Friction Lab Report

Emily Wu, Priscilla Li, Soha Hajare, Venice Hernandez

SPH3U
[Link]
April 17, 2025
Hypothesis:
If the surface area of an object in contact with the lab bench is changed, for example,
switching between side 1 and 2(see on figure 1), the coefficient of friction on the same surface
will remain approximately the same because, under ideal conditions, friction is independent of
surface area.
However, if the surface material changes, for example, switching from a smooth lab
bench to sandpaper, the coefficient of friction will increase because a rougher surface creates
more resistance.

Materials:
- Wooden block with hook (152g)
- Sandpaper rectangle (24.5cm long)
- Mass kit
- Green newton scale (5N)
- Scotch tape
- Electronic scale
- Meter stick ruler
Figure 1: Image of the Wood Block with Labeled Sides

Procedure:
1. Gather the materials that are listed.
2. Measure and record the mass of the wood block using an electronic scale.
3. Tape the sandpaper rectangle to the lab bench’s surface to keep it in place.
4. Using the meter stick, measure the length/distance of the sandpaper rectangle.
5. Place two pieces of tape parallel to each other, the same distance of the sandpaper to
create a marked distance indicating a starting and finishing point.
6. Place the large side (see side 1 on figure 1) facing down to the surface of the lab bench.
7. Attach the newton scale hook to the hook of the wooden block.
8. Drag the scale parallel to the bench at a constant speed within the marked distance and
record the force of friction from the newton scale hook.
9. Repeat step 8 five times, add 100g of mass on the top of the center of the wood block in
each trial.
10. Place the small side (see side 2 on figure 1) facing down to the surface of the lab bench.
11. Repeat step 8 five times, for each trial add 100g of mass on the top of the center of the
wood block.
12. Place the large side (see side 1 on figure 1) facing down to the sandpaper surface placed
on the lab bench.
13. Repeat step 8 five times, add 100g of mass on the top of the center of the wood block in
each trial.
Observations:
Table 1: Observation of the force of friction acting on the wooden block when being pulled
under different conditions; different sides(side 1 & side 2 (see on figure 1)), different
surfaces(lab bench & sandpaper), and different mass.
Tria Force of Normal Force
Mass (g) Total Mass (kg)
l Friction (N) (N)

Normal Surface (lab bench)

1 0.00 0.152 0.20 1.49

2 100.00 0.252 0.40 2.47

Side 1 3 200.00 0.352 0.60 3.45

4 300.00 0.452 0.85 4.43

5 400.00 0.552 1.05 5.41

1 0.00 0.152 0.10 1.49

2 100.00 0.252 0.40 2.47

Side 2 3 200.00 0.352 0.50 3.45

4 300.00 0.452 0.70 4.43

5 400.00 0.552 0.90 5.41

Sandpaper Surface

1 0.00 0.152 0.65 1.49

2 100.00 0.252 1.15 2.47

Side 1 3 200.00 0.352 1.50 3.45

4 300.00 0.452 2.20 4.43

5 400.00 0.552 2.80 5.41

(Teige, 2025) Figure 2: FBD of Wooden Block

● Normal Force
○ Normal Surface, Trial 2, Side 1
Given:
⃗F f =0.40 N
⃗g=9.8 N /kg1
m1=152 g
m2=100 g
mT =m1+ m2
¿ 152 g+ 100 g
¿ 252 g

1 kg
¿ 252 g ×
1000 g
¿ 0.252 kg

F nety= ⃗
F N− ⃗
F g =m ⃗a
⃗
F N =⃗Fg
¿ mT ⃗g
¿(0.252 kg)(9.8 N /kg)
¿ 2.4696 N
¿ 2.47 N
∴ the normal force of the wooden block on the normal surface in
trial 1, side 1 is 2.47N

Conclusion:
 The objective of this experiment was to determine the coefficient of friction for different
combinations of surface area (see Side 1 and Side 2 in Figure 1) and surface texture (lab bench
and sandpaper), and to analyze the effects of these variables on the coefficient of friction. The
results support the hypothesis that despite changes in surface area, the coefficient of friction
remains approximately the same, accounting for minor experimental errors. For instance, when
the block's mass was 0.252kg, the force of friction was 0.40N for both Side 1 (larger side) and
Side 2 (smaller side), and when the mass was 0.552kg, the force of friction was 1.05N for Side 1
and 0.90N for Side 2, demonstrating only small changes in friction between the two sides. This
suggests that surface area has minimal impact on friction. Furthermore, this is visually
demonstrated in the linear graph of each combination, where lines A and B (see Venice’s Graph
01) show similar slopes, indicating similar coefficients of friction. However, when the surface
was changed to sandpaper, the force of friction increased significantly. For example, with a
0.252kg mass, the force of friction rose to 1.15N, and with a 0.552kg mass, it increased to 2.80N.
The large gap in frictional force due to the change in surface texture demonstrates that rougher
surfaces result in greater friction and higher coefficients of friction. This is supported by the
steep slope of line C (see Venice’s Graph 01), with the highest coefficient of friction recorded at
0.52 for the wooden block on sandpaper (see Venice’s Lab → Table 1). Overall, the data and
graphical analysis support the hypothesis and align with fundamental principles of friction.

Potential sources of error that are likely to occur in the friction lab are inaccuracies in
reading the newton scale and not consistently pulling the scale at a constant speed or velocity.
These measurement errors can be caused by human and or instrument limitations. Regardless,
these errors can lead to discrepancies in calculations, overall affecting the accuracy of the
observations. To combat these errors, digital force sensors are recommended for more precise
readings (FIBOS Sensor, 2024). Alternatively, a mechanical device to pull the hook consistently
each trial and accurately parallel to the lab bench.
 Work cited

FIBOS Sensor. (2024). How Can A Student Use An Electronic Force Sensor in Science
Experiments. Retrieved from [Link]
[Link]

Teige. (2025). [Link]://[Link]/2211652/slide4