 2.295 and =10
N = 2.295 (Cos10)
N = 2.26 N