EXP 3 Coefficient of Friction Final
EXP 3 Coefficient of Friction Final
EXP 3 Coefficient of Friction Final
LABORATORY
ACTIVITY Coefficient of Friction
No. 3
Objectives After completing this activity, you will be able to:
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
– Dynamics Cart (ME-9430)
– Metric tape (SE-8712)
– Stopwatch (SE-8702)
Purpose
In this lab, the Dynamics Cart will be launched over the floor using the on-board spring launcher. The
cart will “decelerate” over the floor under the combined action of rolling friction and the average floor
slope. In order to determine both the coefficient of rolling friction μ r and q, the small angle at which the
floor is inclined, two separate experiments must be done. (Recall that to determine the value of two
unknowns you must have two equations.)
The cart will be launched several times in one direction and then it will be launched several times along
the same course but in the opposite direction. For example, if the first few runs are toward the east then
the next few runs will be toward the west. See Figure 2.1. In the direction which is slightly down-slope
the acceleration of the cart is given by:
And the acceleration in the direction that is slightly up-slope will be:
Numerical values for these accelerations can be determined by measuring both the distance d that the
cart rolls before stopping and the corresponding time t. Given these values the acceleration can be
determined from:
Having obtained numerical values for a1 and a2, EQN-1 and EQN-2 can be solved simultaneously for μr
and Ɵ.
Procedure
1. Place the cart in its starting position and then launch it. To cock the spring plunger, push the
plunger in, and then push the plunger upward slightly to allow one of the notches on the
plunger bar to “catch” on the edge of the small metal bar at the top of the hole. Using a
stopwatch and metric tape, determine the range d and the total time spent rolling t. Record
these in Table 2.1
2. Repeat step 1 six times for each direction and enter your results in Table 2.1.
3. Using EQN-3, compute the accelerations corresponding to your data and an average
acceleration for each of the two directions.
4. Using the results of step 3 determine μr, and ϴ by solving for the two unknowns algebraically.
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
6 6
Data Analysis
Questions
Minimum Expectation:
To receive a passing rate for you On-Lab Performance, you must earn a total of five (5) points for
the following criteria:
A. Teamwork
B. Use of Equipment
MAXIMUM
RATING POINT
ALLOTED DISTRIBUTION
CRITERIA S
POINTS
A. Teamwork 5 (5 pts.) Share responsibility, cohesion, interaction,
respect & completion of task
(4 pts.) The group clearly displays four of these
five behaviors.
(3 pts.) The group clearly displays three of these
five behaviors.
(2 pts.) The group clearly displays two of these
five behaviors.
(1 pt.) The group clearly displays one of these five
behaviors.
(0 pt.) The group or member of the group is
frequently distracted and/or distracts others from
the task at hand.
B. Use of 5
Equipment
1. Proper 3 (3pts.)Proper handling and safety precautions are
handling and above requirements
usage of the (2.5 pts.)Usage is safe for both materials and
laboratory equipment
equipment (1pt.) The equipment and/or materials are put to
and materials risk during the performance of the activity
in a manner (0pt.)Damage to materials or equipment due to
that does not improper usage
endanger the
equipment
and other
materials
2. Setup of 2 (2pts.)Proper set up of equipment and materials
equipment (1pt.)Set up will cause minor errors
and materials (0.5 pt.)Set up in non-functional manner.
Total Points Earned from A-B
Evaluated By:
For every standard met will be given 1 point, a total of 5 points if all of the categories above
are met.