Experimental verification of Lami’s theorem

VI. AIM & OBJECTIVE

1) To understand and verify Lami’s theorem experimentally.
2) A known weight C is suspended as shown in figure. Find out unknown forces A and B in the
threads using Lami’s Theorem.

VII. THEORY

If three coplanar forces (A, B and C) acting at a point are in equilibrium then each force is directly
proportional to the sine of the angle included between the other two forces.
A B C
=
sin α sin β = sin γ

Conditions for Lami’s theorem

(1) Three forces should act on the point.
(2) The forces should be coplanar.
(3) The forces should be concurrent.
(4) The forces should be in equilibrium.

VIII. EQUIPMENTS AND MATERIALS REQUIRED

IX. PROCEDURE

X. DIAGRAM / CIRCUIT/ TABLE

Weight of empty hanger = __________ gm

Forces (Wt. in hanger + Wt. of Included angles between Ratio of force and angle
S. empty hanger) two forces in “degrees” between other two forces
No A B C α β γ
A/sin α B /sin β C /sin γ
gm gm gm degree degree degree
1

XI. CALCULATION

(Reading set No: ________)

XII. GRAPH
XIII. RESULTS

The ratios obtained are:

A
1) sin α =
B
2) sin β =
C
3) sin γ =

XIV. DISCUSSION / CONCLUSION

The ratios obtained for each reading are………….………. (Same / nearly same/not same)
 2. Determination of coefficient of static friction
VI. AIM & OBJECTIVE
a) To understand facts & concepts of development of frictional force with respect to applied external
force causing motion or tends to cause the motion.
b) To show that friction is proportional to the normal force
c) To find coefficient of static friction of various materials (brass/aluminum/ Nylon/brake material)
and a stainless steel plane
d) To find angle of repose

VII. THEORY

Frictional force: The force which is always opposite to motion & acts tangentially at two surfaces of
contact.
Co-efficient of friction (μ): Ratio of frictional force to normal reactions is always constant & is called
as coefficient of friction. The following table summarizes approximate values for coefficient of static
friction for various material combinations.
Material of Tray Material of channel Weight of empty tray Coefficient of static friction, μ
aluminum stainless steel 3.52 N ≃ 0.25
brake material stainless steel 3.33 N ≃0.25
brass stainless steel 5.33 N ≃ 0.35
Nylon stainless steel 3.11 N ≃ 0.45
Angle of repose: When the body is in limiting equilibrium then angle made by inclined surface with
horizontal
Types of friction:
1) Static friction: The friction exists between two surfaces at rest is called as static friction.
2) Dynamic friction: The friction exists between two surfaces in motion is called as dynamic friction.
3) Rolling friction: When one body rolls over another body then friction exists between them is called
as rolling friction.
Laws of static friction:
1) Frictional force is always opposite to motion & acts tangentially to the two surfaces in contact.
2) Frictional force is directly proportional to normal reaction;
3) Frictional force depends on nature of surfaces in contact.
4) Frictional force does not depend upon amount of surface in contact.
Formula
(a) Horizontal plane
Sliding force, F = Weight of empty hanger + load added in empty hanger
Normal force, N = Weight of empty Tray + load added in empty tray
Sliding force F
Coefficient of static friction, μS = Normal force = N [on a horizontal plane]

(b) Inclined plane

Sliding force, F = P – W sin θ (parallel to the inclined plane)
Normal force, N = W cos θ (perpendicular to the inclined plane)
Sliding force F P – W sin θ
Coefficient of static friction, μS = Normal force = N = W cos θ [on an inclined plane]

VIII. EQUIPMENTS AND MATERIALS REQUIRED

IX. PROCEDURE

X. DIAGRAM / CIRCUIT/ TABLE

Friction on a level surface

Material of plane: ________________________ Material of Tray: _________________________

Weight of empty Tray = __________ N Weight of empty hanger = __________ N

TABLE 1 horizontal plane

Load added in tray Load added in Sliding force, F Normal force, N Coefficient of
hanger static friction, μS

Friction on an inclined plane

Material of plane: ________________________ Material of Tray: _________________________

Weight of empty tray = __________ N Weight of empty hanger = __________ N

Table 2 Inclined plane
Angle of plane Load added Tray load Towing Normal Sliding Coefficient of
θ (degree) in tray W (Newton) force force force static
P (Newton) W cos θ P – W sin θ friction, μs

XI. CALCULATION
(Reading set No: ________)

XII. GRAPH

XIII. RESULTS

Horizontal plane
Material Combination: _________________ and ________________________
Nature of surface: Clean and Dry Surfaces/Lubricated and Greasy Surfaces [Tick (√)]
Coefficient of static friction, μs =
Inclined plane
Material Combination: _________________ and ________________________
Nature of surface: Clean and Dry Surfaces/Lubricated and Greasy Surfaces [Tick (√)]
Coefficient of static friction, μS =