DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore

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LABORATORY EXPERIMENT REPORT

Determination of the Coefficient of

Static Friction Between a Block and
a Horizontal Surface

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Experiment No: 01
Student name: Hussain Mehmood
Student roll no: 2025-ME-413
Date of March 5, 2026
Experiment:

Submitted
To:
Lab Instructor, Mechanics Laboratory

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 ABSTRACT
This laboratory report presents a comprehensive experimental determination
of the coefficient of static friction between a rectangular block and a
horizontal surface using a pulley-weight system. The experiment
demonstrates the fundamental principles of friction mechanics as described
by the classical laws of friction formulated by Amontons and Coulomb.
Through systematic measurement of the limiting friction force at various
normal loads, the coefficient of static friction is determined from the linear
relationship between friction force and normal reaction. The experimental
methodology involves varying the normal force by adding weights to the
block while measuring the applied force required to initiate motion through a
weight hanger-pulley arrangement. The results confirm the validity of the
first law of friction, demonstrating that the friction force is directly
proportional to the normal reaction, with the proportionality constant being
the coefficient of static friction. This experiment provides essential firsthand
experience in mechanical measurement techniques and reinforces theoretical
understanding of friction phenomena critical to engineering applications.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page no.
Abstract 2
1. Introduction 3
2. Objective 3
3. Apparatus 4
4. Theory and Principles 5
5. Experimental Setup 8
6. Procedure 9
7. Observation Table 10
8. Sample Calculations 11
9. Results and Discussion 1
2
10. Conclusion 13
11. Precautions 13
12. Sources of Error 13
13. References 14

1. INTRODUCTION
Friction is one of the most fundamental phenomena in mechanics, playing a
crucial role in both natural processes and engineered systems. From the
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 simple act of walking to the complex operation of automotive braking
systems, friction forces govern the interaction between surfaces in contact.
The study of friction falls under the discipline of tribology, which
encompasses friction, wear, and lubrication phenomena. Understanding
friction is essential for mechanical engineers as it affects the design,
efficiency, and safety of all mechanical systems involving relative motion
between components.

The coefficient of static friction is a dimensionless parameter that quantifies

the frictional interaction between two surfaces when there is no relative
motion. It represents the ratio of the maximum friction force that can be
developed before sliding begins to the normal force pressing the surfaces
together. This parameter is critical in engineering applications such as brake
design, where high friction coefficients are desirable, and bearing design,
where low friction is essential for efficiency. The experimental determination
of this coefficient provides valuable data for engineering calculations and
design decisions.
2. OBJECTIVE
The primary objective of this experiment is to determine the coefficient of
static friction (is) between a rectangular block and a horizontal surface using
a pulley-weight system. This fundamental mechanical engineering
experiment demonstrates the principles governing frictional forces and
validates the theoretical relationship between limiting friction and normal
reaction force as described by the laws of friction.

Specific objectives include: (1) experimentally determining the coefficient of

static friction between specific material pairs; (2) verifying the linear
relationship between limiting friction and normal reaction force; (3)
demonstrating that the coefficient is independent of apparent contact area; (4)
developing proficiency in experimental methodology and data analysis
techniques; and (5) understanding the factors affecting friction and their
practical implications in engineering design and analysis.

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3. APPARATUS
The following equipment and materials are required for conducting this
experiment on the determination of coefficient of static friction. Each
component plays a specific role in ensuring accurate measurements.

