Analysis

Sources of Error

‒ Inconsistencies in measuring the weight of the block (Wb)

‒ Inaccurate measurements of the vertical height (h) and horizontal distance (b) of the inclined
plane
‒ Miscalculations due to human error

Concepts / Principles Used

1. Friction
‒ force resisting the relative motion of solid surfaces, fluid layers, and material elements sliding
against each other
‒ A force that holds back the movement of a sliding object
‒ Types of Friction: dry friction, fluid friction, lubricated friction, skin friction, and internal
friction

2. Coefficient of Friction (µ)

‒ A coefficient of friction is a value that shows the relationship between
the force of friction between two objects and the normal reaction between the objects that are
involved. It is a value that is sometimes used in physics to find an object's normal force or
frictional force when other methods are unavailable.
‒ a dimensionless scalar value which describes the ratio of the force of friction between two
bodies and the force pressing them together
‒ Shown by: 𝑓 = µ𝑁

3. Angle of Repose (𝜃)

‒ Refers to the maximum angle at which an object can rest on an inclined plane without sliding
down
‒ Calculated by measuring the vertical height and horizontal distance of a plane at which an
object’s static state is disrupted
Relation of Data to the Concepts and Principles used

‒ The values of the coefficient of friction amongst the trials remain relatively close to one
another.
‒ This suggests that the coefficient of friction between materials remains the same regardless of
weight thus further directing that frictional force is directly proportional to normal force.
‒ it can be said that through gathering the vertical height and horizontal distance of the plane, we
are able to calculate for the angle of repose of the block.
‒ from the data we can see the relation between the angle of repose (𝜃) the coefficient of
friction (µ). Ideally, tan 𝜃 and the coefficient of friction should equate to one another but from
our data they are more or less close in value. This data justifies the relation between both
concepts.

Conclusion

Satisfaction of the Objectives of the Experiment

‒ With the experiment, we were able to successfully determine the coefficient of friction
between surfaces in contact and see the relationship between the angle of repose and the
coefficient of friction.
‒ With this said, we have satisfied the objectives of the experiment and analyzed our data to
justify existing principles.

Concepts put to use in the Experiment

‒ In the procedures in our experiment, we considered uniform motion in the block to determine
the coefficient of friction between contact surfaces. And as we solved for the coefficient of
friction amongst the trials, we determined that regardless of the differing weights used in each
trial, the values of the coefficient of friction remained close to each other.
‒ The concept that frictional force is directly proportional to the normal force can be seen here
since weight isn’t considered as a factor in the formula for solving µ.
‒ The concept that the tan 𝜃 is equal to the coefficient of friction is also evident in the data we
gathered in the experiment since we can see that both values are close to each other.
Insights/Understanding

‒ I have understood the concept of friction and resistance through the experiment and how they
correlate with the movement of bodies as well as how the inclination of a plane can affect a
static object.
‒ I also understood the relation between the coefficient of friction and the angle of repose.
‒ The experiment also made it clear to me the purpose of the coefficient of friction in
determining the resistance that acts on a body to prevent it from moving.

Application to Engineering Disciplines

‒ Friction can lead to the deformation, wear, and hear that affects the surfaces of properties.
‒ A concrete example of how this effect can be beneficial is in polishing.
‒ It can also be used in friction welding where friction is used to mix and join materials
together.
‒ In engineering, friction is used in transportation and measurement.
‒ Automobiles largely rely on friction for slowing themselves down and this concept is very
practical in designing brake systems in vehicles.