Determination of Coefficient
of Friction for Different
Surfaces Using a Portable
Weighing
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I sincerely extend my gratitude to everyone who contributed to
the successful completion of this project on friction.
I am especially grateful to my Physics teacher, Mrs. Zeema
Prakash, whose guidance, clear explanations, and continuous
encouragement helped me understand the concept deeply and
complete this work with confidence. Her support throughout
the practical sessions was invaluable.
I would also like to thank my school for providing well-
equipped laboratory facilities, helpful reference materials, and
a learning environment that encouraged experimentation and
exploration.
Finally, I am thankful to my family and friends for their
motivation, cooperation, and patience during the preparation
of this project. Their support kept me consistent and focused
throughout the process.
CONTENTS
i. Acknowledgement
ii. Contents
iii. Aim
iv. Theory
v. Apparatus Required
vi. Procedure
vii. Observations
viii. Result
ix. Precautions
x. Applications
xi. Bibliography
Aim
To determine the coefficient of static friction between a
cardboard box and various surfaces using a portable
weighing scale to measure the horizontal force required
to start motion.
Theory
Friction is a force that opposes the relative motion between
two surfaces in contact. It arises because all surfaces, even
smooth ones, have microscopic irregularities that interlock
when pressed together. When a horizontal force is applied to
an object at rest, friction acts in the opposite direction.
Static Friction
Static friction adjusts itself according to the applied force. It
increases from zero up to a maximum value. Motion begins
only when the applied force becomes equal to this maximum
static friction:
F s ,max =μs N
Normal Reaction
For an object placed on a horizontal surface, the normal
reaction is:
N=mg
where mis mass and gis acceleration due to gravity.
Coefficient of Friction
The coefficient of static friction ( μs ) is a measure of how rough
or smooth the contact between two surfaces is. It has no unit
and depends on the nature and condition of the surfaces.
At the exact instant the object starts moving:
Applied force=F s ,max
Thus,
F
μs =
mg
Principle of the Experiment
In this method, a portable weighing scale is attached
horizontally to a cardboard box. As we push the scale slowly, it
shows the increasing horizontal force. The reading at the
moment the box just starts to move gives the force needed to
overcome static friction. Using this force, the coefficient of
friction for different surfaces can be calculated.
Apparatus Required
• Cardboard box
• Portable digital weighing scale
• Mass balance
• Wooden table
• Tile
• Paper
• Notebook
Procedure
1. Measure mass of box + scale.
2. Place on test surface.
3. Zero scale.
4. Push slowly until motion starts.
5. Record reading.
6. Repeat 5 times.
7. Convert reading to force.
8. Compute μ = F/(mg).
9. Repeat for different surfaces.
Observation Table
Mass of box + scale = ______ kg
Surface: -
[Link] Scale Reading Force [N] μ
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Average Force: - __________
μ :-____________
Surface: -
[Link] Scale Reading Force [N] μ
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Average Force: - __________
μ :-____________
Surface: -
[Link] Scale Reading Force [N] μ
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Average Force: - __________
μ :-____________
Surface: -
[Link] Scale Reading Force [N] μ
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Average Force: - __________
μ :-____________
Results
Surface μ (Coefficient of Friction)
Applications of Measuring
Static Friction
The experiment of determining the coefficient of static friction
using a cardboard box and a portable weighing scale is simple,
inexpensive, and highly practical. Although the setup is basic,
the information it provides has several important applications
in physics learning, material testing, and everyday problem-
solving.
1. Comparison of Surface Materials
This method allows easy comparison of different surfaces such
as wood, tile, paper, plastic, metal, or sandpaper. By calculating
the coefficient of static friction for each surface, we can
identify:
which surfaces provide better grip,
which ones are more slippery,
and where each material is suitable for use.
This is helpful in choosing flooring materials, workbench
surfaces, packaging materials, and more.
2. Testing the Effect of Surface Conditions
The setup can be used to study how friction changes with
conditions such as:
dust or sand on the surface,
wet vs dry surfaces,
polished vs rough surfaces.
This is useful for understanding why roads become
slippery during rain and why cleaning/polishing changes
friction.
Bibliography
- [Link]
- [Link]
- [Link]
- [Link]
-NCERT Class 11 Physics Part I