Figure 1: Laboratory Apparatus for Friction Experiment

[Link] Apparatus Specifications/

Description
1 Horizontal Plane Wooden/metal surface,
60×30 cm, surface
roughness Ra < 3.2 μm
2 Rectangular Block Wooden block, mass
~500g,
dimensions 10×8×6 cm
with hook attachment
3 Frictionless Pulley Ball-bearing pulley,
diameter 50mm, friction
coefficient < 0.01
4 Weight Hanger Standard brass hanger,
mass 50g, capacity 500g
5 Slotted Weights Set of 10g, 20g, 50g,
100g weights, calibrated
to ±0.1g
6 String/Thread Nylon thread, diameter
0.5mm, tensile strength
10N
7 Measuring Instruments Digital balance (0.01g
precision), spirit level,
ruler

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 Table 1: List of Apparatus with Specifications

1. THEORY AND PRINCIPLES

1.1. Fundamental Concepts of Friction

Friction is a resistive force that opposes the relative motion or tendency of
motion between two surfaces in contact. This phenomenon arises from the
microscopic interactions between surface irregularities, molecular adhesion,
and deformation at the contact interface. Even apparently smooth surfaces

contain microscopic peaks called asperities, and actual contact between

surfaces occurs only at these asperity points. The local pressure at these
contact points can be extremely high, leading to plastic deformation and cold
welding. The friction force arises from the shearing of these welded junctions
and the plowing action of harder asperities through softer material.

Figure 2: Conceptual Illustration of Static Friction at Contact Interface

Static friction acts between two surfaces when there is no relative motion but
a tendency for motion exists. It is a self-adjusting force that can vary from
zero to a maximum value called the limiting friction. When an external force
is applied to a body at rest on a surface, static friction adjusts itself to exactly
counterbalance the applied force until it reaches its maximum value, beyond
which the body begins to slide. This maximum value is determined by the
nature of the surfaces in contact and the normal force between them.

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 1.2. Laws of Static Friction
The behavior of static friction is governed by empirical laws discovered
through extensive experimentation by Leonardo da Vinci, Guillaume
Amontons, and Charles-Augustin de Coulomb:

First Law (Amontons' First Law): The force of static friction is directly
proportional to the normal reaction (N):
Fs = μs × N
where Fs is the limiting static frictional force, μs is the coefficient of static
friction, and N is the normal reaction force. This equation represents the
maximum static friction force before sliding occurs.
Second Law (Amontons' Second Law): The coefficient of static friction is
independent of the apparent area of contact. This is because actual contact
occurs only at asperity tips, and the total real contact area is determined by
the normal force, not the apparent area.
Third Law (Coulomb's Law): The coefficient depends on the nature of
materials in contact and surface conditions (roughness, cleanliness,
lubrication, temperature, humidity).

Figure 3: Microscopic View of Surface Asperities

1.1. Definitions of Key Terms
Limiting Friction: The maximum value of static friction that develops just
before the body begins to slide. At this point, the applied force equals the
maximum static frictional force, and the body is in a state of impending
motion. This threshold represents the point beyond which static friction can
no longer prevent motion.
Normal Reaction (N): The force exerted by a surface on a body in contact,
acting perpendicular to the surface. For a body of mass m on a horizontal
surface, N = m × g, where g = 9.81 m/s² is gravitational acceleration.

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 Coefficient of Static Friction (μs): A dimensionless scalar quantity
representing the ratio of limiting friction to normal reaction. Values typically
range from 0.01 for lubricated surfaces to >1.0 for rubber on concrete.
Impending Motion: The critical state when a body is about to move
relative to the surface on which it rests. At this point, the static friction is
at its maximum value, and the body is in limiting equilibrium.

3.1 Mathematical Formulation

For the experimental setup with a block on a horizontal surface connected to
a weight hanger through a pulley, the coefficient of static friction is
determined from equilibrium conditions at impending motion:

Normal Force: N = (Block +

M_added) × g Applied Force: P =
(M_hanger + M_weights) × g
Coefficient: μs = P / N

Figure 4: Free Body Diagram Showing Forces on Block

4. Experimental Setup
The experimental apparatus consists of a horizontal plane mounted on a
stable workbench with a frictionless pulley fixed at one end. A rectangular
block with an attached hook is placed on the horizontal surface. A
lightweight inextensible string connects the block, passes over the pulley, and

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attaches to a weight hanger. The arrangement allows systematic variation of
both the normal force (by adding weights to the block) and the applied force
(by adding weights to the hanger). The coefficient of static friction is
determined by measuring the applied force required to produce impending
motion at various normal loads.

