Friction Lab
Determine the coefficient of static and kinetic friction between a felt block and an aluminum track.
The lab write-up must include your own procedure.
Employ many different techniques using a combination of the following: ramp (wood, panel,
aluminum), pulley and Smart Timer. The ramp must be on an incline. Remember the Smart Timer
can measure time, speed and acceleration. Remember the angle of the track must be determined
by measurement.
While doing this lab continually reflect on what factors you can control and what factors you
cannot control. This topic should be reflected upon in your discussion.
Provide free body diagrams and analysis but you only need one free body diagram for each of the
above setups. Simply use the force of friction as opposed to static or kinetic friction and develop a
general equation. Sample calculations will then indicate the specifics of static or kinetic friction
considerations.
Analyze your results for consistency. Find patterns, if any, in the different techniques used to
determine the coefficient of friction. Think about error in your measurements and how this would
affect the spread of your results. How does a change in your mu value relate to your initial
measurements?