Friction Lab

Equipment

• Force Probe(s)
• Lab interface
• Computer with data aquisition software
• Sheet of laser printer paper

Your tasks

1. Set up the interface box and force probe. (Click here for instructions on setting up the equipment).
2. Determine the coefficients of static and kinetic friction between the plastic of the probe housing and the sheet of paper provided (DO NOT USE NOTEBOOK PAPER).
3. Determine whether these coefficients depend on the force pushing the surfaces together.
4. Determine whether these coefficients depend on the area of surface contact.

Hints for taking data

• For task 2, make sure you run a few trials, using the same setup each time. This will allow you to estimate how reliable your measurements are.
• For task 3, you should take enough data to produce a meaningful graph.

Some Lab Report Suggestions

• Meet with your entire group as soon as possible to do the calculations. Make sure each person understands how to get the results from the data and that each person understands how the results relate to both hypotheses.
• Finish the first draft a couple of days before the lab is due and have a friend grade the report, using the rubric as a guide.

Revised 2/03/01 by DSA