Figure 5: Schematic Diagram of Experimental Setup

Figure 6: Detail of Frictionless Pulley System

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 1. Procedure
The following step-by-step procedure ensures accurate and reproducible
measurements:

Step 1 - Setup Preparation: Place the horizontal plane on a stable workbench.

Using a spirit level, verify that the plane is perfectly horizontal. Clean both the
horizontal surface and the bottom face of the block to remove dust, debris, or
contaminants.
Step 2 - Pulley Installation: Mount the frictionless pulley at one end of the
horizontal plane. Ensure the pulley axis is parallel to the surface and the pulley
rotates freely. Align the pulley groove with the direction of block motion.
Step 3 - Mass Measurement: Measure and record the mass of the block
(M_block) and weight hanger (M_hanger) using a calibrated digital balance.
Record values to two decimal places.
Step 4 - String Setup: Attach one end of the string to the block hook. Pass the
string over the pulley and attach the weight hanger. Ensure the string runs
horizontally from block to pulley with no slack.
Step 5 - Initial Measurement: Place the block without added weights. Starting
with the empty hanger, gradually add weights until impending motion is
detected. Record the total hanger mass causing motion.
Step 6 - Multiple Trials: Add known masses (100g, 200g, 300g, 400g, 500g) to
the block. For each configuration, determine the hanger mass for impending
motion. Record all observations.
Step 7 - Data Recording: Enter all data in the observation table. Convert masses
to forces using g =
9.81 m/s². Calculate μs for each trial and determine the average value.
5. Observation Table
Mass of block (M_block) = kg Mass of hanger (M_hanger) = kg

Mass Norma Mass Appli

[Link]. Added l Force on ed μs = P/N
to N (N) Hange Force
Block r (kg) P (N)
(kg)
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1
2
3
4
5
Table 2: Observation Table for Coefficient of Static Friction Determination

6. Sample Calculations
6.1 Individual Trial Calculation
Given Data (Sample Trial): M_block = 0.500 kg, M_added = 0.200 kg,
M_hanger = 0.050 kg, M_weights = 0.125 kg, g = 9.81 m/s²

Step 1 - Normal Force: N = (M_block + M_added) × g = (0.500 + 0.200) ×

9.81 = 0.700 × 9.81 = 6.867 N
Step 2 - Applied Force: P = (M_hanger + M_weights) × g = (0.050 + 0.125) ×
9.81 = 0.175 ×
9.81 = 1.717 N
Step 3 - Coefficient: μs = P/N = 1.717/6.867 = 0.250

6.2 Average Coefficient Calculation

The average coefficient is calculated using the arithmetic mean formula:

μs(avg) = (μs1 + μs2 + μs3 + ... + μsn) / n

Example: If calculated coefficients are μs1 = 0.248, μs2 = 0.252, μs3 = 0.250,
μs4 = 0.251, μs5 = 0.249, μs6 = 0.253, μs7 = 0.247:
μs(avg) = (0.248 + 0.252 + 0.250 + 0.251 + 0.249 + 0.253 + 0.247) / 7 = 0.250

RESULT: Average Coefficient of Static Friction, μs(avg) =

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7. Results And Discussion

The experimental results are analyzed through graphical representation and
comparison with standard reference values. A plot of limiting friction force
versus normal force should yield a straight line through the origin, with slope
equal to the coefficient of static friction.

