Observations:
Table #1: Mass, Static, and Kinetic Friction Data
Analysis:
=mg therefore =mg
Calculating Normal Force on Trial 1:
= mg
= (0.23817±0.001kg) (9.81ms¯²)
= 2.34±0.01N
Calculating the Coefficient of Static Friction:
Calculating the Coefficient of Kinetic Friction:
= 0.4±0.3
Normal Force and Error for Trial 1: 2.34±0.01N
Coefficient of Static Friction and Error:
Coefficient of Kinetic Friction and Error:
Presenting Data:
Table #2: Normal Force and Coefficient of Static and Kinetic friction
Conclusion:
In the preceding lab, the goal was to find out if the mass of an object pulled by a scale affects it’s coefficients of static and kinetic friction. The mass of the mass of the object went up by 200g every trial and the static and kinetic friction were measured with a scale. The data was used to find out the coefficient of the static and kinetic friction. In all of the 5 different trials, both of the coefficients stayed at around the same friction which was ≥0.4±0.2 for static friction and 0.32±0.3 for kinetic friction. The leads to the conclusion that the mass of the object does not affect it’s coefficients as long as it is on a level surface.
Evaluating:
Because there were only 5 trials taken, the forces measured might not be as accurate. The scale was not completely accurate as it was old and the spring might have been worn out. Dry liquids on the surface of the table could have altered the static and kinetic friction measurements. Because it was measured by humans, there could be error in the measurements due to inaccurate pulling of the scale.
Improving:
More trial measurements could be taken to improve the accuracy of the coefficients of static and kinetic friction. The scale should be electronic or newer to lead to more accurate measurements of static and kinetic friction. An accurate machine should pull the scale and the object so there is less error in the measurement. The surface should be the same throughout the whole area, and there should be nothing on it that could cause errors in measurement.