EXPERIMENT 5

DRY FRICTION

Name: NARESH KUMAR A/L UTHAMA KUMARAN

ID: I10006627

Introduction

Dry Friction exists when the rubbing parts have no other substance between them and are clean of
other materials (i.e, no grease or oil). Opposite to wet friction

Objective
To determine Coefficients of dynamic and static friction for certain materials.

Experimental Prcodure
Apparatus : Inclined Plane Friction Apparatus
The equipment consists of the track (can be inclined), a vehicle, Velcro weights for adding to the
vehicle, a pulley cord, a weights set for the pulley cord

Procedure
1. The apparatus is set up as per instrustions in operation chapter
2. The weight for every specimen was stated on specimen. Weight R was recorded
3. The specimen was placed somewhere in the mid span on the inclined plane
4. Cord was connected to the specimen with a hook
5.The cord was run over a pulley and a hanger (0.5N) on the other end of the cord
6.Sufficient weight was put on the hanger till it balances the specimen weight without sliding down
the plane
7. Minimum amount of weight added so that the weight was slide up the plane.
8. Additional weight and angle of inclination was noted.
9. The experiment was repeated for other specimens and other angle of inclination.
10. Readings was tabulated in table.

Results

Hanger weight : 0.5N was not included

a) Aluminium
Specimen weight ( R ) = 1.21 Newton

(Angle)
0
5
10
15
20

F(N)
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4

b) Brass
Specimen weight (R) = 3.15 Newton

(Angle)
0
5
10
15
20

F(N)
0.3
0.5
0.8
1.1
1.5

c) Steel
Specimen weight (R) = 2.85 Newton

(Angle)
0
5
10
15
20

F(N)
0.5
0.7
1.0
1.3
1.6

d) Wood
Specimen weight (R) = 1.20 Newton

(Angle)
0
5
10
15
20

F(N)
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
1.5

Discussion
To find the theoretical value of F, tan

= F/R

Aluminium : tan 5 = F/1.21 = 0.1058 N

Brass : tan 5 = F/3.15 = 0.2756 N
Steel : tan 5 = F/2.85 = 0.7637 N
Wood : tan 5 = F/1.20 = 0.1050 N
The value of F from the experiment is different with the theoretical value, therefore the calculation of
errors is needed.

To calculate the errors, compare theoretical values and experimental values.

Aluminium :

0.10580.1
100
0.1058

Brass :

0.27560.5
100 = 81.42 %
0.2756

Steel :

0.76371.3
100 = 70.23 %
0.7637

Wood :

0.10500.2
100
= 90.48 %
0.1050

= 5.48 %

In this experiment, if the object is sliding down from high angle surface, it will need a higher force to
slide down because the friction is increased with the angle. Besides that, the material of the specimen
also affects the force needed for the specimen to slide up. It appeared that the brass specimen has a
highest coefficient of friction from the experiment. All the errors are more 5% even up to 90 %, the
errors can be improved by the apparatus used should be in perfect condition so as to get the best
results. Besides, the person who is adding the weight should add the weight gently so it will not add
extra pull force to the specimen. Furthermore, rust from the apparatus should be wiped off completely
as it will move forward without taking unnecessary weight. Lastly, the specimens also should be
ensuring does not rub against the rails during its motion to obtain a more accurate result.

Conclusion

The force required moving a body up an inclined plane against gravity and friction is measured in this
experiment. Every materials have different coefficient of friction therefore the force needed to move
up an inclined plane is different.