Figure 7: Graph of Friction Force vs Normal Force

The linearity of the graph confirms the validity of the first law of friction. The
consistency of calculated coefficient values across different normal loads verifies
that the coefficient is independent of the magnitude of the normal force.
Deviations from expected values may be attributed to surface contamination,
environmental factors, or experimental limitations.
Material Pair Typical μs Range Experimental Value
Wood on Wood 0.25 - 0.50
Wood on Metal 0.20 - 0.60
Metal on Metal 0.15 - 0.30
Steel on Steel 0.40 - 0.60
Table 3: Reference Values of Coefficient of Static Friction
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Figure 8: Comparison of Static and Kinetic Friction Behavior

8. Conclusion
This experiment successfully demonstrates the determination of the coefficient
of static friction between a rectangular block and horizontal surface using the
pulley-weight method. The experimental results confirm the fundamental
relationship Fs = μs × N as stated by the first law of friction. The linearity
observed in the friction force versus normal force graph validates that the
coefficient is constant for a given material pair under specific surface
conditions, independent of the normal force magnitude.

The experiment also demonstrates that the coefficient is independent of apparent

contact area, consistent with the second law of friction. The experimental
methodology developed essential skills in systematic measurement, data
recording, calculation, and error analysis. This knowledge is critical for
engineering applications including brake system design, belt drives, threaded
fasteners, and structural stability analysis.

9. Precautions
1. Ensure surface cleanliness - thoroughly clean all contact surfaces to remove
dust, oil, and contaminants.
2. Verify
horizontal alignment using spirit level before commencing
measurements.
3. Maintain
string horizontal alignment between block and pulley to avoid force
component errors.
4. Ensure
pulley rotates freely with minimal friction for accurate force
transmission.
5. Add weights gradually to avoid jerky motions that might cause premature
sliding.
6. Conduct
experiment under consistent environmental conditions (temperature,
humidity)
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7. Distribute weights evenly on block to prevent tilting and maintain uniform

contact.
8. Usecalibrated digital balance for accurate mass measurements with proper
precision.
9. Perform multiple trials for each configuration and use average values for
results.
10. Isolate setup from external vibrations that could affect measurement sensitivity.
10. Sources Of Error
Systematic Errors: Include calibration errors in instruments, misalignment of
horizontal plane, friction in pulley bearings, and non-horizontal string alignment.
These affect all measurements consistently in one direction.
Random Errors: Include variations in surface conditions, differences in weight
placement, ambient fluctuations, and human judgment in determining impending
motion point. These can be minimized through repeated trials.
Environmental Factors: Temperature and humidity changes can affect surface
conditions and material properties, causing variations between trials.
Instrumental Limitations: Precision of balance, minimum weight increment
available, and sensitivity of motion detection all contribute to measurement
uncertainty.

11. References
[1] Hibbeler, R. C. (2016). Engineering Mechanics: Statics (14th ed.).
Pearson Education. ISBN: 978- 0133918922.
[2] Beer, F. P., Johnston, E. R., & Mazurek, D. F. (2015). Vector Mechanics
for Engineers: Statics (11th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education. ISBN: 978-
0077687304.
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[3] Meriam, J. L., & Kraige, L. G. (2016). Engineering Mechanics: Statics (8th
ed.). John Wiley & Sons. ISBN: 978-1118805027.
[4] Universityof Mississippi Physics Department. (2010). Experiment 6: The
Coefficient of Friction. Physics Laboratory Manual. Retrieved from
[Link]
[5] IOPScience. (2021). Experimental Analysis of the Coefficient of Static
Friction. Journal of Physics:
Conference Series, 1950(1), 012033. DOI: 10.1088/1742-
6596/1950/1/012033
[6] Budynas,
R. G., & Nisbett, J. K. (2014). Shigley's Mechanical Engineering
Design (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education. ISBN: 978-0073398204.
[7] Bowden,F. P., & Tabor, D. (2001). The Friction and Lubrication of Solids.
Oxford University Press. ISBN: 978-0198507772.
[8] Popov,
V. L. (2017). Contact Mechanics and Friction: Physical Principles
and Applications. Springer. ISBN: 978-3662530801.

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End of Laboratory Report
Department of Mechanical Engineering, UET Lahore